𝕾𝖆𝖎𝖓𝖙 𝕷𝖔𝖚𝖎𝖘 𝕮𝖔𝖑𝖑𝖊𝖌𝖊

City of San Fernando, La Union

COLLEGE OF COMMERCE, SECRETARIAL, AND ACCOUNTANCY

GE4 | THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD

MIDTERM OTR
1st Semester, AY 2023-2024

LESSON 7: THE GLOBAL CITY

BUCASAS, Kyla Chelsey M.

CALES, Radin Mart V.
DE GUZMAN, Jamaira C.
GANADEN, Rainier Alexis S.
GATCHALIAN, Arabella Z.
HAGAD, Ruchela Ysabelle F.
PINEDA, Michelle Q.
RAZON, Hydee Noraine F.
SUGUITAN, Iona Faith R.
TURALBA, Allen Gayle S.

October 2023
 Lesson 7:

The Global City

Objectives of the Lesson

a. Cognitive objective

By the end of this learning experience, students should be able to analyze and

compare the economic, social, and cultural aspects of different global cities, demonstrating an

understanding of their unique characteristics and their roles in the global context.

b. Affective Objective

At the end of this course, students should develop an appreciation for the cultural

diversity and global interconnectedness of cities, as well as a sense of curiosity and empathy

towards the challenges and opportunities faced by urban populations around the world.

c. Psychomotor Objective

By the end of this course, students should be able to create and present effective

visual representations (e.g., maps, infographics) that depict key urban features and trends in

global cities, demonstrating their ability to communicate complex information visually.

GLOBAL CITY

- an urban center that enjoys significant competitive advantages and that serves as a hub

within a globalized economic system. (Brittanica)

- Global cities are “strategic sites” that manage and guide the global economy. Many of

these cities were already centers for international trade and banking .(Sakia Sassen ,

sociologist and leading theorist of global cities at Columbia University ) . Her book “The

Global City” (1991) has shaped the concepts and methods that other theorists have used

to analyze the role of cities and their networks in the contemporary world .

Sassen’s concept of the global city :

- Emphasis on the flow of information and capital .

- Cities are major nodes in the interconnected systems of information and money

- Wealth that flows facilitates financial institutions , consulting firms , accounting firms ,

law firms and media organizations.

INDICATORS OF GLOBAL CITY

● ECONOMIC POWER
 Based on the book of Saskia Sassen, a Dutch-American sociologist, determining which

cities are global, is mostly determined by economic power. Economic power refers to a nation’s

ability to influence the global economy. It can be characterized as the possession of riches,

priceless natural resources, monopoly power, or advanced technology by an individual, a

company, or a nation. It is a measure of a nation’s purchasing power and the higher it is, the

more capable the nation is to make purchases for the benefit of its people. It may also be referred

to as a nation's capacity to raise the level of living for its people. A nation or people with

economic strength have the freedom to decide what is best for themselves or can prevent other

nations from dominating them. As an illustration, consider the United States, which has abundant

natural resources, a highly qualified workforce, and technical advancements that raise the

average income of its citizens, and China, which has expanded its influence in other countries by

funding various projects.

● ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

People have always found economic opportunities in cities, where they can learn new

skills, work in new positions, and launch new businesses so a global city’s economic potential

attracts skilled workers from all around the world. London is an excellent representation of this,

which offers numerous nursing opportunities to both its residents and others.

● ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS

A competitive economy is productive and productivity drives growth. It is the primary

force behind both growth and income levels. The World Economic Forum believes that

competitive economies have a greater chance of experiencing inclusive and sustainable growth,
which increases the potential that everyone in society can benefit from the positive effects of

economic expansion.

The Economist Intelligence Unit has additional factors, such as market size, citizen

purchasing power, and growth potential, that determine a city's economic competitiveness. A

good example is Singapore, which topped the list of most competitive economies in 2019 as a

result of improvements made to its foundational aspects, including infrastructure, health, the

labor market, institutions, financial system, product market, and others.

