BBB PROGRAMME: ARCHITECT NATI QUOTED IN OXFORD BUSINESS GROUP WEBSITE
Oxford Business Group (OBG) is a “global research and consultancy company producing annual investment and economic reports on more than 30 countries…offering internationally acclaimed intelligence on regions that are shaping the future balance of economic power.”
In line with the government’s Build, Build, Build Programme, an infrastructure development agenda initiated by current President Rodrigo Duterte last October 2017, Italpinas Development Corporation’s (IDC) Chairman & CEO, Architect Romolo Nati, was recently featured and quoted in two of OBG’s website articles.
IDC is a green real estate developer that stands out from the rest as it is one among few real estate developers that focus in emerging cities and recognizes its potential long before competition exists. Take Cagayan de Oro City, for example, where the company’s flagship projects, Primavera Residences and Primavera City, are located. IDC commits in delivering quality and sustainable properties by aiming to design and build projects where human development is balanced with the environment.
As a progressive and dynamic company, IDC has been recognized by various prestigious international competitions and organizations in a short period. These include the Asia Pacific Property Awards, Southeast Asia Property Awards, and National Geographic Asia Magazine just to name a few. Both Primavera Residences and City are green buildings certified by EDGE, a green building certification system developed by IFC (from the World Bank Group).
The mixed-use buildings feature passive and active green architectural solutions like inner voids (to increase natural ventilation), louvers (for shading effect), and photovoltaic solar panels, which generate renewable energy to be used in the buildings’ common areas. The passive green features help the residents to save up to 32% in air-conditioning costs, which translates to around 18% reduction of electricity bill.
Moreover, both Primavera City and Primavera Residences won Best Mixed-use Development in the Philippines; Primavera City in 2016-2017, and Primavera Residences in 2014-2015 Asia Pacific Property Awards. Meanwhile, the company, in general, was also recognized during the 2016 Philippine Green Building Council Awards with a Leadership in Green Building; and was highly commended during the 2011 Southeast Asia Property Awards as the Best Condo Development.
National Economic and Development Authority’s (NEDA) Philippine Development Plan 2017-22, stresses the need for building greater inclusivity and linkages across the regions to enhance economic opportunity. With the hype of the government’s Build, Build, Build Programme, things are looking up for real estate developers and probable investors. The said initiative by the government plans to boost the country’s construction industry, close the infrastructure gap, and address uneven development between regions.
“Japanese, Chinese and of course Filipino companies seem to be in prime position to execute the Build, Build, Build plans,” Architect Nati told OBG. “However, I believe that more European companies should also look at entering the market, as there is funding,” he added.
According to OBG, “prior to the current administration’s massive infrastructure drive, cash-laden developers were the key driving force behind new construction projects. While private investment saw the industry expand at a rapid rate, state spending lagged behind until the Duterte administration and an influx of foreign loans ushered in a wave of public infrastructure development,”
When asked about regional promotions on construction developments and how other regional economies are catching up to NCR and Calabarzon’s GDP contribution, Architect Nati had this to say: “The Philippines has many cities in need of development. These emerging locations represent real opportunities for first-movers that are not afraid to be ahead of the curve.”
THEA FRANCESCA TABUDLONG || Content Writer & Marketing Support Assistant
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