CEBU CITY – Top Philippine real estate developers are keeping a bright outlook despite rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and renewed uncertainty under the Trump administration in the United States.

During the recent 2025 Annual Real Estate Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, key developers doubled down on their optimism, citing sustained local demand, resilient Overseas Foreign Worker (OFW) remittances, and an evolving buyer market across Visayas and Mindanao.

Wee Community Developers Inc., one of the earliest proponents of regional expansion, has been accelerating developments in Davao, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, and Southern Luzon.

Project Director Carlson Choa emphasized that geopolitical disturbances have minimal material impact on their supply pipeline, citing the company’s lean, non-township scale model.

“Historically, we’ve weathered disruptions – from conflict zones to policy shocks – because our developments are agile, and the demand base remains solid. Supply is manageable, and margins remain healthy,” Choa said at the sidelines of the summit that had 1,000 brokers and industry players.

Weecom, now in its 15th year, continues to innovate around broker engagement – offering generous incentives, global travel rewards, and consistent production-based bonuses.

In the past five years, it has awarded 46 cars to top producers. Choa notes a shift to short-cycle goals across four regions, providing quarterly motivators atop long-term annual targets.

Jose Soberano III, Chief Executive Officer of listed property firm Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI), echoed similar confidence, particularly in the resilience of the OFW segment.

“Even in the worst global scenarios, Filipino workers remain in demand – especially in healthcare and technical professions. Our economy’s dependence on remittances isn’t going anywhere. If anything, we’re seeing continued strength from this market,” Soberano said, noting OFW remittances as a “GDP fixture.”

In Cebu, the company is progressing in several fronts, including infrastructure alignment for its Minglanilla-based Ming-Mori Techno Business Hub. Socialized housing and road widening initiatives are also underway, addressing relocation needs of communities impacted by development.

Cebu-based King Properties is also scaling rapidly beyond its home turf.

King Properties’ CEO Juanito King confirmed active projects in Iloilo and Bacolod, with two residential developments already completed in Bacolod, and two more underway.

“We’ve studied the market carefully, and Bacolod is now proving highly feasible for mid-end and mixed-use products,” he said.

King highlighted the firm's broker-first strategy, with simplified commission processing and performance incentives rolled out across its 12 projects in Cebu and six in other provinces.

Primeworld Land Holdings, meanwhile, has diversified into hospitality. CEO Sherwin Uy said their flagship Mactan development – a 4.5-hectare resort township that includes a Hilton-branded hotel – remains on track for full completion by 2028.

“Our strategy includes turning residential momentum into resort-scale livability. With Mactan’s airport accessibility, we’re banking on tourism-backed investment confidence,” Uy said. He noted that their 10-story Primeworld Point in Lahug is set for turnover next month, followed by a 30-story high-rise on V. Rama Ave.

Despite rising material costs due to global unrest, Uy said their operations remain largely unaffected. “The pricing pressure is real, but investor confidence in Cebu is stable. We’re in growth mode,” he added.

Grand Land Inc., the property arm of the Gaisano Grand Group, is embracing a township strategy in Davao and Cebu. President Ryan Bernard Go confirmed partnerships with hospitality groups such as Ascott and Dusit for branded hotels and resorts, including a 35-story Oakwood tower and a 400-key hotel development inside Grand Residences.

“During the pandemic, we reevaluated our project pipeline to reflect evolving lifestyles. We’re back on track with mixed-use projects in Nivel Hills and Banawa, and a small resort in Oslob under Dusit’s Asai brand targeting 2027,” Go said.

The firm is also transforming a portion of its Grand Residences compound into a hospitality space, complete with a 1,000-seat ballroom and enhanced convention facilities.

Damosa Land, the real estate arm of the Floirendo Group, is setting its sights firmly on Mindanao.

President and CEO Ricardo “Cary” Lagdameo confirmed ongoing developments in Davao and General Santos, including industrial parks and co-working hubs totaling over 20,000-square meters.

Plans are also in motion to expand into Cagayan de Oro and other Mindanao cities.

“Infrastructure lags behind private development, and that’s a real challenge,” Lagdameo noted. “But the market remains dynamic – even amid global issues. Middle East-based buyers may adopt a wait-and-see stance, but demand hasn’t disappeared.”