Ayala's Plan

Through it all, the village has managed to keep up its good reputation even with the natural and manmade disasters. The developers of AAVA definitely picked a good spot, for the village would not have survived the typhoons if it were not on high ground. AAVA’s location is also best, for it is near everything necessary; malls, restaurants, groceries, and the like. The people of the village have become more aware of the benefits they gain from being so close to it all – and take full advantage of it. Because of this, residents from AAVA are usually considered avid shoppers and a resourceful client, for their attitude has been shaped by their environment. The barangay may consider itself lucky, but it is not blind to the destruction that has happened to the rest of the country. In fact, little disasters have been happening in the village that is disrupting the peace in society. Take for example Typhoon Ondoy; the village, most especially the main road or Madrgial Avenue, were hit badly by the typhoon and until now are still trying to find solutions to the problems caused by the rain and winds. Ayala Alabang has surely learned its lesson from this past typhoon, but it wouldn’t hurt to give out “Disaster Preparedness” brochures and host talks for the residents to be fully knowledgeable in case we are struck with an unseen disaster. It may also be necessary to hand out phone numbers of all the offices related to the Barangay Hall; such as the Fire Department, Guardhouse, AAVA Office etc. A barangay will never fully function if it is separated; moreover, it will work and thrive if it is one.

Ooh, disasters.

Ayala Alabang is built on solid and high ground, and as such, floods are not common in the village. However, high ground does not stop trees from falling on houses, and houses have no escape against strong winds.

• ·         Typhoon Milenyo (September 2006)

This typhoon’s effects were seen all through-out the village. Trees along the main road (Madrigal) were destroyed, bent and broke because of the intensity of the wind and rains.

• ·         Typhoon Ondoy (September 2009)

Typhoon Ondoy, which caused destruction late 2009, brought hardships even to the village. Houses were destroyed, and visiting families stranded. A blackout was experienced during the strongest day of Ondoy.

• ·         Hanging Habagat (August 2012)

The village was mostly safe during this monsoon, but there was a mixture of short blackouts and strong winds that sent cable wires and trees toppling to the ground.

Who lives here?

The village's population is estimated to hold 27,000 residents living in 4,283 homes and household help included. Ayala Alabang Village is an environmental-friendly village which makes residents and workers comfortable and safe in their surroundings (making it very appealing for most). Another good reason why the population is as big as it is is because of the convenience the village offers. Aside from the village's own facilities like the Country Club and manmade parks, there are also prestigious and well-known schools in the village that draw parents and students alike. As mentioned, the village is also made up of household help. Most of the residents or homeowners in the village are businessmen or women who tend to be busy with their work life. Due to this, maintaining their own home may have become too tedious. This makes them hire maids who will be in-charge of keeping the house intact. But it is not all about the help. Filipinos like to stay close with their families, and sometimes even the extended family (like the lolas and lolas, titos and titas) live with or right next to their kin.

So, where is it?

Around 13 miles from Metro Manila, Ayala Alabang is situated in between Daang Hari and Laguna De Bay.

Daang Hari is a long stretch of road that leads to the other barangays in Muntinlupa City.

Muntilupa is bordered by Las Piňas City, Paraňaque City, and Bacoor. Another landmark to look for when finding the village is Alabang Town Center, a mall that is just outside the village’s main gate.

One certain feature that cannot be missed in this village is the St. James the Great Parish, which is known for its unique features and its numerous religious events.

Beside the Parish is what villagers like to call “Cuenca”, a small park that is available for bikers and nature enthusiasts alike.

A little way off is the village’s barangay hall. The Barangay Hall is the official working area of the Barangay Chairman and his departments.

Beside the Barangay Hall/Office are the other community departments, like the Security Office, Library, Dental and Nursing Clinic.

Any of the places near the Barangay Hall can be used as evacuation centers, as well as Cuenca park and St. James. These places are all in relatively high places and are all community centers.

History of the Village (don't worry, this'll be short!)

Ayala Alabang Village is over 30 years old, and in all those years the village has seen lots of changes. In 1972, the Madrigal family sold a large amount of land to the Ayala Corporation. Little did they know that this land would become the next big real estate hotspot. The village was established phase by phase. Phase 1 became available to the public in 1977. Phase by phase, AAVA became more popular as time passed. It was time to hold elections for barangay positions. The first ever chairman of the barangay was Don Enrique Zobel. When the first La Salle school in the village was built, they named the school after the chairman. Hence, De La Salle Zobel school. Other schools also opened in the village. In 1988, a school for preschool and kindergarten was built, and this school was named The Learning Child. Over the years, it also started accepting grade school students. A religious group called Lighthouse was also built in the village in 1990. From being a small game of volleyball among friends, Lighthouse soon became a Bible study, and later on, a church. Other schools and facilities also rose, like PAREF Woodrose and St. James the Great Parish. The village now has 7 districts, classified according to their location. The village also made 56 townhouses for the convenience of busy residents. Ayala Alabang started with just three residents in Phase 1, and now has over 40,000. The village’s council has gone through a lot to get to where it is today, and no one can deny that AAVA’s hardships have paid off.

What is AAVA? What is Disaster Risk--Whaat?

One of the most well-known villages today, Barangay Ayala Alabang has a lot to brag about. The whole village is estimated to be around 700 hectares and is an official bird sanctuary. These birds make their nests in one of the 9,000 trees growing in the village. In addition to this, the village prides itself on having first-class schools and environmental parks set up all around. AAVA (as it is called) is also very focused on the security of its residents, whether from natural or human activities. Memos and newsletters are given out, each with the latest on-goings and current issues that may affect health and safety. They are well aware of upcoming storms and typhoons, and are sure to alert all residents of the situation of the barangay on their official channel, AAVA News number 9(may vary for other residents). This project aims to be able to observe the other projects AAVA does to protect its residents and learn more about the village’s history and the disasters that have struck this place in the past. Aside from this, it is also important to understand how these disasters affected the village and what AAVA did about them. This Disaster Risk Profile not only aims to understand the what, who, when and where, but also be able to answer the why and how.




(Sources for all posts:  http://www.aava.ph/
Google Maps & Images
Wikipedia.com )