I recently had the opportunity to speak on a business talk show, where I joined a thoughtful conversation on key industry trends shaping the real estate and property sector.
Since the episode aired, I’ve been heartened by the many messages from industry peers, viewers, and followers of this column—each one sharing their reflections and takeaways from the discussion. It’s always rewarding to witness how conversations like these spark deeper insights and inspire meaningful action across the sector.
One of the key topics we tackled in the show was the ongoing concern of condominium oversupply in Metro Manila. While many analysts highlight the increasing inventory of ready-for-occupancy units, I emphasized that the issue is less about absolute oversupply and more about misalignment between supply and demand, pricing, and payment terms. Developers that are attuned to market realities will find ways to recalibrate, meeting demand where it lies, often outside of Metro Manila in fast-evolving nodes of new growth throughout the country.
For Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC), this challenge does not directly impact our projects because we have focused on emerging cities outside of Metro Manila since our inception in 2009. We anticipated the risk of Metro Manila’s congestion early on, recognizing opportunities in emerging cities and high-growth provincial areas where sustainable developments could thrive. This foresight has helped us carve a niche beyond Metro Manila, proving that real estate growth does not have to be centralized in the capital.
Recent figures highlight our trajectory: In 2024, Italpinas recorded an impressive 100.6% rise in sales, a testament to the strength of demand in emerging markets. This performance underscores the appetite for eco-conscious, tech-enabled developments outside Metro Manila.
Looking ahead, our expansion plans are ambitious yet strategic. Recently, Italpinas has partnered with AV Pamatong Trading & Construction Inc. (AVP) to develop Primavera City’s third phase, Citta Grande, a mixed-use development in Cagayan de Oro City (CDO). This project will seamlessly integrate residential, office, and commercial spaces, reinforcing our commitment to creating self-sustaining communities that contribute to the local economy.
Beyond CDO, we are also venturing into Palawan, Boracay, Bukidnon, Pampanga, and Bataan—places with immense potential for sustainable and forward-thinking real estate developments. Each of these locations was carefully chosen based on demographics, infrastructure growth, and natural appeal, ensuring that our projects align with both investment viability and environmental stewardship.
At Italpinas, we prioritize sustainability, not just as a concept but as a core philosophy in our designs. Our developments emphasize passive green strategies, maximizing natural ventilation, water conservation, and energy efficiency—features that significantly reduce environmental impact while benefiting end-users with lower operational costs. Smart home technology has also become integral, offering automated temperature control, voice-command features, and fingerprint-access doors to create modern, convenient living spaces.
The demand for sustainable and tech-enabled developments continues to grow, and we see this as an opportunity rather than a challenge. Our approach ensures that buyers who seek innovative, yet cost-effective housing solutions do not have to choose between affordability and sustainability—they can have both.
As the real estate landscape evolves, one thing remains clear: the future is beyond Metro Manila, and emerging cities are proving to be dynamic hubs of growth and innovation. With the right formula of foresight, strategy, and adaptability, the industry can successfully navigate market shifts while contributing to a greener, more resilient future for Philippine real estate.
We also had this similar discussion when I attended the Philippine Sustainability Now 2025 at Dusit Thani last April 23. And it is only fitting that before I end this column, I would like to extend my thanks to the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ICCPI) for inviting me to speak at the event. It was an honor to join fellow leaders in meaningful discussions, advocating for a greener, more resilient future for the Philippines. Sharing IDC’s mission in sustainable design and development was truly a fulfilling experience, and I look forward to continuing the conversation on eco-conscious, innovative real estate solutions.
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