As the country and the world continue to grapple with the pandemic, SM Development Corp. (SMDC) president Jose Mari Banzon said there will be no letup in the company’s commitment to invest heavily in projects that meet the needs of the population.
Banzon said the industry will stay afloat due to the factors fueling the industry’s growth—housing shortage, young and educated workforce, and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who remit over $30 billion annually.
Addressing market needs
With younger Filipinos comprising 70 percent of the workforce, the property giant continues to distinguish itself as an appealing investment for a market composed mostly of OFWs and young future homeowners.
“SMDC developed residential features designed to meet the multi-faceted needs of young Filipinos,” Banzon said.
“The residential designs of our developments include powerful connectivity, shared working spaces, accommodating towards ride-sharing services and many features geared towards wellness, safety, and security—hallmark features of any modern living space,” Banzon continued.
Strategic locations
While some industry players halted their projects, SMDC pushed through with its construction and launched projects in the Makati central business district, Mall of Asia (MOA) complex and in growth centers outside Metro Manila.
With accessibility and sustainability in mind, SMDC continues to build on central locations that provide affordable yet luxurious living. As one of the country’s fastest growing developers, strategic locations near retail environments, business districts, transport hubs, medical facilities, government services, essential goods and services are crucial in maximizing the benefits for residents by placing their needs as close to their homes as possible.
Ongoing infrastructure projects involving mass transport systems and road networks are seen to contribute to the continued growth of the industry.
Commitment to ESG
SMDC’s commitment to ESG continues to be a driving force.
All developments launched by SMDC meet standards in terms of resilience and minimizing environmental impact. SMDC ensures that its projects are disaster-ready, energy-efficient, PWD-friendly and incorporate open spaces abundant of greenery, natural lighting, ventilation and waste management systems.
SMDC ensures that they create communities that are secure, inclusive and positively impact their quality of life.
SMDC also conducted COVID-19 vaccination drives in partnership with LGUs and the Philippine Red Cross. Currently, SMDC was able to administer 4,000 residents and employees with a goal to vaccinate 10,000 people by yearend.
Other key efforts include a health and wellness caravan and the Good Guys weekend market.
SMDC today
Since the pandemic, SMDC launched 10 projects and introduced two new formats: a residential-office development known as ICE Tower, and SMDC JOY Residences, a garden community with 4-floor residential buildings. SMDC will launch five developments by the end of 2021.
With Banzon’s optimism, these projects and activities prove that SMDC pushed through the current challenges and continues to stay on track of its business goals and the greater good of further building a more connected nation.