With the announcement coming from PLDT and Filinvest Alabang Inc. about the move of PLDT to the Filinvest City’s Central Business District for its future headquarters, and as the site of where they plan to develop their first tech campus; it was not lost on me the significance of this exciting new chapter unfolding for Filinvest City. We have had Filinvest City join us for our Manila Bulletin Sustainability Forum over the years we’ve mounted the Forum, and they’ve always possessed the unique proposition of talking as a real estate developer with a LEED Gold Certification and 3-Star BERDE Districts Certification.

That’s not just a slew of residential buildings, or several office structures; but a whole CBD that’s unified via intentional forward planning and future-proofing; and following exacting Green & Sustainable standards that are recognized globally. They have this LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, and that’s complemented by a 3-Star BERDE certification, coming from the Philippine Green Building Council - to date, the first and only township to hold both certifications.

So I felt it was extremely rewarding for Filinvest City to have a corporate giant such as PLDT recognize Filinvest City’s long-term vision, and commitment to sustainability-focused developments. It validates the infrastructure readiness, the strategic master-planning that has been at the core of Filinvest’s DNA - embedded in how they operate, and do things. 

As Josephine Gotianun-Yap, Vice Chairperson of Filinvest Development Corporation remarked, “Filinvest City was designed with intention - to foster an environment where businesses thrive, innovation flourishes, and people live well. We believe a great city is not simply a backdrop to success, but a catalyst for it.”

“We at Filinvest remain committed to driving growth and enabling meaningful collaborations - especially with PLDT - as it pursues its mission to empower Filipinos through meaningful connections, digital inclusion, and sustainable progress.”

As our nation’s largest and most established integrated telecommunications and digital services company, this decision of PLDT is an affirmation of Filinvest City’s capability to support large scale corporate headquarters and tech-driven campuses. It will be the first ever tech campus of PLDT in the country, occupying some 5 hectares of this CBD setting. Envisioned as a workplace that fosters collaboration, innovation, digital transformation, and employee wellness, there’s a scale to this PLDT tech campus that’s beyond impressive. 

We shouldn’t underestimate the long term impact and repercussions of this PLDT move in Filinvest City. While already known as the Garden City of the Metro South, the new PLDT development elevates Filinvest City’s status as a tech and innovation hub, one that will surely cater to different life stages of people living in the Metro South. The project will generate thousands of jobs during both the construction and operational phases. This will lead to an increased demand for residential units, commercial spaces, and lifestyle amenities. So don’t be surprised if the ripple effect will favorably impact property owners, investors, and related businesses within Filinvest City; and in general, the Metro South area. 

In terms of manpower requirements and movement, expect more top talent, innovators, and professionals to gravitate towards Filinvest City, looking to be part of this PLDT migration. Inspired by world-class tech campuses around the globe, PLDT is seeking to set a new standard for corporate office development in the Philippines—where they can centralize their leadership and operations. Meticulously planned for years, this is no coincidence or stroke of luck; the decision to bring this vision of the PLDT future to life at Filinvest City has long been in the making.

PLDT’s entry will likely create a snowball effect, paving the way for other multinational corporations, large enterprises, and tech-driven companies to now consider Filinvest City as their ‘future home’ as well. This is especially so if the company is connected to PLDT in some way or manner - part of their supply chain, as contractors, or as stakeholder. And Filinvest City has been prepared for this recognition for years now. 

The LEED Gold Certification for Neighborhood Development recognizes Filinvest City’s master-planned development, including aspects such as transit accessibility, open spaces, energy efficiency and water conservation. It considers factors such as carbon, energy, water, waste, transportation, materials, and indoor environmental quality. 

The BERDE 3-star certification was given three years ago, proving yet again that at Filinvest City, ‘green’ and ‘sustainability’ are not just buzzwords of the day - but form part of the promise of how Filinvest defines townships, and develop along lines that are resource efficient, economically viable, and utilize socially responsible design, construction and operations of projects and properties. 

There may have been a time when other developers wondered if the substantial investment Filinvest was placing on these accreditations and maintaining high standards of Sustainability, was worth the monumental effort. Without a doubt, no one is wondering anymore. Slowly coming to fruition is the reward for the Gotianun vision for Filinvest City, and for the wisdom of sticking to that vision. 

As Andrew L. Gotianun, Sr., founder of Filinvest Development Corporation, once said: “Our vision for Filinvest City is a total and complete environment—conducive to meeting the demands of the new global business setting, enriching the lives of those working and residing in the city, and inspiring new generations to come.”