How a former military base became the Philippines' premier international business district

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Once a sprawling military camp, Bonifacio Global City has transformed into a high-tech urban center. Home to the Philippine Stock Exchange and some of the nation's tallest skyscrapers, this 240-hectare estate serves as a master-planned hub for multinational corporations, luxury residences, and international schools, redefining the Philippine business landscape.

Originally established as Fort William McKinley in 1902, the land was a US military installation until its turnover to the Philippine government in 1949. Renamed Fort Bonifacio in 1957, the site later served as a detention center for political prisoners during the martial law era of the 1970s. The site's modern identity began with the 1992 Bases Conversion and Development Act, which aimed to repurpose military land into vibrant, integrated commercial hubs.

The development of Bonifacio Global City (BGC) accelerated in 1995 when the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) partnered with the private sector to master-plan the area. Despite facing significant challenges, including the 1997 Asian financial crisis and a protracted legal dispute over jurisdiction with the City of Makati, the district flourished. In 2023, the Supreme Court of the Philippines finally affirmed that the area, including the surrounding EMBO barangays, falls under the jurisdiction of Taguig.

Today, BGC is defined by its grid-based design, which emphasizes pedestrian-friendly walkways and high-tech infrastructure. The district features the PSE Tower, the flagship Mitsukoshi BGC store, and the 65-storey Metrobank Center—currently the tallest building in the Philippines. Beyond commerce, the area integrates massive flood-mitigation systems, such as a 22,000-cubic-meter underground detention tank, and hosts prestigious academic institutions like the De La Salle University – Rufino Campus and the University of the Philippines.

The district's evolution reflects a broader shift toward modern, mixed-use urban planning in the Philippines. By attracting global headquarters and providing a high-end environment for both residents and daytime workers, BGC has successfully transitioned from a restricted military zone into a central pillar of the national economy, effectively branding itself as the country's premier international business district.

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