ADVERTISEMENT
Manila Bulletin devider Property and Living devider In full bloom: Davao's green future unfolds at Ascenda Estate

In full bloom: Davao's green future unfolds at Ascenda Estate

Ayala Land Inc. develops Davao's southern gateway into a modern community that celebrates nature and sustainability

Published Oct 9, 2025 11:58 pm  |  Updated Oct 10, 2025 09:27 am
Ascenda’s 65-hectare Town Center features a design that blends urban living with nature, creating a vibrant, connected community. (Artist’s perspective)
Ascenda’s 65-hectare Town Center features a design that blends urban living with nature, creating a vibrant, connected community. (Artist’s perspective)
Davao City, once known for its quiet, green landscape, is now rapidly transforming with new roads, rising buildings, and expanding communities. Leading this new wave of growth is Ascenda Estate by Ayala Land Inc. (ALI)—the company’s first horizontal estate and largest investment in Mindanao. This master-planned community in Toril blends suburban comfort with connectivity and convenience, marking the city’s next prime destination and key growth hub.
Inspired by the lotus flowers that bloom in the area’s ponds—a symbol of resilience, renewal, balance, and harmony—Ascenda Estate embodies the forward-looking spirit of Davaoeños and their pursuit of progress. This ₱10.3-billion development reflects the city’s continued growth as a thriving residential hub in the Visayas–Mindanao corridor, featuring distinct residential villages, commercial areas, and open spaces that blend seamlessly with the region’s natural landscape.
At its groundbreaking ceremony in September 2025, Ayala Land President and CEO Meaan Dy, together with Jennylle Tupaz, head of Central Luzon and VisMin estates, and Hon. Rodrigo Duterte II, Davao City Vice Mayor, joined the Zobel and Floriendo families in welcoming this milestone. “Ascenda is well positioned to benefit from Davao’s momentum, providing Davaoeños new space to grow and an environment attuned to their modern, upgraded lifestyles,” Dy shared.
The land where the township stands has long been a place of progress—once home to abaca farms, piggeries, and automobile assembly lines. Now, it begins a new chapter shaped by the same spirit of vision, industry, and innovation that has always defined Davao’s growth.
Yeng Tupaz, Ayala Land head of Central Luzon and Vismin Estates; Chris Maglanoc, Ayala Land Estates group head; Fernando Zobel de Ayala Corp, Ayala Land director; Meean Dy, Ayala Land president and CEO; Ma. Linda Lagdameo, Anflo Group of Companies, chairperson; Davao City Vice Mayor Rigo Duterte II; Ricky Floirendo, Anflo Group of Companies, vice chairman; Jaime Agusto Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land chairman; Cary Lagdameo, Real Estate Construction Group president; Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land head of leasing and hospitality; Paloma Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land creative director for hospitality, premium RBG, and estates; Jay Teodoro, Ayala Land deputy for Vismin Estates
Yeng Tupaz, Ayala Land head of Central Luzon and Vismin Estates; Chris Maglanoc, Ayala Land Estates group head; Fernando Zobel de Ayala Corp, Ayala Land director; Meean Dy, Ayala Land president and CEO; Ma. Linda Lagdameo, Anflo Group of Companies, chairperson; Davao City Vice Mayor Rigo Duterte II; Ricky Floirendo, Anflo Group of Companies, vice chairman; Jaime Agusto Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land chairman; Cary Lagdameo, Real Estate Construction Group president; Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land head of leasing and hospitality; Paloma Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land creative director for hospitality, premium RBG, and estates; Jay Teodoro, Ayala Land deputy for Vismin Estates
Everything’s greener here
Designing an estate goes beyond building spaces, it’s about creating a community that lives in balance with its surroundings. At Ascenda, nature takes center stage. In collaboration with international design firm Henning Larsen, ALI developed a master plan inspired by Singapore’s Bishan Park, weaving together green corridors, waterways, and open spaces that encourage both movement and connection.
