Property Report recently had an online conversation with Jeffrey T. Ng, President of Cathay Land, to discuss the rapid rise of Metro South, his insights as a long-time industry leader, and the company’s expanding commitment to purposeful, master-planned communities. As Cathay Land marks 30 years of development across Cavite, Laguna, and Metro South, Ng’s perspective reflects decades of foresight — and a clear sense of mission for 2026 and beyond.
The South’s Rise: Three decades in the making
Long before the region became one of the country’s most closely watched growth corridors, Ng had already recognized its potential.
“Thirty years ago, we saw Cavite and Laguna growing fast,” he shared. “Today, they are the number one and number two contributors to GNP, and this will accelerate in the years to come.”
Cavite, he adds, is poised to become the most populated province in the Philippines within the next five to ten years — a demographic shift shaped by proximity to Metro Manila and strengthened by major infrastructure.
From CAVITEX, CALAX, and the upcoming CAVITEX–CALAX Link, to the Cavite–Bataan bridge, the Cavite–Tagaytay–Batangas Expressway, and the LRT-1 Cavite Extension, connectivity is reshaping how people live and move across the region. These developments, Ng says, will “supercharge growth,” opening seamless mobility between Northern Cavite, Central Luzon, and Metro Manila.
But infrastructure is only one part of the equation. Ng’s bullish confidence comes from value — the kind that continues to draw both families and investors southward.
“We have prime subdivisions selling for less than one-tenth the price of decades-old subdivisions in Makati,” he explained. “And yet the quality, amenities, and utilities are even better.”
This value proposition, he believes, will continue to fuel demand and strong long-term appreciation across Cavite and Laguna.
Purposeful Communities: Walkable, accessible, and built for real life
Cathay Land’s master-planned approach is guided by a simple principle: daily life should be easy, convenient, and within reach.
“We build communities where everything is within walking distance — schools, a gym, a church, supermarkets,” Ng noted. “Inside South Forbes, Crestkey Estates, and Southmont, everything is planned with daily life in mind.”
This philosophy extends to learning-centered development, highlighted by Cathay Land’s 11-hectare donation to Chiang Kai-shek College, now operational within Crestkey Estates.
A major part of this community-building approach is ensuring that homeownership remains accessible. Ng points out that 6.5 to 7 million Filipino families still do not own a home — a reality that guides many of Cathay Land’s choices.
This is why projects like Ananda Square are intentionally designed to work with Pag-IBIG financing, allowing buyers to benefit from lower interest rates and longer payment terms.
“Our priority is enabling people to live and work in the same area,” he said. “Pag-IBIG financing allows that for many buyers.”
By combining walkable communities with realistic, long-term financing options, Cathay Land creates places where one can live, work, learn, worship, and thrive — without sacrificing affordability.
Leading with purpose: Culture, clarity, and service
For Ng, leadership begins with purpose — and with setting a standard his teams can believe in.
“We remind our employees that we exist to help families own a home they can be proud of for the next 20 to 30 years,” he said. “It gives meaning to their work.”
This clarity inspires teams to go the extra mile, from servicing unit owners to ensuring quality across every development. But for Ng, the call to excellence extends far beyond Cathay Land.
“We have to develop a culture of excellence, quality, and service that we can inculcate, develop, and deliver to our fellow countrymen,” he emphasized. “Hindi puwede ’yung culture of substandard work, ghost projects, non-delivery of promised projects. Hindi ’yan puwede.”
Within Cathay Land, this mindset is deeply ingrained.
“We want a culture of excellence — excellence in service, excellence in construction, and quality for our homes,” he said. “Our fellow Filipinos demand that level of workmanship. Pride in delivering quality construction built to world-class standards. That’s something Filipinos can be proud of in the years and decades to come.”
For Ng, embedding this culture in his company and in the country is both a responsibility and a wish for the future.
What 2026 will bring: Acienda City and an expanding land bank
As Cathay Land approaches 2026, the company is preparing for significant expansion.
“We are expanding our landbank and priming more areas for integrated, master-planned communities,” Ng revealed. “Next year, we are launching Acienda City – with hotels, schools, commercial spaces, and more residences.”
This direction builds on the company’s strong portfolio across Silang, Sta. Rosa, and Las Piñas, from South Forbes Golf City and Crestkey Estates to the Cavite Light Industrial Park and the award-winning Acienda Designer Outlet Mall.
Together, these projects reflect Cathay Land’s long-standing focus on purposeful, resilient, human-scale communities.
Alabang–Zapote: An emerging growth Corridor
Ng also sees tremendous potential in the Alabang–Zapote corridor — home of Ananda Square.
“It’s the next major booming city after Makati and BGC,” he said. “Land prices are one-fifth of BGC and Makati, and condos are one-half to one-third the price. It’s still affordable — and only 15 minutes from Makati.”
With Madrigal Business Park, Filinvest City, hospitals, schools, commercial hubs, and major transport routes close by, the area is emerging as the next metropolitan center of the South.
As the conversation drew to a close, it was clear that Ng’s optimism is grounded in both data and purpose. His confidence in the South is paired with a deliberate commitment to building communities that genuinely support Filipino families — places that are accessible, walkable, resilient, and thoughtfully designed. Under Cathay Land’s vision and stewardship, the future of Metro South is no longer on the horizon; it is taking shape today, one master-planned community and one empowered homeowner at a time.
Ananda Square at a glance
A connected, future-ready address in Metro South
Ananda Square rises prominently along Alabang–Zapote Road in Las Piñas City, positioning residents at the center of a corridor rapidly emerging as the South’s next major metropolitan hub.
Why it stands out
- Prime location along a vibrant retail–commercial and institutional belt
- Seamless access to SLEX, Skyway, CAVITEX, and the upcoming LRT-1 Extension
- Close proximity to Madrigal Business Park, Filinvest City, schools, and hospitals
- Strong mobility advantage with multiple major transport links within minutes
Designed for modern living
- Thoughtfully planned studio and one-bedroom units
- Gold’s Gym and lifestyle conveniences within the development
- On-site commercial strip for everyday essentials
- Walking-distance access to churches, malls, restaurants, and service establishments
A rising investment opportunity
- Condos along Alabang–Zapote remain half to one-third the price of Makati or BGC
- Positioned within a fast-appreciating, infrastructure-rich corridor
- Ideal for young professionals, starter families, and long-term investors
Built for balance, mobility, and long-term value, Ananda Square brings together city convenience and the comfort of southern living — a compelling address for Filipinos seeking opportunity, upward mobility, and a connected everyday life.
#BrandedUp
