In a nutshell, sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without the need to sacrifice resources for future generations. Sustainability, therefore, is not just about green practices or eco-friendly slogans but considers the social, environmental, and economic factors that make communities thrive and survive.    With sustainability, communities can be more adaptive to volatile changes in the environment, which is currently challenged by climate change, economic disputes, or even resource limitations. By using resources in a sustainable way, citizens can be encouraged to do their share to make the world more habitable not only for them but more so for future generations. One doesn’t need to search far and beyond to witness how a truly sustainable business district thrives in the Philippines as it is just located in the south of the metro — Filinvest City in Alabang. View of Filinvest City skyline in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Philippines.
“We are always proud to showcase how Filinvest City is a sustainable community. Here, both residents and those who work in the various offices and buildings will benefit from the sustainability features. For individuals, they will benefit from the ample green spaces and pocket parks, so they have a place to relax and enjoy nature.” said Don-Don S. Ubaldo, Filinvest Alabang Inc. First Vice President for Townships.  “On the other hand, for businesses who locate in a sustainable city, they could expect their enterprises to grow with the ideal location; while land value also increases over time.” The community is designed to be walkable, convenient, safe, and economical. It has wide sidewalks, dedicated bike lanes, and open spaces.  It also means that groceries, parks, schools, gyms, etc. are within walking distance. One can have more time with the family as there is no need to be stuck in traffic. For longer distances, the city also has the 360 EcoLoop vehicles, a fully-integrated electric-powered public transport – by reducing reliance on fossil fuel-powered cars, the community helps in cutting air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, so going around is green and easy! Filinvest City is also proud of its own sewage treatment facility, which enables recycled water to be used to water the city's landscape. The largest district cooling system in the Philippines is also located in Filinvest City, and it helps Northgate Cyberzone's offices save up to 40% on energy expenses. Filinvest City also features a 2.8 MWp solar rooftop solution at Filinvest Land Inc.’s Festival Mall, this is in partnership with Filinvest-ENGIE Renewable Energy Enterprise, Inc. (FREE), a joint venture company of FDC Utilities, Inc., the power utility arm of Filinvest Development Corp (FDC), and ENGIE Services Philippines. This solar panel rooftop will supply about 28 percent of the mall’s peak demand and save close to 41,000 tons of CO2, an equivalent to removing approximately 9,000 cars off the roads of Metro Manila. Central Park in Filinvest City.
One of the exciting developments inside Filinvest City is the Central Park. “The pandemic has highlighted the need for open spaces. As Filinvest City grows, so will its parks. As opposed to other CBDs that make makeshift public spaces, we have developed an expansive convergence space for the community with the opening of the Central Park. Even before the pandemic, this green park system that connects the whole city is already in the masterplan — a proof of a future-ready garden city,” said Ubaldo. This almost one-hectare Central Park located at the Spectrum District, where everyone can gather during events and festivities, had already welcomed its first big crowd during the last Christmas season in 2022.

Propagating the Sustainability DNA

What’s commendable — and comforting to know — is that all these sustainable practices pioneered at Filinvest City in Alabang are being adopted in other Filinvest townships outside the metro, such as the two in Luzon: Filinvest Mimosa Plus Leisure City in Pampanga and Filinvest New Clark City in Tarlac, and one in Visayas, City di Mare in Cebu. “The best sustainability practices — the Sustainable DNA — imbibed as a way of life and seen in the enhanced masterplan at Filinvest City in Alabang, is now ‘replicated’ to other townships of Filinvest,” said Ubaldo. “Being a smart city is part of this DNA, and all these townships feature future-proof urban planning with sustainable and smart city initiatives, as well.” Filinvest Mimosa Plus Leisure City, popular for being a MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) destination, is a sprawling 201-hectare property blessed with a backdrop of mountains, trees, lakes, and well-maintained landscape. It is known for its 130-hectare golf course, a deluxe hotel, and residential villas. On the other hand, Filinvest New Clark City is a 288-hectare township development. It will be known for its “ECO-TECH-TURE” (Ecology, Technology, Architecture, Future, and Culture) blueprint, which will raise the benchmark for CBDs in the country. It is highly connected through local and international routes — major highways, the Clark International Airport, and Subic International Freeport. The third is City di Mare, a 58-hectare premier development covering a 40-hectare mixed-used sector, a joint venture project of the Cebu City government and Filinvest Land Inc. The township is located on South Road Properties, featuring the eastern seacoast and mountain views, which provide a beautiful backdrop to this community envisioned as Cebu’s next economic center. It is also home to IL Corso Lifemalls, a redefined lifestyle destination for shopping, dining, and leisure, with panoramic views and open spaces.   “These Filinvest townships will also become pioneers of sustainability in their own locations. Our sustainable practices are not exclusive to one community or to our townships as we want other developers to also learn and be inspired by our sustainable practices,” said Ubaldo. “After all, we live on one planet, and we must all work together if we want to save our resources for future generations.”  

Invest in Green

Planning experts and business pundits agree that sustainability is a wise and practical investment and adhering to green practices is an investment in the future. Therefore, Filinvest City and the Filinvest townships are expected to provide an enhanced quality of life for present and future residents.    “There is no better time to invest in a smart, sustainable community than now.  Filinvest townships strengthen its communities with smart city solutions for a better city experience — connecting the city through technology, through nature, and through the people,” said Ubaldo. “Green building developments also improve business reputation as businesses located in a globally recognized green CBD provides multiple competitive advantages – easily capturing the market, clients, and investors."