As the ambitious Build, Build, Build program is entering the final phase, property developers acknowledged that infrastructure development is a catalyst for growth of the sector.
Marko Sarmiento, chief operating officer of JEG Development Corp. (JDC) told reporters in a recent webinar that infrastructure development has made Cebu City more appealing to developers and locators as well. “Developers have become more conscious of Cebu which made it at the forefront of development in the Visayas,” Sarmiento said.
Sarmiento said the gradual loosening of restrictions and improving business climate has enabled JDC to launch JEG Tower @ One Acacia, the pioneer green, LEED Gold certified 22-story office and retail high-rise development in Cebu City. JEG Tower @ One Acacia is JDC’s first venture into high-rise buildings.
The JEG Tower @ One Acacia is being positioned by JDC as a frontrunner in redefining the property industry in the Philippines by introducing a sustainable-centric lifestyle.
“JEG Tower @ One Acacia is characterized by its energy-efficient features, reduced water usage, and efficient waste management. It is set to become Cebu’s first commercial development to use solar energy, as we have entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement with COREnergy for a zero cash-out solar photovoltaic plant,” Sarmiento explained.
JEG Tower @ One Acacia aims to be a game changer in the industry putting importance of work-life balance, putting a premium on the welfare of tenants, employees, and the people of Cebu.
As businesses are gearing back to office mode, JDC said it is addressing the evolving needs of the workplace, especially in the post-lockdown work landscape where hybrid work arrangement is considered the “new normal.”
“JEG Tower @ One Acacia is committed to providing the best workplace that addresses the physiological, mental, and social needs of its employees and occupants. We continuously invest in the quality of the work environment, as well as the health and well-being of our tenants, in a bid to help our tenants achieve increased productivity,” Sarmiento said.
The new features will enable employees to experience green living such as the use of natural daylight, optimal indoor air quality, and the roof deck garden, that all together provide greater support for employees to their psychosocial needs.
Moreover, JEG Tower @ One Acacia features a green roof that can help reduce stress and encourage socialization, positively impacting the wellness of employees. These spaces will allow for relaxing midday breaks and can be a venue for wellness activities or social gatherings.
“We’ve integrated intelligent technology into the building, utilizing thermal scanners, and automatic sliding doors have been installed in the main entrance. In place of manual contact tracing efforts, employees will use the free-standing scanners by the main entry point, while guests must get their temperature through a tabletop scanner available in the reception area,” explained Ayla Gomez, JDC’s Brand Manager.
On his part, Bria Homes division head Eduardo T. Aguilar said the “Build, Build, Build” program has served as an impetus to the development of the property sector. For one, he pointed past infrastructure projects of the national government have drastically reduced travel time within the metropolis and between key cities and towns, making road trips fast, smooth, and easy for leisure and business travelers alike.
Infrastructure also consistently boosts value appreciation of properties, many with a robust infrastructure network, working class Filipinos now become confident to by their own dream homes outside the National Capital Region as they are guaranteed of a safe and comfortable travel. “We’d like to keep land appreciation constantly in mind and ensure a stable future for Bria homeowners,” Aguilar explained.
Aguilar said the idyllic locations and access to current and complemented by upcoming major government projects, Bria properties are attractive to buyers as it’s accessible to schools, churches, hospitals, commercial establishments, banks, and pharmacies.
Aguilar said residents of Bria communities outside the National Capital Region will likewise save time and resources with shorter drives and commutes to and from the metropolis and other places.
He said Bria Homes meticulously study the locations of their developments to enable Filipinos to own their homes. He added that Bria projects’ proximity to continuous infrastructure growth has become part of the company’s vision.
“These infrastructure projects benefit real estate not just through value appreciation, but also by spurring economic activity and growth. What this means for our residents are more opportunities for tourism, business, education, and manufacturing, among others,” Aguilar pointed out.