ArthaLand, the foremost green developer whose projects are recognized by both local and global organizations for their superior design, high quality standards and focus on sustainability and innovation, today signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines to support its Forests For Water Program to help ensure the sustainability of our water and forest resources. WWF Philippines is a key partner of ArthaLand to help advocate sustainability in the country. ArthaLand will adopt 10 hectares within the Ipo watershed in Norzagaray, Bulacan and assist in the natural regeneration of existing tree species thereby contributing to the water sustainability for the 12 million residents of Metro Manila. Apart from planting over 5,000 trees, ArthaLand will expand its involvement to forest management to ensure that the planted trees will actually grow to provide their benefits to the environment.
“The careful use and preservation of water supply is a top priority in all our developments. From the installation and implementation of water saving measures such as low flow, water efficient plumbing fixtures as well as sensor type controls for public lavatories, or through the use of innovative wastewater technologies, we are committed to reduce, reuse and recycle,” said Leo T. Po, Executive Vice President and Treasurer of ArthaLand.
“But with the looming water shortage in Metro Manila and with water scarcity foreseen as the next major global crisis, it is imperative for us as a green developer to reach out and do our part to boost other water conservation initiatives.”
The Forests for Water Program’s main thrust goes beyond the normal tree planting activities by adopting a more holistic approach that includes the rehabilitation and enhancement of existing forests and not just the denuded areas. This ensures the protection and management of Ipo Watershed that ultimately leads to a sustainable water supply for Metro Manila. With a long-term sustainability plan in place, livelihood opportunities are also provided for the community of Dumagats living in the area and the recovery from once-rampant illegal logging is maximized.
The signing coincides with the groundbreaking ceremonies for Sevina Park – ArthaLand’s first mixed-use horizontal development and the first development in the Philippines to aim for LEED Neighborhood Development. It will have a townhouse villa component with limited edition 2-,3- and 4-bedroom designer homes by renowned architectural practice – Leandro V. Locsin and Partners. The 4-bedroom villas will hold also the distinction of being the first certified LEED Home in the country.
The entire community of Sevina Park was masterplanned by Boston-based design firm Sasaki Associates, Inc., where 60% percent of the 8.1-hectare land area of Sevina Park will be dedicated to green and open spaces. A groundbreaking ceremony was conducted today to inaugurate the start of construction of the development. To further enhance the lush greenery and to promote biodiversity in the area, ArthaLand simultaneously opened Sevina Park’s tree nursery and composting facility and held a tree-planting activity of endemic and endangered trees participated in by management and directors of ArthaLand, VIPs from WWF, LV Locsin and Partners, and directors of the Philippine Green Building Council. Arthaland will incorporate endangered and endemic trees in all their developments.