● CENTER OF AUTHORITY

Global cities throughout the world are also centers of power and authority. The term

"center of authority" refers to a position of significant administrative control. If a city is a hub of

authority, it has a very good chance of being well-known since it can set standards for other

nations. As an illustration, consider Washington, D.C., which, while less prosperous than New

York, serves as the center of American state power. Another example is Canberra, a small town

that doesn't draw many tourists but is home to Australia's top officials, policy advisers, and

lawmakers.

● POLITICAL INFLUENCE

Global cities have significant political power and influence. These include the cities that

are home to significant global organizations that may also be regarded as political powerhouses.

Strong political centers have an impact on both domestic and foreign issues. The headquarters of

the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Jakarta, Indonesia, serves as an

illustration of this. A choice or a decision taken there could have an impact on the political

economy of an entire continent as well as globally.

 ● CENTER OF HIGHER LEARNING AND CULTURE

Lastly, global cities are also hubs of advanced culture and education. If a nation wants to

be regarded as a global city, it needs to provide high-quality education. Here, the topic is the

city's intellectual effect on the world, which is evident in the publishing industry and other

sectors. The New York Times is one of the best examples of this. Although it bears the name of

New York City, it is not just a local newspaper. Not just in America, but all across the world,

people read it. Boston is another illustration, as it attracts tourists due to the presence of Harvard

University, the world’s top university.

Global cities are recognized as well for their rich cultural diversity and population

variety. They offer a wide range of cultural attractions, such as museums, theaters, and art

galleries, and draw visitors from all over the world. Since globalization is already pervasive and

its goal is to bring the world closer together, it only seems logical that access to international

cuisine, entertainment, and the arts is becoming simpler and easier.

LIST OF GLOBAL CITIES:

London

One of the largest cities in the world and the capital of the United Kingdom is London.

This city plays a crucial role in its country’s globalization, thus, considered as a global city. It

also possesses various attributes of a global city and starting with its 9.6 million people, having

8.8 million as its residents, causing it to be regarded as the biggest metropolitan region in EU. It

has a population with many different origins and a "melting pot" of cultures. This city continues

to draw people from all over the world and that is why one of the many factors that contribute to
its dynamism is its ethnic variety. Additionally, the town is also home to several renowned

museums, including the British Museum. In fact, the biggest concentration of higher education in

Europe is represented by the 43 universities in London. They are well-known due to the excellent

standing of British colleges across the globe.

In addition, the capital serves as the nation's political heart thanks to the presence of the

British Parliament, 10 Downing Street, the prime minister's home, Buckingham Palace, and other

important institutions.

Moreover, London continues to be Europe's finest economic powerhouse for businesses

and individuals. In fact, London serves as the primary hub for global banking that is why there

are several banks in the city. It also serves as a center for investments. Some of the biggest

insurance businesses in the world are located in the city, particularly for air and sea travel. Also,

London has the greatest GDB in Europe (almost 597 billion dollars), and as a result, has a

significant impact on the rest of the globe. With two international airports linking major

international airlines, it is also the primary airport hub in the whole world.

From the things mentioned above, we can see that London possesses all indicators of a

global city including economic power, political power, and even cultural power.

New York

New York City, considered as the Global Capital of Finance, ranked 2 nd in Global City

Index 2023. Starting with its economy, with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $1.7 trillion,

New York is the third-largest economy in the US, following only Texas and California. If New

York were an independent country, its economy would be the twelfth biggest in the world due to
its immense size. Its main metropolitan center, New York City, is the country's single largest

regional urban economy. It is the major industrial center in the United States for banking,

finance, and communication. It is also a significant commercial and shipping city, with a

flourishing technology industry.

With regard to its economic competitiveness, professional and commercial services

employed an estimated 1.3 million New Yorkers as of August 2021. This extensive field

comprises many diverse professional groups with comparable features, such as attorneys,

accountants, mechanics, and marketers.

Another remarkable reason for New York City being a global city is that it is the home

and host of entertainment and numerous important sport events such as the National Football

League, the National Hockey League, National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball

and Major League Soccer. The diversity of New York's landscape offers not just scenic beauty

but also opportunities for entertainment, relaxation, and historical research.

