Bonifacio Global City (former military base conversion)

1. Definition

Bonifacio Global City (former military base conversion) (commonly known as BGC or Fort Bonifacio) is a highly urbanized mixed-use financial district in Metro Manila, Philippines. Formerly a military base known as Fort William McKinley (and later Fort Bonifacio), the 240-hectare area was converted into a modern commercial, residential, and corporate center starting in 1995 under the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) in partnership with private developers. (BCDA)

2. Alternate Names

Bonifacio Global City
BGC
Fort Bonifacio
Fort McKinley

3. Recognized Identities

Source Type	Identity
Wikipedia	Bonifacio Global City
Wikidata	Q883908
DBpedia	Bonifacio_Global_City
ProductOntology	N/A
Wiktionary	city
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH)	Military bases, Desecrated — Economic aspects — Philippines
MeSH	N/A
NCBI Taxonomy	N/A
AGROVOC	N/A
Google Scholar	Bonifacio Global City military base conversion BCDA Fort Bonifacio
ConceptNet	financial district
OpenCyc	N/A

4. Examples of Usage

Master-planned conversion: Converting the old military barracks into high-end retail spaces along Bonifacio High Street and premium corporate towers.
Industrial Property (Philippines): The main canonical article details the industrial parks, PEZA zones, manufacturing logistics, and military base conversions.

5. Usage Scenarios

1. Securing corporate offices

A global financial institution leases space in a premium grade-A tower in BGC, noting the underground utility cabling system.

2. Visiting open green spaces

Local residents walk through the interactive art installations in BGC’s parks, enjoying the barrier-free pedestrian design.

6. Strategies

Cross-reference industrial base conversions and master planning with the main Industrial Property (Philippines) article.
Utilize BGC’s extensive pedestrian walkways and loop bus transit systems to plan energy-efficient commutes.

7. Security and Safety Measures

Verify that building plans in BGC adhere to the strict structural codes mandated by the Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation (FBDC).
Ensure commercial buildings use intelligent fire detection systems that connect directly to the estate’s emergency center.

8. Historical Context

In 1901, the US government established Fort William McKinley as a military reservation. In 1957, it was turned over to the Philippine government and renamed Fort Bonifacio. In 1992, the Bases Conversion and Development Act (RA 7227) created the BCDA to convert military bases into productive civilian uses. The privatization and redevelopment of the Fort Bonifacio lands began in 1995, transforming the barracks into one of Asia’s most modern business hubs.

9. Challenges and Controversies

Lack of Direct Rail Access

Despite its modern layout, BGC lacks direct, high-capacity mass rail transit stations, causing heavy dependence on shuttle buses and taxis.

High Real Estate Pricing

BGC has some of the highest land values and office lease rates in the country, locking out smaller start-ups and local SMEs.