Supplement256_ Industry Movers

EDGE DAVAO Serving a seamless society

INDUSTRY MOVERS S P E C I A L S U P P L E M E NT

Magnet for investors

P i4

Davao, 20 other cities vie in livability contest

P i9

i2

INDUSTRY MOVERS

Special Supplement

EDGE DAVAO Serving a seamless society

VOL. 6 ISSUE 256 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 14-15, 2014

EDGE DAVAO Serving a seamless society

VOL. 6 ISSUE 256 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 14-15, 2014

INDUSTRY MOVERS

Special Supplement

i3

i4

INDUSTRY MOVERS

Special Supplement

EDGE DAVAO Serving a seamless society

VOL. 6 ISSUE 256 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 14-15, 2014

Magnet for investors

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

The low cost of acquiring land in Davao City has driven moneyed investors to pour their resources into the city.

Carlos Vargas, chief executive officer of the World Class Retirement Complex, Inc. said that Davao City provides a “bargaining price” of land properties compared to other countries in Asia.

“This is the reason why we decided to put up the facility here for Japanese retirees,” Vargas said, adding that the 3.8 hectare mixeduse property development will provide ease and relaxation to ageing people.

The growing and sustainable growth in the local economy has urged more developers to put their businesses here, residential, commercial, or mixed use.

“You can’t over-em-

phasize and over describe what you are already seeing in Davao City right now. This is the best time when investing alone is an incentive in itself, given how the market is responding to property development projects in the city,” Davao City Investment and Promotions Center (DCIPC) officer in chage Ivan C. Cortez said.

Cortez mentioned earlier that low interest rates and inflation rate in the city have also attracted real estate developers to locate in the city.

In the words of business sector leader and Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., (DCCCII) past

president, Arch. Daniel T. Lim, “if the interest rates and inflation rates are maintained as it is today, we can expect the same growth rate that we’ve seen in the last two years.”

However, Lim said that “the coming change in administration of President Benigno Aquino is expected to slow down some project developments in mid 2015,” adding, “this is due to the anticipation of transition in the presidency. This may, or may not, affect investors confidence though.”

The strong collaboration between the local government and reliable private organizations, according to

him, will pave the way for more opportunities for real property devel-

opment, but the government should solve problems of utilities

like power and water supply and insurgen-

“People come here to be trained, to get an education, acquire diplomas, to avail of treatment in our hospitals, to enjoy the luxury of the services we have – the spas, restaurants, malls,” said Cortez.

Accessibility to the city and the comfort of having everything are

the other reasons why they choose to come to the city.

Based on the 2014 city economic outlook, the total capitalization of businesses registered with the business bureau is about to hit the 200-billion peso mark, which is more than double compared to its

83 billion peso performance in 2003.

Real estate and property development is evident as it has changed economic landscape since buildings and other structures are sprouting up like mushrooms wherever one looks.

High-rise residential projects such as con-

dominiums, malls and similar structures are changing the skyline, a sure sign of prosperity.

Where has the jungle gone?

An increase of 3.3% in total capitalization while improving by 7% in attracting new businesses was reflected in

FMAGNET, i9

Growing out of the jungle

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

Davao City used to be described in an encyclopedia as “a city within a jungle” because it was designed only for a small population. When Davao became a chartered city on March 1, 1937, its population was about 68,000.

By 1940 the population had increased to 98,000. Then in 1945, despite the toll and dispersion caused by the Japanese invasion in December 1941, the city’s population in 1946 had increased to 111,263.

However, this description cannot be used today as Davao is already considered a highly urbanized city in Southern Philippines whose population has ballooned to 1.4 million based on the 2010 census.

But, aside from the large population, the city’s economy had also grown over the years.

In 2013, the city took on the momentum of growth and paved the way for bigger and better economic deals for the city as a whole.

Ivan Chin Cor-

tez , Davao City Investment Promotion Center’s (DCIPC) officer-in-charge, told Edge Davao that the city’s economy has undeniably developed in terms of business and industries invested in the city.