Lastly, New York City has rich cultural diversity and population variety since it is home

to a population that speaks over 200 languages. Moreover, it was revealed that 37% of people in

New York were born outside the United States, approximately three million New Yorkers, 49%

speak a language other than English at home, and immigrants own over half of the city's

enterprises.

Paris
 Paris, ranked 2nd in the World’s Most Familiar City, also ranked 3 rd in the World’s Best

City to visit, is included in the top global cities for 2023. It is also regarded as the capital and

powerhouse of France with an extremely diverse economy. The Paris urban region generates

about half of the GDP ($36BN USD in 2022) of the Paris Region, and its effect may be

perceived not only in France but also in Europe and the rest of the globe. If Paris were a country,

it would have the world's seventeenth-largest GDP. The Paris Region is home to the

headquarters of 33 Fortune Global 500 firms. Furthermore, Paris is one of the most costly cities

in the world to buy products and services.

When it comes to cultural aspects, as one of the most visited cities in the world, it

continues to entice millions of foreign tourists who come to see the art galleries and museums,

the architectural history, the cuisine, fashion, entertainment, films, and other attractions. The

cultural offer is extensive, and all sectors of artistic expression, both private and public, are well

represented.

According to the World Cities Culture Forum (2023), Paris, aware of its worldwide

status, is also able to engage in some of the most serious political concerns, such as the refugee

crisis and climate change, expressing its ideals of inclusivity and free expression via

collaboration with artists and activists.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles, which is regarded as the US entertainment industry capital and is gaining

recognition as a creative center for art and culture, is another global city. With around 10 million

inhabitants, it is the US state with the highest population. Los Angeles City and Region has a
vibrant nonprofit cultural industry, a rich artistic legacy, and a global influence in addition to its

well acknowledged leadership in the creation of cinema, television, and music.

More than 3,499 nonprofit arts groups and more than 150,000 active artists make up the

cultural ecosystem of Los Angeles County. Compared to other major US cities, Los Angeles has

the highest concentration of active artists. The creative economy contributes more than $164

billion in gross value to the local economy and $95.1 billion in labor income, making it a

substantial economic force in the area. More than 21% of all jobs in Los Angeles County are

produced by the creative sector.

The extraordinary size and variety of Los Angeles are important cultural advantages. It is

culturally diverse, with over 200 languages spoken, communities that practice arts and cultural

forms from all over the world, and a population that is nearly half Latino and is majority people

of color—ahead of the coming trend for the rest of the U.S. It is geographically diverse, with

densely populated urban centers, deserts, valleys, and coastal communities.

Singapore

According to the index 2021, Singapore scored best on transport, ranking in the global

top 5. It also ranks in the top 10 for innovation. Singapore has been integrating globalization into

its growth strategy since its early industrialization, establishing itself as a link between Southeast

Asia and the global economy, resulting in high rankings among global business centers.

Singapore's public transit network is also very renowned for its technology-driven

approach. The city's extensive Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, which covers nearly 200

kilometers and 119 stops, transports around 3 million passengers daily. The system uses
advanced technology like autonomous train control, sophisticated signaling systems, and real-

time passenger information displays to ensure reliability and efficiency. Smart ticketing systems

like the EZ-Link card facilitate seamless connections between transportation forms.

Singapore, a global metropolis, is a major regional command center with numerous

production service businesses and multinational corporate headquarters in its Downtown. Over

96% of offshore and merchant bank head offices are located in the Golden Shoe, highlighting

Singapore's internal structural features as a global city.

Moreover, Singapore, as mentioned above, is also a global innovation hub, featuring

some of the world's most energy-efficient buildings like Marina Bay Sands. The city-state aims

to have 80% of its buildings green by 2030, a green construction strategy that not only benefits

the environment but also saves on long-term operating costs. Green construction not only

reduces energy consumption but also promotes sustainable development.

