Fort Strip closure sparks uncertainty for workers, businesses
MANILA, Philippines — While the New Year is meant to mark new beginnings, it also spells uncertainty for workers and small businesses affected by the impending closure at Fort Bonifacio.
On December 11, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) announced via Facebook that the Fort Strip, an iconic but rundown building that has been one of the first commercial areas in the privately owned township, would close starting Jan. 2, 2025.
The post offered little explanation as to why it was shutting down, but promised that it would be back and better than ever — suggesting a renovation. Until its return however, what happens to the small businesses and workers in the area?
The announcement has left workers and small business owners wondering about their future. Larger establishments may have the resources to relocate, but smaller businesses are expected to bear the brunt of this development.
Many workers interviewed by Philstar.com expressed concerns about their livelihoods but requested anonymity. While some restaurants, like the Mediterranean eatery My Falafel, have plans to relocate, others face more uncertain futures.
Short notice
Rumors of the Fort Strip’s closure began circulating mid-2024, according to Jerome Rado, team leader at My Falafel. An official memo confirming the closure was issued around September, giving businesses only a few months to prepare.
The workers were surprised, Rado said. It would also be difficult for the workers to find new work should their restaurant close by December 31. Negotiations for an extension have been ongoing, he added.
While they may count themselves as one of the luckier restaurants based at the Fort Strip, transferring locations will not come without difficulty.
My Falafel, for one, plans to move to Venice Mall at McKinley Hill in February 2025, but this leaves a one-month gap in operations. The new location also comes with higher leasing fees, adding financial strain.
Other establishments face even longer waiting periods for relocation. Servers at a busy bar at the Strip said they expect a even four-to-five-month delay before they can resume work elsewhere.
“Matetengga kami (We will be idle),” said Kevin*, one of the servers. No assistance for job placement or relocation has been offered so far, he added.
No backup plan
Not all businesses have the means to relocate.
Jeff*, an employee in another Fort Strip restaurant, said his establishment would likely shut down permanently if no extension is granted.
“In case the Fort Strip really closes, we will get affected. We will really close,” he said.
He hoped for at least two more months of operations to allow workers time to find new jobs.
Several businesses have already announced closures, including Nectar Nightclub and BSK Club Manila. BSK Club Manila shared on Facebook that it received a memorandum from Fort Bonifacio Development Corp. on December 17 confirming the demolition schedule and instructing all merchants to cease operations by Dec. 31, 2024.
DOLE's response
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma told Philstar.com that his office has not yet received official reports of closures from Fort Strip establishments.
“To date, we have not received from Fort Strip establishments of any official report of the mentioned intended closure which is a requirement if ever an employer will terminate an employee or cease operation,” Laguesma said in a Viber message on December 26.
Laguesma said the DOLE will coordinate with affected employers to assess how many workers will be impacted and determine appropriate assistance packages.
“I was told the reason for the plan is renovation,” he said in a Viber message on December 26.
While many could argue that the Fort Strip is long overdue for a makeover, an establishment is not merely defined by its physical structure. Many workers, those of whom made customers' visits memorable, are greeting the New Year without clarity on their next steps.
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