As someone who has chosen the Philippines as his second home, next only to Italy, I am always heartened by good news about the country. Whether in boardrooms or barangays, there is a sense of movement that can lead us forward or upward despite the occasional bumps. It’s a spirit I’ve witnessed firsthand in over a decade of living and working here, and one that continues to inspire our work at Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC).
So, when the latest international economic reports confirmed that the Philippines is set to become the second fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia, I welcomed the news with great optimism.
According to The Global Economic Prospects June 2025 report by the World Bank (WB), the nation is projected to be the second fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia through 2027, trailing only Vietnam. For 2025, the Philippine economy is forecast to expand by 5.3 percent, a testament to its resilience and strong fundamentals amid global uncertainties.
This momentum, coupled with projections of 5.4 percent growth in 2026 and 5.5 percent in 2027, points to a very promising future. While these numbers are slightly below the government’s 6 to 8 percent target, they remain among the most robust in the region and reflect the country’s determination to position itself as a hub for innovation and inclusive development.
As the nation advances on this path, the responsibility falls on key sectors—including real estate—to channel this growth into structures and communities that uplift, include, and endure. Economic progress must not be measured solely by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but by how well we design, develop, and sustain the spaces in which people live, work, and thrive.
The real estate industry, particularly in emerging urban areas, plays a dual role: it is both a catalyst for and a reflection of national development. As cities expand and internal migration increases, the demand for thoughtfully planned, resilient communities will only intensify. We must answer this demand with foresight and purpose.
This brings us to a core belief that has shaped my practice for years: that architecture is a form of stewardship. Buildings must be more than structures. They should respond to local conditions, respect natural resources, and leave a positive legacy for generations to come. This is the foundation of sustainable urban development.
At Italpinas, we have long championed this philosophy. For fifteen years, we have pursued a design approach that harmonizes with the tropical climate, integrates green technologies, and serves the broader goal of inclusive growth. Our aim has never been to build the most; it is to build the most responsibly.
This commitment was once again brought to the fore when we took part in the recent Visayas-Mindanao Regional Housing Conference 2025 held in Cagayan de Oro City and organized by the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations, Inc. (CREBA), the Philippines’ umbrella organization for professionals and firms involved in housing, real estate, and construction.
The atmosphere was both dynamic and collaborative, with industry stakeholders gathering to explore housing solutions that align with the region’s evolving needs. Italpinas proudly joined this exchange, reaffirming our view that housing is not only about shelter—but about security, dignity, and long-term opportunity.
It is in this spirit that we introduced several of IDC’s existing and upcoming projects, including the Verona Green Residences in Uptown Cagayan de Oro. As our first venture into the economic housing segment, Verona breaks new ground for us not just in price point, but in purpose. It is thoughtfully designed to be affordable while incorporating green strategies such as passive cooling, water conservation, and energy efficiency. It stands as proof that environmental sustainability can—and should—be made accessible to more families.
This effort has already received international recognition, yet what makes it truly meaningful is how it answers a real and growing demand in the region. It reflects our conviction that architecture must serve both people and planet, and that sustainability should not be a luxury confined to high-end projects.
The stakes have never been higher. As climate-related and geopolitical risks rise across the region, the need for resilient and sustainable infrastructure becomes all the more urgent. In this context, green building is not a trend. It is a necessity.
Despite the external and internal challenges, I remain optimistic about where the Philippines is headed. The economy is gaining strength, and with it comes a chance to build with greater purpose. Real estate developers should seize this moment to construct communities that honor our environment, inspire our people, and uplift our collective future.
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