Furthermore, Singapore has successfully tackled waste management through innovative

technologies and innovative thinking. The city-state has built the world's largest waste

incineration facility, the Tuas South Incineration Plant, which can reduce the city's trash output

by 90% and generate enough electricity to power over 60,000 households. Singapore's low crime

rates are also attributed to its use of technology, such as CCTV and over 100,000 surveillance

cameras. The city-state also has a top healthcare system, investing in telemedicine and a national

electronic medical record system to improve patient care, reduce waiting times, and save patients

time and money. Singapore's investment in technology and innovation through globalization has

helped the city attract talent and investment, resulting in economic growth and economic
opportunities for its people and these contributed to Singapore's position as one of the top global

cities.

WHY MACAU IS NOT CONSIDERED A GLOBAL CITY?

Macau, A former Portuguese colony and now a special administrative region (SAR) of

China, that operates under the "One Country, Two Systems' ' principle. Meaning that

Macau is part of the People's Republic of China (PRC), but it has a separate legal and

administrative system from mainland China. As a way to manage the reunification of Hong

Kong and Macau with China while preserving their unique social, economic, and political

systems.

A wealthy region, Macau is known as the "Las Vegas of Asia" and rakes in more than

US$50 billion in GDP, largely fueled by the tourism, gaming, and service industries. Its

currency is called Macanese pataca. Like Hong Kong, Macau is a free port city with no tariffs

or quotas. Macau has a free market economy with very low taxation, and its currency trades

freely in the open market.

Foreign casinos were first allowed in Macau in 2002, Then the industry exploded with the region

soon exceeding Las Vegas as a gambling destination.

The GDP of Macau was $7 billion in 2002 and reached $55 billion in 2019, according to

the World Bank data. In 2021, Macau received 7.7 million tourist visits according to the

Macau Government Tourism Office. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, had a strong impact

on visitor arrivals and gaming revenue in Macau. As pandemic-related restrictions have been

lifted on the mainland, Macao's economy is expected to rebound in 2023.

The city enjoyed a rapid economic boom, reaching the second highest GDP per capita in the

world in 2019. Yet along with the structural change towards an economy dominated by casino

gaming and tourism, traditional industrial sectors had rapid contractions, the city’s public

resources were under increasing strain, and issues such as environmental degradation,

traffic congestion, small business failures, and gambling addiction have worsened. This led

to rising fear about the long-term sustainability impact on Macau’s economy, citizens’ wellbeing,

and governance.

So, Macau is not typically considered a global city in the same way that cities like New York,

London, Tokyo, or Singapore are often classified as global cities. The classification of global

cities is subjective and can depend on various criteria, but there are several reasons why Macau

may not fit the traditional profile of a global city:

1. Size and Population: Macau is a small city and region with a relatively small population

compared to many global cities. Its land area is limited, and its population is less diverse

and smaller in scale than those of major global cities. Global cities often have large and

diverse economies that contribute significantly to the global GDP.

Ø Macao had a population of around 704,149 people as of 2023. The

population is spread across a total land area of approximately 33 square

kilometers.

Ø Area 54,555 square miles (141,297 square km). New York State population

in 2023 is estimated to be 19.46 million

2. Economic Specialization: While Macau has a significant economy driven by tourism

and gaming, it lacks the economic diversification and global influence that major financial
centers like New York, London, or Hong Kong possess. Global cities often have diverse and

robust economies that encompass various industries, including stock exchanges, banks, and

financial services. Investing in these would attract multinational corporations and investment,

contributing to its economic significance.

3. Political Status: Macau is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, which

means it has a different political and legal status than independent global cities. This

political framework may affect its global standing and autonomy in certain areas.

4. Cultural Influence: Expanding and promoting cultural and artistic institutions can raise

Macau's profile on the global cultural stage. Investment in museums, theaters, galleries,

and universities can help attract artists, academics, and tourists interested in cultural

experiences.

5. Global Connectivity: While Macau has an international airport and serves as a regional

transportation hub, further expanding its international airports and improving

connectivity with neighboring regions, can increase Macau's global accessibility and

attractiveness as a business and tourism destination.

6. Global Media Presence: Encouraging international media outlets to establish a presence

in Macau and supporting local media production can increase the city's visibility on the

global stage.

