Heritage vs. Green Space: The Club Intramuros Debate
The proposal by the Manila City government to convert the historic Club Intramuros Golf Course into a public forest park has ignited a heated debate among heritage advocates, local golfers, employees, and residents. The plan, pitched as a way to add more urban green space and strengthen environmental sustainability, faces stiff opposition from those who see the site as a living piece of Manila’s cultural and economic fabric.
The Case for Preservation
Proponents of preservation argue that Club Intramuros is more than a golf course. It is a centuries-old landmark tucked within the historic walls of Intramuros, a living reminder of Manila’s layered past. They warn that transforming the site into a park could erase decades of history, livelihood, and local identity. A petition titled “Save Club Intramuros Golf Course” has gained momentum among golfers, employees, and residents who fear the loss of not only a venue for sport but also a hub for community life.
Economic and Social Impacts
Advocates emphasize that the golf course contributes to the local economy by attracting local and foreign players and generating tourism-related revenue. They point out that caddies, staff, and other workers depend on the course for their livelihoods. The petition argues that the closure would risk jobs and the dignity associated with stable employment, compounding concerns about social equity in a city already grappling with rapid change.
A Living Heritage and a Training Ground
Club Intramuros is not only a sporting facility; it has long served as a venue for junior golf tournaments and a training ground for young athletes. Its compact 18-hole layout, with water hazards and narrow fairways, is cited by players as an ideal setting to sharpen technical skill and decision-making. The course’s enduring status within Intramuros underscores Manila’s capacity to blend sport, history, and daily life in a single space.
Green Space or Green Heritage?
City officials say the conversion would provide additional open spaces for public use and align with broader green infrastructure plans. They contend that the site, currently underutilized, could be repurposed to enhance environmental sustainability while preserving the historic landscape’s essence through careful design choices.
Counterpoints and Alternatives
Critics note that Rizal Park (Luneta), one of Southeast Asia’s largest urban parks, lies nearby, raising questions about the necessity of creating another large green area on a site with rich historical associations. They argue for modernization, eco-friendly integration, or a phased plan that preserves the golf course while gradually expanding green infrastructure. The aim is to balance environmental goals with cultural preservation and economic vitality.
<h2 The Role of Leadership and a Way Forward
The final decision rests with national and local authorities, including President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who is expected to review the proposal and weigh stakeholder concerns. While the petition highlights the value of preserving a living heritage site, supporters of the plan emphasize sustainable development and the city’s growing need for green space to improve quality of life for residents.
<h2A Call for Thoughtful Preservation
As Manila weighs its options, many urge a middle path: modernization or integration that respects history. Possible approaches include updating the course with sustainable practices, retrofitting adjacent areas to increase public green space, or creating an eco-friendly corridor that preserves essential elements of Club Intramuros while expanding environmental benefits. Such solutions could safeguard the golf course’s heritage while delivering tangible green space for a crowded urban area.
Conclusion: A Century-Old Symbol at a Crossroads
Club Intramuros stands at a crossroads between preserving a century-old symbol of Manila’s cultural and sporting history and meeting contemporary demands for urban green space. The outcome will not only shape the city’s landscape but also reflect how Manila chooses to honor its past while fostering sustainable growth for the future.