Guided by the principles of responsible planning and stewardship, the developer ensures that progress gives back to the land. Biodiversity studies are conducted to map existing flora and fauna, water quality is regularly tested, and roads are realigned to preserve mature trees. Every step reflects the company’s commitment to creating a sustainable community, one that grows with, not against, nature.
Just 16 kilometers from the city center, the 204-hectare development combines accessibility with a close connection to nature. With the upcoming Davao By-Pass Road and existing Coastal Road and Maharlika Highway, travel to key areas will be faster and more convenient. Despite its proximity to the city, the estate maintains a calm, green environment where residents can enjoy both urban access and natural surroundings.
“We refer to Ascenda as ‘Davao’s Nature-Inspired Southern Gateway’ because it draws from Ayala Land’s experience in masterplanning large-scale suburban estates that place nature at the top of their value proposition,” explained Dy.
Within the township, ALI brings together 139 hectares of residential communities, a 65-hectare town center, and green spaces that promote everyday living and connectivity. At the heart of the town center is the Eco Park, designed for both recreation and environmental preservation. The area will also feature commercial lots, shopping streets, and dining options, creating a convenient, well-rounded community that stays close to nature.
The Eco Park, designed with Henning Larsen, is Davao’s first of its kind, a sustainable landmark inspired by Singapore’s Bishan Park that blends beauty, function, and connection. (Artist’s perspective)
The Eco Park, designed with Henning Larsen, is Davao’s first of its kind, a sustainable landmark inspired by Singapore’s Bishan Park that blends beauty, function, and connection. (Artist’s perspective)
The Town Center will feature prime commercial lots, greenways, and shopping streets lined with global and local retail, dining, and lifestyle concepts. (Artist’s perspective)
The Town Center will feature prime commercial lots, greenways, and shopping streets lined with global and local retail, dining, and lifestyle concepts. (Artist’s perspective)
The estate’s design weaves nature into the urban landscape with green corridors, waterways, and open spaces. (Artist’s perspective)
The estate’s design weaves nature into the urban landscape with green corridors, waterways, and open spaces. (Artist’s perspective)
Along Ascenda Drive, a community church will rise as a serene architectural landmark for the township.
Along Ascenda Drive, a community church will rise as a serene architectural landmark for the township.
The estate’s exclusive address
Part of what makes Ascenda Estate special is Virendo, Ayala Land Premier’s newest luxury community in Davao. Designed with space, calm, and connection in mind, it’s where everyday living meets nature’s quiet rhythm.
Spanning 37.4 hectares, Virendo features 150 residential lots on elevated land surrounded by greenery and natural waterways. Nearly 67 percent of the property is devoted to open spaces, giving each home room to breathe. Its Courtyard layout encourages close family ties and neighborly connections while preserving privacy.
The community includes two main amenity centers for leisure and recreation. The Residents’ Lounge near the main entrance provides indoor and outdoor areas with a lawn for gatherings, while the Sports and Leisure Center at the highest point features a social hall, pool, open lawn, and multi-purpose court.
For Davaoeños, the development offers more than modern living, it offers a community that grows with them. Rooted in nature and guided by vision, it reflects the city’s forward-looking spirit and respect for the environment. As Davao continues to evolve, the township stands as a reminder that progress and nature can thrive together.