7. Education and Research: Global cities are often home to prestigious universities,

research institutions, and innovation hubs. While Macau has some educational

institutions, it may not have the same level of academic and research presence as global

city counterparts.
 Ø While Macao has a large number of universities compared to its population, the

universities do not actively attract professors who are renowned in their fields.

The faculty teams at universities are too small to attract top international

students.

8. Global Decision-Making: While Macau may not have the same level of involvement in

global governance as major cities, it can actively engage in regional and international

forums to voice its perspectives and contribute to global discussions.

It's important to note that Macau's status and global influence can evolve over time, and its

unique characteristics make it distinct from other cities. While it may not be considered a

global city in the same way as others, it does have its own significance, particularly in the

context of the gaming and tourism industries in Asia

 BGC: A Global City or Not?
A city is considered to be a global city if it has an economic impact on the rest of the

world. A city must meet certain requirements for it to be considered as a “megacity” or “global

city” as sociologist Saskia Sassen calls it. Economic characteristics, political characteristics,

cultural characteristics, transportation characteristics, and a variety of others, such as population,

knowledge exchange, human resources, and business activities, are among these criteria.

Bonifacio Global City (also known as Global city, BGC or The Fort) is considered to be

one of the developed cities in the Philippines. It is a financial business district in Taguig, Metro

Manila, Philippines. The development of Bonifacio Global City started when President Corazon

C. Aquino signed into law the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992 (Republic Act

No. 7227), mandated to convert military bases into “integrated developments, dynamic business

centers, and vibrant communities.”

BGC has grown so quickly that it now has approximately 7.8 million square meters of

office space. BGC has become a highly functional "work, live, and play" neighborhood, with

nine international schools, two five-star hotels, three business hotels, a 630-bed high-quality

hospital, retail shopping centers, urban parks, and recreational facilities.

 Although BGC is one of the developing cities in the Philippines, they still successfully

manage to cut down carbon emission by 37% due to the conversion of streetlights to LED and

using alternative transportation. 70% of all office buildings in BGC are green buildings using

energy saving sources. 62% of greenhouse gas was offset from the conversion of parks and

buildings to renewable solar energy and the 3,800 trees in the 240-hectare estate helped in

improving the urban microclimate.

Aside from the schools, hotels and buildings, BGC is also a paradise for art and culture

fans, with year-round modern art installations, galleries, and cultural events. Bonifacio High

Street, the district's major retail and dining strip, has a wide range of shops, boutiques, and

international culinary selections to suit every taste and preference. Because of its strategic

location, BGC has easy access to main thoroughfares, airports, and other vital areas in Metro

Manila.

BGC, as a highly urbanized business and commercial area, includes a mix of office

buildings, residential neighborhoods and retail spaces. The Philippine Stock Exchange which

promotes our economic growth is housed in the PSE Tower located in Bonifacio High Street.

BGC is also home to some of the country’s leading hospitals, educational institutions, first-rate

hotels, international schools, curated museums and entertainment areas. With its location, it is

accessible with all modern convenience. Visitors and locals are treated with world-class

hospitality and it caters to every budget.

Although BGC met certain criterias to be considered a global city, as of 2023, it did not

stand by its name because it lacks in improving its mobility environment. If many Filipinos

believe that driving a private vehicle is the best way to get in and out of BGC, we may expect the

urban environment to deteriorate more, hurting BGC's efforts to be regarded as a world-class

commercial and residential center. Public transportation in a globally competitive city should be

abundant, efficient and predictable. However, BGC fails to improve its mobility environment as

public transport queues are long, buses are crowded, private vehicles that contribute to traffic and

bus schedules and travel times are unreliable.

Impacts of global city on economy, social welfare, and environment

Impact of Globality

Global cities have a wide range of effects on the world stage, affecting things like

economics, culture, and innovation. Although they give a wealth of potential, they also pose

issues with sustainability and inequality that must be successfully handled.

