Teresity Sy-Coson leads groundbreaking of BDO Corporate Center Makati

TIME CAPSULE CEREMONY (From left to right) Lesley Villanueva, president, DATEM, Inc., Lilit Tumbocon, partner, DATEM, Inc., Liberito Espiritu, chairman and CEO, DATEM, Inc., Nestor Tan, president and CEO, BDO Unibank, Teresita Sy-Coson, Chairperson, BDO Unibank, Bubut Montejo, SVP of facilities, procurement, and logistics, BDO Unibank and Jerome Guevara, chief of staff, Office of the President, BDO Unibank. (Photo by JMS)

BDO Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson and BDO president and CEO Nestor Tan led a time capsule-laying ceremony on Friday marking the commencement of construction of the new BDO Corporate Center Makati.

The Makati complex is one of three BDO main office complexes, alongside the existing BDO Corporate Center Ortigas in Pasig City and the nearing-completion structure of BDO Corporate Center Cebu in the Visayas.

Sustainability contribution is a key priority, which drive practices to not only address environmental concerns, but also enhance human comfort while reducing operational costs and contributing to a more resilient structure which will be enjoyed by generations. All these contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change and create healthier and more inclusive communities.

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Combining five separate plots into a unified business hub comprised of 2 towers and an annex building, the towers feature an innovative exoskeleton structure, allowing open, flexible spaces without the need for conventional pillars.

“Sustainability, mobility, comfort, it’s all there … it is also the tallest exoskeleton building in the world. It earned the platinum mark from Green Mark on energy efficiency,” Tan proudly beamed.

Embodied carbon and whole lifecycle carbon management have been integrated into the design. The lightweight structural system not only reduces the concrete content of the buildings by over 65,000 tons, it also simultaneously improves performance in the country’s seismic environment.

In addition, operational energy will be reduced by more than 40 percent, radiant cooling systems drastically reduce energy demands, and over 70 percent of potable water is recycled and re-used on site.

The overall design includes 75 percent of its rooftops covered in greenery, an urban farm, an auditorium, and event areas – all of which contribute to making the center a positive and inclusive addition to the city.

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Inside the building, workspaces will encourage collaboration and interaction, with flexible office spaces, trading floors, and business hubs. The center also includes areas for client engagement to facilitate a more personalized approach.

“So more than the looks, which actually is the first thing that people notice, it’s actually the utility that we put a premium on, and that’s what we’re trying to build here. Because it would be the future home of BDO and other participants, and we hope that it will usher in the future of building technology,” Tan said.

Designed by British architectural firm Foster + Partners, all the structural and environmental engineering, landscaping, and interiors support the vision of a structure that will be carried into the future. Construction is led by DATEM, a Philippine firm known for its experience with green buildings.

The new BDO Corporate Center Makati represents its commitment to creating physical spaces that support clients, employees, and the surrounding community.