This month marks the 17th anniversary of Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC). I invite you to join me in dedicating this column to our journey.
When Atty. Jojo Leviste and I started in 2009, sustainability was just beginning to be a buzzword in Philippine real estate. We wanted to prove then that green architecture was not only possible but necessary, and that it could be good business too. Those early years were filled with challenges and doubts, but they were also filled with conviction.
I’m grateful to have started this journey with my partner, Jojo. We came from different backgrounds, but we shared the same vision: to build responsibly, to think long-term, and to prove that doing things the right way could also be good business.
Our first project, Primavera Residences in Cagayan de Oro, was more than just a building. It was a statement. We wanted to show that eco-friendly design could thrive outside Metro Manila, in a city that was growing and full of potential. That decision to begin in the countryside was deliberate. We believed then, and we believe now, that countryside development is the key to balanced national growth.
And it is worth emphasizing: at a time when most developers were focused solely on Metro Manila, we were among the first to anticipate the rise of the provinces. We saw early that emerging cities would become the next engines of growth—precisely because sustainability thrives where planning can still be done right. That forward-looking mindset shaped our identity from the very beginning.
The countryside also offers opportunities that are often overlooked. Land is more available, communities are eager for progress, and the potential for sustainable planning is greater. By investing in emerging cities, we are not only building homes and offices—we are helping shape the future of urbanization in the Philippines. This belief has guided IDC through every project we have undertaken.
From Cagayan de Oro, we expanded to Santo Tomas, Batangas, with Miramonti Green Residences. This project carried the same philosophy of sustainable and green living, integrating renewable energy and eco-friendly design. It was recognized internationally, proving that even outside the capital, world-class green developments can thrive.
Looking ahead, IDC is preparing for new chapters. We have explored projects in Bataan, Bukidnon, Palawan, and even Boracay—areas that hold immense potential for sustainable growth. These places are not only beautiful but also strategic, offering opportunities to balance tourism, community development, and environmental responsibility.
Partnerships have also become an important part of our journey. We are proud to collaborate with respected global hospitality brands such as Dusit Thani and Ascott. These joint ventures will allow us to bring sustainable living together with world-class hospitality, creating communities that are both eco-friendly and globally competitive.
As we move forward, we are also placing greater focus on green economic housing—an area where sustainability and social responsibility meet. The Philippines faces a significant housing gap, and we believe that well-designed, energy-efficient communities can be part of the solution. At the same time, we see tourism as one of the country’s strongest future drivers. We believe the Philippines will become the next major destination in the region, and sustainable tourism developments will play a key role in that growth.
Seventeen years later, we are grateful for the community that grew around Italpinas. Our team, our partners, our investors, and most importantly, our residents. They believed in what we were trying to achieve. Their trust gave us the strength to continue, even when the path was uncertain.
As our IDC family celebrates this anniversary, I am humbled and at the same time, filled with optimism. The demand for sustainable living is stronger than ever. Climate change has made people more aware of the need for responsible development. Government policies are increasingly supportive of green initiatives. Investors are looking for projects that combine profitability with purpose. These trends give me confidence that our mission is not only relevant but essential.
I am even more excited about our journey ahead. We will continue to focus on emerging cities, where growth is fastest and where sustainable planning can make the biggest difference. We will continue to innovate, to push boundaries, and to prove that doing things the right way is also good business.
Seventeen years may seem long, but in many ways, we are just beginning. The foundation has been laid, the values have been tested, and our vision remains clear.
To everyone who has supported Italpinas through the years: thank you for being part of this journey. What we’ve built so far matters—but what we’re building next matters even more.
#PropertyReportFeature
#FeaturedStory