ECONOMY

Global cities play a key role in fostering innovation, globalization, and economic

progress. They promote trade and finance, draw in talent and investment, and greatly boost the

economies of their nations and regions. They must manage these issues carefully because they

also face issues with sustainability, infrastructure, and inequality.

POSITIVE IMPACT

A. Job Opportunities

These cities attract a diversified and highly trained workforce due to the abundance of job

possibilities they provide across numerous industries. Lower unemployment rates and increased

income levels are results of this job creation.

B. Innovation and Technology

 Global cities foster innovation and technological advancements through the presence of

leading universities, research institutions, and technology companies. They often serve as

incubators for new ideas and businesses.

C. Cultural and Creative Industries

These cities are cultural hubs that foster creativity in fields such as art, fashion, music and

cinema. Creative industries contribute to economic growth and tourism.

NEGATIVE IMPACT

A. Rising Business Costs

While global cities attract businesses, the cost of doing business can be high. This

includes expenses related to office space, labor, and taxes. Smaller businesses, in particular, may

struggle to compete in such environments.

B. Resource Consumption

Global cities typically have high resource consumption rates, which can strain local and

regional resources. This includes water, energy, and raw materials, potentially contributing to

resource scarcity and environmental degradation.

C. Gentrification

Rapid development and increased property values in global cities can lead to

gentrification. As neighborhoods are revitalized, property values rise, pushing out long-time

residents and small businesses. Gentrification can erode the character of neighborhoods and

displace vulnerable populations.

SOCIAL WELFARE

The impact of global cities on social welfare is complex and multifaceted. While they

offer opportunities for education, healthcare, cultural enrichment, and networking, they also

present challenges related to affordability, inequality, and social cohesion. Effective governance

and policies are essential for maximizing the positive impacts of global cities on social welfare

while mitigating the negative effects.

POSITIVE IMPACT

A. Educational Opportunities

Global cities often host renowned universities and educational institutions, providing

access to high-quality education and research opportunities. This benefits the local population

and attracts students from around the world.

B. Healthcare Access

These cities tend to have advanced healthcare facilities and medical research centers,

offering residents access to cutting-edge healthcare services and treatments.

C. Social Services

Global cities often invest in robust social services, including housing assistance, public

transportation, and social safety nets, which can improve the well-being of residents.

NEGATIVE IMPACT

A. Housing Affordability
 The high cost of living in global cities can lead to housing affordability issues, making it

challenging for lower-income residents to find affordable housing.

B. Income Inequality

While global cities offer economic opportunities, they often experience income

inequality, with a significant wealth gap between different segments of the population.

C. Transportation Congestion

Traffic congestion and limited public transportation options in some global cities can

negatively impact residents' quality of life and access to essential services.

ENVIRONMENT

POSITIVE IMPACT

A. Sustainable Initiatives

Many global cities are at the forefront of sustainability efforts, implementing policies and

practices aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving resources, and promoting

renewable energy sources.

B. Public Transportation

Global cities often have well-developed public transportation systems, including

subways, buses, and trains, which can reduce the reliance on private cars and decrease traffic

congestion and air pollution.

 C. Environmental Education

Many global cities prioritize environmental education and awareness programs,

promoting eco-friendly behaviors among residents and businesses.

NEGATIVE IMPACT

A. Pollution

The concentration of people, vehicles, and industries in global cities can lead to high

levels of air and water pollution, impacting both human health and the environment.

B. Traffic Congestion

Traffic congestion in global cities contributes to increased emissions of greenhouse gases

and air pollutants, leading to poor air quality and health issues for residents.

C. Energy Consumption

Global cities have high energy demands for buildings, transportation, and industry, often

leading to significant energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Japan (Industrial Revolution)

The Industrial Revolution in Japan began in the late 19th century, primarily during the

Meiji Restoration (1868-1912). This period marked a significant transformation of Japan's

economy, society, and technology. Key aspects of the Japanese Industrial Revolution include:
Modernization and Industrialization: The Meiji government initiated policies to modernize

Japan's industry and infrastructure. They invested in railways, telegraph systems, and modern

factories, which laid the foundation for industrial growth.