Cortez said that the reason why many business firms came to invest in the city is because they know that their investments will really turn into profit with businessmen having found a market for selling their products and services in a city that has become the convergence place of Mindanao.

He said that the number of people in the city will reach 2.5 million because many people from neighboring provinces tend to converge here for some reason.

FGROWING, i9

EDGE DAVAO Serving a seamless society

VOL. 6 ISSUE 256 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 14-15, 2014

INDUSTRY MOVERS

Special Supplement

i5

i6

INDUSTRY MOVERS

Special Supplement

EDGE DAVAO Serving a seamless society

VOL. 6 ISSUE 256 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 14-15, 2014 DELTA RESIDENCES

by ROBINSON’S LAND

FILINVEST

VIVALDI RESIDENCES

by EURO TOWERS

LINMARR

SANTOS LAND

SANTA LUCIA ORCHARD

MATINA ENCLAVES by ESDEVCO

KISAN LU

EDGE DAVAO Serving a seamless society

Aeon VOL. 6 ISSUE 256 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 14-15, 2014

INDUSTRY MOVERS

Special Supplement

i7

winds up Phase 1 of project

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

Two years from now, the homegrown FTC Group of Company’s flagship project Aeon Towers will scrape the skies of Davao City.

Aeon Towers, the city’s most ambitious real estate development project which looms as the highest in Mindanao, is about to conclude first phase of construction

by March 15. By then, the second phase will continue until it is ready to house its clients.

From ground zero, the 3.1 billion mixed used development project will be soaring up until it completes construction by the second quarter of 2016. It will become Davao’s next iconic symbol next as it will showcase the progress and grandeur prospering in the metro.

As the inauguration comes closer, about 234 units were already sold out of 474 units in the city’s future highest mixedused structure.

“We have clients from Manila buying two or three units because what we have here is truly unique and first in the Philippines,” Elizer S. Dela Peña, sales and training manager for Aeon Towers. He said Davao’s most

promising project was awarded during the 2010 real estate expo at World Trade Center in Manila because of its technology and design under high rise category.

Before Aeon, The Marco Polo Davao with its 22 levels , held the title of being the tallest in Mindanao.

Sales have been remarkably high and remaining units are those of one and two-bedroom types and the standard studio type. There are only 240 remaining units left unsold.

Once completed, Aeon Towers will be also housing four star hotel, banks, a BPO center, restaurants, retail mall, and four levels of basement parking with 300 slots.

The FTC’s signature project with its international design have features including include fiber optic ready units, Wi-Fi connections in common areas, four high speed passenger elevators, advanced fire protection alarm and sprinkler system, Green building technology, and 24 hours CCTV security cam-

eras, among others.

The amenities include fitness hub, swimming pool, spa, function hall, kiddy playroom, conference room, barbecue pit and grill area, and the trademark infinity pool at the Skydeck.

“It will be property that combines luxurious condominium features with 5-star quality amenities and promises to be the most modern, future-ready building in the region,” as earlier reports described the project.

But there’s more to Aeon’s mighty and magnificent height

that makes its clients more exited.

Vowing that all units will be sold-out before the inauguration, the management of Aeon Tower offered this year a promo rate to its interested clients.

Last March 7, Dela Peña announced during the investor’s night that they have developed a new payment scheme that will invite more clients to experience Aeon’s state-of-the-art technology and accessibility to city’s premier facilities.

“From P50,000 for reservation, we will

be lowering it down to P10,000 and there will be no interest for the first three years for the 20% down payment requirement,” Dela Peña said, adding that the this will be offered to clients this year.

Opportunities for its future residents don’t end with modern condominium, as Aeon

Tower will be giving out the latest model of BMW after units were turned-over.

“A raffle draw will happen after the turn over and a lucky Aeon resident will drive the latest model of BMW series 5,” he said.

