DAVAO City in the region of Mindanao maintains its current ranking as a hot spot in real estate. One of the biggest cities in the Philippines and currently enjoying a fast-growing economy in a flood-free environment, Davao strikes a balance between being an emerging commercial hub and retaining its peaceful character that’s ideal for residential and leisure purposes.
According to Sta. Lucia Land Inc. (SLI) President Exequiel Robles, the company pioneered the upgrading of standards in property development in the years when Davao was still only starting to realize its real-estate potential.
Today, with competition from homegrown and Metro Manila-based real-estate organizations, SLI remains the biggest land developer in Davao in terms of land area developed, which covers a total of 600 to 700 hectares.
It continues to beef up its portfolio in the burgeoning Mindanao region with a subdivision project, Las Palmas Verdes, situated on North-South Road in Mandug. Las Palmas is within short distance from some of the region’s most advanced economic and social developments, in an area being envisioned as the satellite business district in Davao.
This location is set to be fully developed over a span of 20 years in fulfillment of the promise of a modern Mindanao.
Las Palmas Verdes will be in the middle of Ciudades, a bigger master-planned community which is a joint property venture with the prominent Lorenzo clan of La Panday.
“Ciudades is going to be a mini-city with subdivisions like Las Palmas, as well as malls and a school. Ateneo de Davao is arranging to move into the area, and that’s again something our residents can look forward to,” Robles revealed.
Another good thing going for Las Palmas Verdes is that the area of Mandug is known for its scenic views, where residents can still savor clean mountain air and verdant surroundings. “You can leave the busy life behind and recharge at home. The setting is that natural; you hear the birds chirping, it’s so serene there.”
The spaces and amenities inside the neighborhood are well-thought out. A fully landscaped entrance gate and guard house will greet residents and their guests upon entering. A multi-purpose clubhouse fosters community interaction, with amenities like a swimming pool, and basketball and tennis courts. Las Palmas Verdes will have concrete roads, paved sidewalks with concrete curbs and gutters, an underground drainage system, complete electrical facilities and a centralized water system. Only residential lots will be offered, so Davaoeños will have the freedom to design their own house within a gated community that makes world-class living within reach.
“Davao is an astute property market. People there really ask questions and take their time deciding, which is good because the house is one of your greatest investments for your family.”
“We have been receiving a lot of inquiries about the project. Once they see our plans for the area, everything will happen fast.
“This has been our experience with our other development, Ponte Verde near Davao International Airport, which sold half of the property on launch day.
“We are very positive that by the time the joint venture opens Ciudades, the response will be immediate and in the affirmative,” Robles said.
SLI has extensive plans for Davao, which serves as the developer’s corridor to Mindanao. It is also eyeing opportunities for mall development, as well as expanding into other growth areas like Cagayan de Oro and General Santos.