Silk and Textiles: Initially, the silk industry played a crucial role in Japan's industrialization.

Japan became a major silk producer and exporter, with improved sericulture techniques and

mechanized silk production.

Steel and Shipbuilding: The government promoted steel production and shipbuilding to

strengthen Japan's military and industrial capabilities. Notably, the Yawata Iron and Steel Works,

established in 1901, became a significant steel producer.

Education and Technical Training: Japan emphasized education and technical training to

develop a skilled workforce. This included sending students abroad to learn advanced

technologies and inviting foreign experts to teach in Japan.

Adoption of Western Technologies: Japan adopted Western technologies and industrial

methods, often through technology transfer and collaboration with foreign experts. This allowed

rapid industrial progress.

Economic Diversification: Japan expanded into various industries, including textiles, coal

mining, chemicals, and machinery production. This diversification contributed to economic

growth.

Military Modernization: Industrialization was closely tied to military modernization, enabling

Japan to become a formidable military power in the early 20th century.

By the early 20th century, Japan had transformed from a feudal society into an industrialized

nation, laying the groundwork for its future economic success and global influence.

Who is to blame for the environmental issues, the developed cities or the developing ones?

Environmental issues are a complex global challenge, and it's not accurate to assign

solely to either developed or developing cities. Both have contributed to environmental problems

in different ways. Developed cities historically have had a higher carbon footprint due to

industrialization and consumption patterns, while developing cities may face environmental

issues like deforestation and pollution as they rapidly urbanize. Addressing environmental

problems requires international cooperation, sustainable practices, and a shared responsibility to

mitigate and adapt to these challenges.

The Global City and the Poor

Economic globalization refers to the increasingly interconnected nature of the world's

advantages as seen as a consequence of the growing amount of cross-border trade in products

and services, the constant flow of cross-border capital, and the rapid and widespread adoption of

technologies, all of which have paved the way for massive inequality, which is more pronounced

in cities. For example, in Manila cities gleam around squatter areas, specifically the Tondo

Slums in Manila where the largest squatter area is located.

There is this called Gentrification which means the forced relocation of lower-income

people in order to make room for newer, wealthier residents. This is also a process where

wealthy, college-educated individuals begin to move into poor or working-class communities,

often originally occupied by communities of color. Furthermore, it is also a process of changing

the low-value urban into a high-value that makes rapid development in the city. For example,

Metro Manila changed into a commercial district and economic development that leveraged the

local consumers and there are more businesses relocated and infrastructure. In France, poor

Muslim migrants had to be pushed out of Paris in order to be gathered among ethnic enclaves

called Banlieue in formal use, a socially neutral term, designating the urbanized zone located

around the city center, comprising both sparsely and heavily populated areas.

As a result of globalization, there is a greater demand for unskilled labor such as hotel

cleaners, nannies, maids, servers, and so on. On the other hand, middle-income occupations are

being outsourced to foreign countries. This is attributable to business process outsourced labor,

and income in some countries is higher. Also, this can be done for a variety of reasons, such as to

save on costs, improve efficiency, or gain specialized skills or experience. The cutting out of the

middle class in cities across the globe has led to rising disparities in wealth. For some, the global

city is a land of opportunity, but other people are experiencing hardship as a result of all these

massive economic advantages.

 BGC LAND DISPUTE: Bonifacio Global City and EMBO’s are Under Taguig, Not

Makati

The high tribunal affirmed its 2021 decision that the Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation,

where BGC is located and was the center of the dispute between the neighboring cities, is within

the territorial jurisdiction of Taguig City based on a resolution dated on September 28, 2022. By

putting an end too, the land dispute, the Supreme Court will no longer entertain further

pleadings, motions, or letters regarding the 729-hectare BGC and several barangays in Makati.

