Building responsibly, rising steadily

“Malasakit” leaps off the page once you skim the corporate profile of DATEM. The Filipino word for concern is one of many values that have compelled this industry leader to build responsibly.

“We have unwavering dedication to our work,” the company said. “We show compassion and respect through social responsibility toward our peers, colleagues, and country. We are passionate with our work.”

A sense of responsibility —going beyond internal affairs and extending to stewardship of the nation and the environment —is among the hallmarks of the 35-year-old company.

Driven by this, DATEM rebuilt homes for Yolanda survivors, launched scholarship programs for its employees’ kids, organized medical missions, initiated disaster-resilience campaigns and supported green initiatives.

Heart is important to DATEM. Indeed, claiming to be “Your Trusted Builder” takes a portfolio showcasing genius and durability and, more so, the gift of forging lasting relationships with all stakeholders.

A listing of projects will immediately show a rich body of work. In residences, it has provided general construction works for Discovery Primea, Alphaland Makati Place, One Rockwell East and West Towers, and 14 other buildings. In offices, it supported ABS-CBN’s ELJ Communications Center and MDC 100, the Menarco Tower and the Unilab Corporate Center Phases 1 and 2, among others.

Some hotels and resorts in their oeuvre include The Savoy Hotel, Discovery Shores, and Belmont Hotel in Boracay; and Ascott BGC. It also helped build The Mind Museum and Venice Grand Canal Mall, St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City and Marist School’s Chapel of the Magnificat.

On their own, the buildings will stand as proud monuments to DATEM’s mastery. But, truly capturing the partnerships they forged over the course of their history are testimonials from their clients.

Datem founders (standing from left) Levy V. Espiritu, Arnold P. de Asis, Morris S. Agoncillo with (seated) DATEM treasurer and managing director Lilit J. Tumbucon

“The projects that we have undertaken with DATEM have been, to a degree, extraordinary,” said Stephen Reilly, COO and executive VP of the Travellers International Hotel Group Inc., with whom DATEM worked on Hotel Okura, Sheraton Hotel and Hilton in Newport, Pasay City. “The safety record has been outstanding… I like that DATEM brings problems to the table, will discuss them, and will find a way through them to the benefit of all. And ultimately, to create a fantastic product.”

The Net Group CEO Carlos S. Rufino said: “Always, we have a very excellent relationship with (DATEM chairman and CEO) Levy Espiritu, and it cascaded down to his project teams. Having a good relationship makes things move very fast. We’re happy that the project was built on time, on schedule, on budget.” DATEM serviced the Net Park in Taguig.

Engineer Espiritu established and incorporated DATEM with Engr. Morris S. Agoncillo and Arch. Arnold P. De Asis in 1984. That same year, they entered the low-cost housing segment with the construction of 45 residential units for La Paz Housing & Development Corp. in San Pedro, Laguna.

From 1989 to 2000, DATEM began its ascent on the ladder at the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board. Between 1989 and 1994, it got the Category A license and built landmark projects such as The Turf Club of the Manila Jockey Club in Cavite, and Royal Palm Hotel in Manila.

The next two years, DATEM become a Category AA contractor. In 1998, it partnered with Leighton Australia for the Power Plant Mall of Rockwell Land in Makati. At the turn of the century, with a Category AAA accreditation, it embarked on the redevelopment of Greenbelt 2, 3 and 4 with Makati Development Corp.

On its second decade, it took on Market! Market!, Serendra Phases 1 and 2 in and The Columns. From 2007, it partnered with industry leaders such as Ayala Land Inc., and Megaworld Corp.

Ten years on, DATEM received the Quadruple A license, the highest category given to construction firms. Last year, it received triple ISO certifications for its Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2015), Environmental Management System (ISO 14001:2015) and Occupational Health and Safety System (ISO 18001:2007). DATEM is also the implementing agency of the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP).

As it matured in the industry, DATEM also introduced pioneering technology to the construction landscape. It is known for offering precast technology, which compresses project schedules and decreases waste. It also claims an expertise in green buildings—among its accomplishments are 8 Campus Place, Botanika Nature Residences Phase 1 and Menarco.

Those achievements were the fruits of a commitment to DATEM’s philosophy of “Total Value-Engineered Construction.” It recognizes that clients always want to finish projects faster, safer and more cost-effectively, with a partner that is honest and accountable. It also respects the value of its own workers in its pursuit of remarkable and responsible superstructures.

One of DATEM’s projects is the LEED certified Arya Residences in Taguig City.

DATEM continues to build its portfolio, not resting on its laurels. Ongoing projects include Alviera Reservoir in Porac, Pampanga; University of Santo Tomas Senior High School Building; Clark Green Frontier; The Veranda at Arca South; Oceanway Residences 2 in Boracay; Fern at Grass Residences; and 17 other developments nationwide.

Being “Your Trusted Builder” is a continuing pursuit. While DATEM knows the landmarks and the partnerships will readily testify to its excellence, it will keep setting standards in the dynamic Philippine construction industry—building responsibly.