The growth of broadband and mobile cellular subscriptions in the country heralded the digitalization of Filipinos’ daily lives at work and play. By the end of 2009, there were 2.5 million broadband subscribers and 75 million mobile subscribers in 2010, based on the report by BuddeComm, a telecom, media and technology research and consultancy company. These developments also hasten the integration of technology into households following Filipinos’ growing interest in adopting a modern lifestyle of luxury and convenience, as chronicled by the Manila Bulletin.
The early introduction of home automation in Filipino households came with remote-controlled appliances and Internet access. Followed by smart homes installed with an intelligent home network and furnished with smart home appliances and devices that were operated and controlled through smartphones and voice assistants.
The foundation of smart home technology is the Internet of Things (IoT), a network that allows devices to communicate with each other and with the homeowner remotely. A smart home is equipped with devices such as entertainment controls (multi-media controls, home theatre systems), smart home appliances (washer, vacuum cleaners), video surveillance and access control (software, biometric access), HVAC control (fans, vents), smart kitchen (cookers, refrigerators), smart lighting control (daylight sensors, dimmers), and smart furniture (chairs, desks), as well as smoke detectors and smart meters. With an improved home management system, homeowners also reap energy savings from energy-efficient smart home devices.
With these tech-based conveniences, homeowners have the advantage of enhanced appliance functionality and flexibility, energy efficiency, supervised security, centralized operational control, real-time motion detection and surveillance, and notifications during flood or other emergencies.
Steady growth
In the succeeding years, the growing middle class and their disposable incomes also prompted the increasing demand for smart homes. In addition, initiatives by the government promoted digitalization and technological advancements, thereby creating an environment suitable for the adoption of smart homes.
In 2018, Manila Bulletin reported Greenfield Development as one of the pioneers of smart home development. Twin Oaks in Greenfield, Mandaluyong City was touted as the “first future-ready” home in the country. Its Fiber-to-the Home (FTTH) framework provided units with connectivity that allowed “home automation, remote viewing and security controls, lightning-fast data downloads, and real-time streaming of in-demand TV-specials”.
With improved internet connectivity, 8.8 percent of individuals in the country owned at least a single smart home device in 2022, according to MarkNtel Advisors, a leading consulting, data analytics, and market research firm. This number rose to 10.4 percent in 2023.
Today, RLC Residences, one of the leaders of the property sector with its innovative and sustainable properties, was recognized locally and abroad for offering smart homes in their recent developments such as Le Pont Residences, Mantawi Residences, Mira Residences, and Sierra Valley Gardens. Their residential units are fitted with energy-efficient smart light, and remote-controlled smart power outlets. For enhanced security, residents are provided with audio-visual intercom, and Smart Lock with fingerprint access, numeric passcode, physical key card, and a special app.
Solid future
MarkNtel Advisors forecasts “more than four million consumers will own smart home devices by 2026, raising the penetration rate of smart home devices to around 16 percent.” Statista, an online platform specializing in data gathering and visualization, cites that “the smart home in the Philippines is experiencing a surge in demand” and “household penetration will be 61.7 percent in 2025, and is expected to hit 74.9 percent by 2029.” With the increasing demand for tech-driven and connected living spaces, more key players in the property sector are expected to respond by adopting smart home technology into their properties. This will further push the boundaries of real estate development marked by tech-backed innovation and lifestyle-based developments.
From a technological standpoint, smart homes will soon be marked by AI-enabled IoT network. From remote automation of households, the combination of AI and IoT will allow learning and adaption of devices over time. Through IoT, physical devices can collect and exchange data. In time, this will enable the AI system to analyze, build patterns, automate tasks, and adapt to changing conditions, taking the home living experience to the next level of convenience and luxury.
In anticipation of these forward-looking scenarios, the Manila Bulletin, as one of the nation's leading media companies, continues to streamline and innovate its capabilities to serve, inspire, and help its audience make informed decisions and better choices suited for their lifestyle. As one of the industry’s stakeholders, the Manila Bulletin embraces its role of informing and articulating these developments inside Filipino homes, and in the property sector at large.