As both the country and the world at large continue to grapple with the current health situation, SM Development Corporation (SMDC) President, Jose Mari Banzon declared that there will be no letup in the company’s commitment to invest heavily in projects that meet the needs of the country’s population.
Banzon stressed that the industry will stay afloat despite the pandemic due to the constant presence of elements fueling the industry’s growth – shortage in housing, young and educated workforce, and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who remit over US$30 billion back annually.
Addressing Market Needs
With younger Filipinos comprising 70% of the workforce, the property giant continues to distinguish itself as an appealing investment for a market composed mostly of OFWs and young future homeowners.
“SMDC developed residential features designed to meet the multi-faceted needs of young Filipinos,” Banzon explained. “The residential designs of our developments include powerful connectivity, shared working spaces, accommodating towards ride-sharing services and many features geared towards wellness, safety, and security – hallmark features of any modern living space,” Banzon continued.
Strategic Locations
While various industry players halted their projects, SMDC was able to kickstart its rebuilding and development projects, launching projects in central business districts of Metro Manila such as Makati and the Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex, and in growth centers in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
With accessibility and sustainability in mind, SMDC continues to build on central locations that provide affordable yet luxurious living. As one of the country’s fastest growing developers, strategic locations near retail environments, business districts, transport hubs, medical facilities, government services, essential goods and services are important in maximizing the benefits for residents by placing their needs as close to their homes as possible.
Ongoing infrastructure projects involving mass transport systems and road networks are expected to contribute to the continued growth of the industry.
Commitment to ESG
On top of plans to reaching a wider market, SMDC’s commitment to ESG continues to be a driving force to help in nation-building through the creation of affordable housing that puts a premium on residents’ physical, mental and emotional well-being.
All developments meet standards in terms of resilience and minimizing environmental impact. SMDC ensures that its projects are disaster-ready, energy-efficient, PWD-friendly and that they incorporate open spaces abundant of greenery, natural lighting, ventilation and waste management systems.
SMDC creates communities that are secure, inclusive, and that positively impact the quality of life of residents.
On top of its many community services, SMDC conducted COVID-19 vaccination drives in partnership with LGUs and the Philippine Red Cross. To date, it has inoculated more than 5,000 residents.
Other key efforts include a health and wellness caravan, held in partnership with the SM Foundation, the Philippine Red Cross, and the Department of Health, which allowed residents to get screened for a variety of medical conditions.
The Good Guys weekend markets made it easy for SMDC residents to conveniently purchase fresh and affordable produce straight from the growers themselves. Evident in these initiatives, empowerment is a consistent thrust for SMDC, not only for the communities they have built, but also for those who live around them as well.
To surmount various livelihood setbacks caused by the pandemic, SMDC held trainings and provided rent-free spaces for people to pursue the path of entrepreneurship. “Protect Our Community” sessions were held to equip residents with the skills needed for disaster-preparedness as well as crime and calamitsy response.
By working to empower the communities they create, SMDC serves as a catalyst for community engagement – fostering a sense of camaraderie and altruism extending beyond the walls of their homes.
SMDC Today
Since the pandemic, SMDC has launched ten projects. Two new formats were introduced: a residential-office development known as ICE Tower, and SMDC JOY Residences, a garden community with 4-floor residential buildings. SMDC is slated to launch five new developments by the end of 2021.
With Banzon’s optimism, these projects and activities prove that SMDC pushed through the current challenges and continues to stay on track of its business goals, its commitment to ESG, and the greater good of further building a more connected nation.
To learn more about SMDC, visit https://smdc.com/.