Indeed, investing in Aeon is a smart choice.

i8

INDUSTRY MOVERS

Special Supplement

EDGE DAVAO Serving a seamless society

VOL. 6 ISSUE 256 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 14-15, 2014

EDGE DAVAO Serving a seamless society

VOL. 6 ISSUE 256 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 14-15, 2014

Davao, 20 other cities vie in livability contest

T

WENTY-ONE cities are competing for the best plan for a sustainable, “disaster-resilient” locality, according to a briefing during the two-day 2nd Annual Pacific Cities Sustainability Initiative Forum (PCSI) of Asia Society and the Urban Land Institute (ULI) held in Makati City that ended yesterday, March 13, 2014.

The forum gathered experts from around the world to discuss best practices and new approaches for developing sustainable cities across Asia and the Pacific that will not only survive but also thrive amid extreme weather and other effects of climate change.

“The urgency of preparing for climate change is especially significant in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan and its reconstruction efforts,” according to an official statement on the forum.

The Liveable Cities Design Challenge was launched during the PCSI by the National Competitiveness Council (NCC), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 National Organizing Council, World Wildlife

Fund, and the Alliance for Sage and Sustainable Reconstruction, together with Asia Society and ULI. This is an urban planning and design competition whose objective is to get city planners across the Philippines to better plan their respective cities and municipalities with disaster-risk reduction and other requirements of climate change as key considerations.

“We have thought of this for a long time, but (typhoon Yolanda) really put a sense of urgency to this particular project,” Guillermo M. Luz, NCC private sector co-chairman.

“Our idea was to create fun, vibrant and safe cities -- one [sic] that people long to live in, to work in, to invest in and to visit.”

Aside from Davao, other cities that have joined the competition are: Angeles, Bacolod, Baguio, Baybay (Leyte), Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Cebu, Iloilo, Legazpi, Marikina, Olongapo, Ormoc (Leyte), Pasay, Pasig, Roxas, San Fernando (La Union), Surigao, Tacloban, Valenzuela and Zamboanga.

Each team representing the cities must come up with a Strategic Vision and Plan for a Resilient and Liveable City and are going to compete in one of two categories, namely: • developing a disaster-resilient government center; and • developing an APEC meeting venue.

They will then be committed to completing the three phases of the competition, starting with participation in PCSI where they are oriented on key principles of livable city planning and design, courtesy of experts. The second phase involves working with mentors to develop plans and designs, while the final phase this August will have the teams finalize their designs for presentation to judges.

Citing official 2012 state data showing 63% of the country’s population live in urban areas, Mr. Luz described “cities as main growth centers of population, consumption and resource use.”

“In order to build a competitive country, we need to build competitive cities,” Mr. Luz stressed.

INDUSTRY MOVERS

Special Supplement

i9

Magnet... FFROM i4 2013. One of the most significant milestones of 2013 in terms of business stats would be the breaching of the 200 billion peso mark for total capitalization of all businesses registered in the city.

The 84.68% business survival rate in 2013 is within the norm for the past 5 years and is a reflection, too, of a stable business environment.

The city has a total of 2,954.46 kilometers of roads, and has 143,281 registered motor vehicles plying the streets of

Davao, 127,916 of them private vehicles, 2,166 government vehicles, and 13,199 for hire vehicles in 2013.

While the number of registered motor vehicles in a city can be another source of information for gauging another aspect of economic performance, the recent dynamics in car registration in the country will not be reflective of how a locality performs (a considerable number of private vehicles of Davaobased residents, mostly surplus cars from Japan

and Korea, are registered in LTOs outside Davao City).

The value of construction projects has increased in the last two years. In 2013 the number of projects were higher that of 2012 at P14 billion and registering a 43% increase in 2013 with over P20 billion. While the number of building permits remained within the 5,500 range, it should be noted that the average value per construction permit is at its highest at P3.6 million.

cies.

On the other hand, the recent overhauling of the zoning ordinance and the good peace and order situation in the metro provides wider window to real property investors, according to city councilor Bernard Al-ag.