Related Tags

Ayala Land Inc. Ascenda Estate Meaan Dy Virendo
ADVERTISEMENT
.most-popular .layout-ratio{ padding-bottom: 79.13%; } @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px) { .widget-title { font-size: 15px !important; } }

{{ articles_filter_1561_widget.title }}

{{ item.title }}
.most-popular .layout-ratio{ padding-bottom: 79.13%; } @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px) { .widget-title { font-size: 15px !important; } }

{{ articles_filter_1562_widget.title }}

{{ item.title }}
.most-popular .layout-ratio{ padding-bottom: 79.13%; } @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px) { .widget-title { font-size: 15px !important; } }

{{ articles_filter_1563_widget.title }}

{{ item.title }}

{{ articles_filter_1564_widget.title }}

{{ item.title }}
.mb-article-details { position: relative; } .mb-article-details .article-body-preview, .mb-article-details .article-body-summary{ font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; font-family: "Libre Caslon Text", serif; color: #000; } .mb-article-details .article-body-preview iframe , .mb-article-details .article-body-summary iframe{ width: 100%; margin: auto; } .read-more-background { background: linear-gradient(180deg, color(display-p3 1.000 1.000 1.000 / 0) 13.75%, color(display-p3 1.000 1.000 1.000 / 0.8) 30.79%, color(display-p3 1.000 1.000 1.000) 72.5%); position: absolute; height: 200px; width: 100%; bottom: 0; display: flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center; padding: 0; } .read-more-background a{ color: #000; } .read-more-btn { padding: 17px 45px; font-family: Inter; font-weight: 700; font-size: 18px; line-height: 16px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border: 1px solid black; background-color: white; } .hidden { display: none; }
function initializeAllSwipers() { // Get all hidden inputs with cms_article_id document.querySelectorAll('[id^="cms_article_id_"]').forEach(function (input) { const cmsArticleId = input.value; const articleSelector = '#article-' + cmsArticleId + ' .body_images'; const swiperElement = document.querySelector(articleSelector); if (swiperElement && !swiperElement.classList.contains('swiper-initialized')) { new Swiper(articleSelector, { loop: true, pagination: false, navigation: { nextEl: '#article-' + cmsArticleId + ' .swiper-button-next', prevEl: '#article-' + cmsArticleId + ' .swiper-button-prev', }, }); } }); } setTimeout(initializeAllSwipers, 3000); const intersectionObserver = new IntersectionObserver( (entries) => { entries.forEach((entry) => { if (entry.isIntersecting) { const newUrl = entry.target.getAttribute("data-url"); if (newUrl) { history.pushState(null, null, newUrl); let article = entry.target; // Extract metadata const author = article.querySelector('.author-section').textContent.replace('By', '').trim(); const section = article.querySelector('.section-info ').textContent.replace(' ', ' '); const title = article.querySelector('.article-title h1').textContent; // Parse URL for Chartbeat path format const parsedUrl = new URL(newUrl, window.location.origin); const cleanUrl = parsedUrl.host + parsedUrl.pathname; // Update Chartbeat configuration if (typeof window._sf_async_config !== 'undefined') { window._sf_async_config.path = cleanUrl; window._sf_async_config.sections = section; window._sf_async_config.authors = author; } // Track virtual page view with Chartbeat if (typeof pSUPERFLY !== 'undefined' && typeof pSUPERFLY.virtualPage === 'function') { try { pSUPERFLY.virtualPage({ path: cleanUrl, title: title, sections: section, authors: author }); } catch (error) { console.error('ping error', error); } } // Optional: Update document title if (title && title !== document.title) { document.title = title; } } } }); }, { threshold: 0.1 } ); function showArticleBody(button) { const article = button.closest("article"); const summary = article.querySelector(".article-body-summary"); const body = article.querySelector(".article-body-preview"); const readMoreSection = article.querySelector(".read-more-background"); // Hide summary and read-more section summary.style.display = "none"; readMoreSection.style.display = "none"; // Show the full article body body.classList.remove("hidden"); } document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", () => { let loadCount = 0; // Track how many times articles are loaded const offset = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]; // Offset values const currentUrl = window.location.pathname.substring(1); let isLoading = false; // Prevent multiple calls if (!currentUrl) { console.log("Current URL is invalid."); return; } const sentinel = document.getElementById("load-more-sentinel"); if (!sentinel) { console.log("Sentinel element not found."); return; } function isSentinelVisible() { const rect = sentinel.getBoundingClientRect(); return ( rect.top < window.innerHeight && rect.bottom >= 0 ); } function onScroll() { if (isLoading) return; if (isSentinelVisible()) { if (loadCount >= offset.length) { console.log("Maximum load attempts reached."); window.removeEventListener("scroll", onScroll); return; } isLoading = true; const currentOffset = offset[loadCount]; window.loadMoreItems().then(() => { let article = document.querySelector('#widget_1690 > div:nth-last-of-type(2) article'); intersectionObserver.observe(article) loadCount++; }).catch(error => { console.error("Error loading more items:", error); }).finally(() => { isLoading = false; }); } } window.addEventListener("scroll", onScroll); });
Join Our Newsletters

Sign up by email to receive news.

© 2025 Manila Bulletin The Nation's Leading Newspaper. All Rights Reserved.