SMDC is among those at the forefront of turning us into a nation of homeowners, bringing the "shelter" dream of every Filipino closer to reality. At the center of its development strategy is convenience—that Filipinos are given the opportunity to own quality homes in good, premium areas, such as those beside a mall or transport terminal. At SMDC, this has even gone as far as building the mall within the condominium.
From the outset, SM Prime and SMDC chair Henry Sy, Jr. set forth the vision and intent of SMDC to be the facilitator for the democratization of quality home ownership for the average Filipino. It’s interesting to note how, despite major obstacles such as the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic we’ve had to live under for close to two years now, SMDC has remained steadfast in making that avowed vision an ever growing reality—adapting to change when necessary, but keeping the course, with constantly renewed fervor.
SMDC has redefined urban living spaces for 16 years now, with its emerging and growing market in the young middle class. Finding an ever-expanding niche in families and professionals aspiring for a better life, SMDC has appreciated its increased spending power, and desire for new experiences. So, SMDC offered a simple and successful proposition—convenient, accessible, and affordable homes with five-star hotel and resort-themed amenities, and offering this across the country.
Developing properties in key cities in Metro Manila and in the provinces, the constant with SMDC developments is how there’s always accessibility to transport terminals, to malls and retail podiums, and to other essential services. How this is such a distinct SMDC advantage became even more pronounced during the height of the COVID-19 ECQ, and when health and safety protocols were such a regular feature of our every day lives. Even the strong WiFi signal at SMDC properties became a boon when work-from-home setup became a necessity.
Beyond convenience and geographical desirability, SMDC has constantly innovated through its quality amenities and attractive designs. For amenities, there are island-type amenities at Shores Residences, a huge clubhouse and sports complex in Grass Residences, linear parks at Trees Residences, a complete mall with smart dining concepts at Light Residences, expansive modern pools at Fame Residences—and that’s just to name a few. It’s all about improving the quality of life, and the sense of community, within the properties.
Design plays a major role in the safety of the residents and the resiliency of the structure, with technical due diligence that includes a hydro study always a must. It’s all part and parcel of the SMDC commitment to safety, quality of life, and sustainability.
As SMDC continues to diversify its offerings, Henry Sy, Jr. notes how there are still an abundance of opportunities in the market, and how the company will continue with its expansion nationwide. The pipe dream is for every Filipino to live affluently, so that a better life, primarily with a roof over our heads, and a good, clean environment to live in, are within reach across a broad expanse of the populace. The environment plays a big role in our present and future, because it shapes us—and it’s good to hear SMDC recognizing this and making it such a cornerstone of its development strategies.
The SMDC vision owes much to the legacy of SM’s founder and patriarch, the late Henry Sy, who once mentioned his dream of selling a pair of shoes to every Filipino; and then evolved to making the mall experience one every Filipino, no matter where in the country, could enjoy. It’s now easy to forget how before SM came into the picture, malls did exist, but they were often perceived as exclusive or elitist.
It was Henry Sy’s singular vision that began the process of making the malls the "playground" and "backyard" for Filipinos from all walks of life—and they’ve not looked back since. So it’s appropriate to find echoes of this vision in the one Henry Sy, Jr. has mapped out for SMDC.