Timeline: The BGC Land Dispute

1993: Start of Land Dispute Between Taguig and Makati

In 1993, Taguig Filed a complaint against Makati before the Pasig Regional Trial Court

(RTC) regarding the two’s territorial dispute over the Enlisted Men’s Barangays (EMBO’s)

which includes Barangays Pembo, Comembo, Cembo, South Cembo, West Rembo, East Rembo

and Pitogo and the entirety of Fort Andres Bonifacio,

 The City also asked that two former presidential proclamations be declared null and void:

Presidential proclamation 2475, issued in 1986 by Ferdinand Marcos, and 518 Issued in 1990 by

Corazon Aquino. These two proclamations placed certain areas of the Enlisted Men’s Barangays

to be under Makati City jurisdiction.

2011: Pasig court rules in favor of Taguig

In 2011, the Pasig court ruled in favor of Taguig, making Parcel 3 and 4 of Psu-2031,

compromising Fort Bonifacio, a permanent part of Taguig. The decision also said Makati has no

jurisdiction over, to make improvements on, or the disputed area as part of its territory.

2013: Court of Appeals rules in favor of Makati

In July 2013, the Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Makati being the rightful owner of

BGC. A few months later in September, Taguig brought the case to the Supreme Court, again

Arguing that Makati was abusing the legal process. In 2016, the Supreme Court found the three

lawyers of Makati City guilty of contempt and imposed a P2,000 fine on each, according to

CNN.

2017: Court of Appeals rules in favor of Taguig

A few years later, the Court of Appeals ruled that Taguig is indeed the owner. The Court

granted Taguig’s motion to dismiss, filed against Makati, having taken note of the Supreme

Courts earlier June 2016 decision pointing to the former’s engaging in forum shopping.

2021: Supreme Court Rules in favor of Taguig

 Makati then elevated its dispute to the Supreme Court, which in December 2021 decided

in favor of Taguig, the Supreme Court formally denied the Petition for Review on Certiorari filed

by Makati on the 2017 decisions by both itself and the Court of Appeals.

2022: Supreme Court upholds decision

In September 2022, Supreme Court’s Special Third Division Upheld its decision with finality.

It reinstated three rulings “with modification from the original 211 decision of the Pasig

Regional Trial Court.

● Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation, consisting Parcel 3 and 4, psu-2031, is confirmed to

be part of the territory of the City of Taguig.

● The Writ of Preliminary Injunction dated August 2, 1994 issued by the RTC of Pasig,

explicitly referring to Parcel 3 and 4, Psu-2031, compromising Fort Bonifacio, be made

Permanent insofar as it enjoined the Municipality, now city of Makati, from exercising

Jurisdiction over, making improvements on, or otherwise treating as part of its territory,

Parcel 3 and 4, Psu-2031, compromising Fort Bonifacio.

● Ordering City of Makati to pay the costs of the suit.

2023: Supreme Court denies Makati’s motion over land dispute with Taguig

The Supreme Court has rejected the Makati City government’s motion asking the high

court to allow it to file a second motion for reconsideration over its territorial dispute with

Taguig City.

Globalization as Spatial Phenomenon

 So far, much of the analysis of globalization in the previous lessons has looked at how

ideas of internationalism shaped modern world politics. What this lesson will emphasize,

however, is that globalization is spatial. Spatial as it occurs in physical spaces.

Globalization was the idea of spatial reorganization and the hypothesis that cities were

becoming key within global networks of production, finance, and telecommunications. You can

see it when foreign investments and capital move through a city, and when companies build

skyscrapers. People who are working in these businesses-or Filipinos working abroad start to

purchase or rent high-rise condominium units and better homes. As all these events happen, more

poor people are driven out of city centers to make way for the new developments.

Globalization is spatial because what makes it move is the fact that it is based in places.

Los Angeles, the home of Hollywood, is where movies are made for global consumption. The

main headquarters of Sony is in Tokyo, and from there, the company coordinates the sale of its

various electronics goods to branches across the world. In other words, cities act on globalization

and globalization acts on cities. They are the sites as well as the mediums of globalization. Just

as the internet enables and shapes global forces, so too do cities.

Globalization led to the formation of new land uses in order to adapt to the competitive

global system, which caused a transformation period of spatial structure. However, the

competitive conditions led to unplanned spatial development, especially in the cities of

developing countries.
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