Taguig People's Park

Makati Park and Garden (1998–2024)

The Taguig People's Park was originally developed by the City of Makati when the Embo barangays were still under Makati's control, and it was given the name of Liwasang Makati (Makati Park) and Liwasang Bonifacio (Bonifacio Park) upon its inception.

In 1994, the City of Makati engaged with the services of an architectural firm to design the Liwasang Bonifacio.^[3] It was then in 1995 when the construction started until its completion in 1998.^[4] The park has an area of 35,433 square meters (381,400 sq ft)^[5] and its administration was assigned to the Department of Environmental Services who is responsible for the maintenance of the park. The park was opened to the public.

The park houses Makati's plant nursery, and is a sanctuary of birds within the area.^[6] Makati Park and Garden is also a place for events as it has its own pavilion and amphitheater venue. It is a frequent place to visit of local residents and students of nearby educational institutions to relax, unwind, and to exercise or for recreational activities. The city designated the same as a safe place for students.

In the aftermath of the 2021 Supreme Court decision, which was decided in favor of Taguig gaining jurisdiction of Fort Bonifacio and the Embo barangays, ownership and management of the park has been disputed between the cities of Makati and Taguig.^[7][8]

2024 standoff and closure

On March 1, 2024, Taguig Traffic Management Office (TMO) members attempted to seize control of the park but was prevented by the Makati Public Safety Department (PSD).^[9] During the park's attempted takeover and closure, Makati city government employees were reportedly trapped inside the park and in the Makati Aqua Sports Arena (MASA), respectively. The incident led to the filing of illegal detention cases against Taguig officials led by Mayor Lani Cayetano before the Taguig City Prosecutor's Office.^[10] The illegal detention charges were later dismissed due to lack of evidence.^[11]

Subsequently, on March 3, 2024, the City of Taguig issued a closure order citing the lack of permits of Makati to operate the park, closing the park's operation including that of the then-Makati Aqua Sports Arena.^[12][13][14] Taguig, for its part, cited that under the Local Government Code, it is authorized to regulate any business, trade, and activity within its jurisdiction, and it acknowledges Makati's unlawful possession of the park premises.^[15] Makati claims that the closure of MASA affected 4,400 Makati public school students who use it for their swimming lessons.^[16]

Taguig People's Park (2025–present)

On May 5, 2025, the Taguig City Regional Trial Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) or injunction directing the City of Makati to stop denying Taguig access and exclusive possession of public properties covered by Proclamation Nos. 518 and 1916 within the Embo district.^[17][18][19] Taguig took possession of the properties the following day, including multipurpose buildings, health centers, covered courts, and the park.^[20] The TRO was given a 17-day extension on May 9.^[21] Before the TRO extension expires, the court granted the City of Taguig's request for preliminary injunction, which effectively retains Taguig's control of the facilities for the continued public services for the Embo barangays.^[22]

The park was renamed by the City of Taguig as the "Taguig People's Park", following the city's possession of public properties covered by Proclamation Nos. 518 and 1916.^[23] The park reopened to the public on the following day after the city's takeover, and has remained open since then for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.^[24][25]

Andres Bonifacio Monument

The Andrés Bonifacio Monument was designed by Filipino sculptor Juan Sajid Imao, son of National Artist Abdulmari Imao. It was erected in 1997 to commemorate Bonifacio's death centennial. In November 2017, the Bonifacio monument was relocated by the Department of Public Works and Highways several meters to make way for the construction of Santa Monica–Lawton Bridge or Kalayaan Bridge, which would link Bonifacio Global City with Ortigas Center.^[28]

Taguig Aquatic Sports Complex

The park contains a swimming pool area called the Taguig Aquatic Sports Complex. It was previously known as the Makati Aqua Sports Arena (MASA). It has an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a kid's pool.^[29][30] In 2024, the swimming pool area was ordered closed by the Taguig City Government as consequence of the city's territorial dispute with Makati. It affected 4,400 public school students of the Makati, as well as the swimming classes of the University of Makati.^[31] Upon Taguig's possession of the property, the city rehabilitated and improved its facilities, and reopened it to the public on July 24, 2026. The swimming pool area was re-christened as the Taguig Aquatic Sports Complex.^[32]

TLC Food Park–EMBO

The TLC Food Park–EMBO features a wide variety of cuisines and was inaugurated on October 15, 2025. It is located right across the University of Makati. It is an open-air, relaxed setting, and features food trucks and food stalls from small entrepreneurs.^[33][34]