“The real estate development (RED) and construction frenzy in the city will continue to grow, changing the landscape of the city along with it. RED is still the top investment

priority of the city government, ” Al-ag said, adding that investors should expect “a more strict imposition of environmental policies and regulations to mitigate the future impact of RED. ” The approval of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) for 2013 to 2022 will also further boost land use and development in the city. It is expected that there will be more development in the city.

“There is strong op-

timism for more and sustained growth for the property industry in the next 5-7 years,” Ivan C. Cortez, Davao City Investment and Promotion Center officer in charge said, adding that the city is “still far from saturation levels.”

Cortez said that the “lure of Davao City as an excellent place to raise and nurture a family is gaining momentum.

The real estate industry rides on this advantage as a good selling point.”

Growing...FFROM i4

i10

INDUSTRY MOVERS

Special Supplement

EDGE DAVAO Serving a seamless society

VOL. 6 ISSUE 256 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 14-15, 2014

EDGE DAVAO Serving a seamless society

VOL. 6 ISSUE 256 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 14-15, 2014

SPORTS

INDUSTRY MOVERS

Special Supplement

i11

Northpoint’s

charm and livability make it the best home location in the city

As the city celebrates the 77th Araw ng Dabaw, it does so with pride over its transformation to a vibrant and growing city. One only need to look around to see the bustling economic activity, much of it owed to the real estate development as a key driver of the local economy.

This makes Davao City attractive to local and foreign tourists and investors alike. On top of that, it is also one of the most desirable places to live in the country. The best home locations are within the masterplanned developments in the city, the best of which is Northpoint, the British colonial themed condo community at the junction of Buhangin and JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada.

Northpoint offers an unmatchable living proposition as the landmark condo development of Vista Residences, sister company of Camella and the vertical marketing arm of Vista Land & Lifescapes, the country’s largest homebuilder. It has the best location in town, not to mention world-class facilities and amenities.

Located at two of the city’s major thoroughfares, Northpoint is right at the center of north Davao’s growth area, within the vibrant business, industrial and commercial district, as well as shopping and recreational spots. It is also proximate to all public utilities such as markets, banks, hospitals, schools and universities, terminals,

airport , worship places, among others.

The business and commercial centers are just a short distance away, including the malls, department stores, cinemas, supermarkets, local and international chain restaurants, retail stores and and hi-end boutiques. Getting to any of these destinations is quick and convenient as public transportation is available immediately outside the condo gates.

Northpoint’s facilities are both functional and aesthetic, carefully designed and maintained to exude world-class charm. The clubhouse, Wakefield Manor, houses a wellness pool with salinated water, cabanas and grill pits, a multi-purpose hall, and a fitness gym. Amenities include shuttle service to ferry homeowners to the other condos or to the gates, and round-the-clock security with CCTV that ensures the safety of homeowners and their property.

But it is the green and clean environment of Northpoint that makes its living proposition a cut above the rest. While located within the city’s emerging urban center,

Northpoint’s surroundings are lush with plant life such as age-old Acacia trees and towering imported Caribbean pine trees that number to the hundreds.

With its deluxe facilities and amenities set within a verdant and healthful environment, Northpoint is easily the best home location in the city that is attractive to both the discriminating homebuyer and investors alike, especially as Northpoint’s rental rates are comparable to the condo market in Manila.

Northpoint investors will also find value in the after-sales services offered

by Camella. Investors can opt to let Camella take care of the screening of renters and rent collection for them. Camella will also be on top of the overall maintenance of the unit, ensuring that the rental arrangement is sound and proper.

Camella welcomes all inquiries on Northpoint and all their communities in the city at their offices at Delgar Bldg., JP Laurel Avenue (fronting Northpoint), Bajada, Davao City, with telephone number 295-3973.

i12

INDUSTRY MOVERS

Special Supplement

EDGE DAVAO Serving a seamless society

VOL. 6 ISSUE 256 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 14-15, 2014