Homebuilder bats for a ‘greener’ PH

WELLINGTON Courtyard Tagaytay is a five-story vacation condominium.

A developer’s responsibility does not end merely with the turnover of affordable quality homes and well-planned communities.

Realty firms must also go the extra mile to lessen their projects’ impact on the environment, knowing very well that at one point, their developments must have caused a disruption of sorts in the natural environment, through the cutting of trees and flattening of the terrain to give way to progress.

Robinsons Land Corp. knows this only all too well as it recently launched its latest campaign “Love Trees, Love Life: Planting Trees for a Greener Philippines.”

Recognizing its corporate social responsibility not just to the community but to nature as well, RLC has started a concerted effort to actively protect and safeguard the country’s ecological assets.

“Robinsons Land is doing the Love Trees, Love Life: Planting Trees for a Greener Philippines campaign because we know that our responsibility extends beyond making homes and dreams come true for families,” said May Precilla, vice president for sales and marketing and head of Corporate Social Responsibility of RLC.

Ecological crusade

This long-term environmental campaign, according to Precilla, is aimed at preserving nature through the propagation of trees all over the country.

“We know that we have a responsibility towards future generations and a vital role to play in preserving the environment for them,” she explained.

The ecological crusade began when the employees of RLC, along with Mother Teresa Spinelli Treasures orphans, planted 600 Araucaria trees (Norfolks Pine), along Mayor’s Drive in Tagaytay City.

The said activity was joined by three business units of the Gokongwei-led company, namely: Robinsons Communities, which manages The Wellington Courtyard (RLC’s residential development in Tagaytay); Summit Hotels Group, which manages Summit Ridge Tagaytay; and Robinsons Malls, which manages Summit Ridge Promenade.

SUMMIT Ridge Tagaytay is a full-service upscale hotel resort for families.

A joint project between RLC and Tagaytay City, the tree planting activity marked the city’s 74th founding anniversary.

Chris Narciso, vice president for operations and special projects of Robinsons Communities, stressed the importance of preserving the environment as he pointed out the escalating rate at which the world’s natural resources are being exhausted.

“In this day and age of huge leaps in technology, we have been getting used to the term ‘unli.’ We see unlimited texts, unlimited calls, unlimited downloads, and even unlimited rice servings. Unfortunately, the exact opposite is true when we look at our natural resources. Our trees are not unlimited and are in fact being depleted,” Narciso commented.

The tree planting activity, according to Narciso, was “a vital contribution to improving our environment, particularly in Tagaytay. This is our way of contributing to ensuring that Tagaytay City maintains its natural beauty and continue to be one of our country’s top vacation places.”

Aside from the tree planting, RLC has also pursued other programs to further incorporate preservation of nature into its projects and to follow the principle of “green” living.

RLC properties in Tagaytay

For instance, all the RLC properties in Tagaytay have been designed to harness natural light and provide natural yet proper ventilation to its residents and guests.

Summit Ridge Tagaytay is a full-service upscale hotel resort for families looking for a true weekend getaway in Tagaytay. All of its rooms come with a balcony that offers a spectacular view of Taal Volcano, reportedly the best view in the whole area.

CHRISTOPHER G. Narciso, VP for Robinsons Communities, covers up one of the 600 pine trees that Robinsons Land Corp. donated to Tagaytay City.

The hotel’s Asian tropical style, designed by Palafox Associates, also allows one to relax in the spacious and airy lobby, as well as in the poolside and other open areas.

Together with nearby Summit Ridge Promenade—an open-air lifestyle and commercial center within the hotel complex—it offers all the essential needs for couples, families and even business travelers to enjoy a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Wellington Courtyard meanwhile, which is located near the tree planting area, stands to gain the most from the activity as its residents are assured of a fresh crop of verdant foliage for generations to come.

A five-story vacation condominium in the heart of Tagaytay, Wellington Courtyard offers not just rooms with picture-perfect views, but also the tranquility and peace of mind Tagaytay countryside has been known for.