SMART, DISASTER-RESILIENT ADDRESS OF THE FUTURE
Giant real estate developer Filinvest describes its 288-hectare development as a “smart townscape.” Its latest update in September said that the first phase of FNCC is expected to be completed in the “near future” that includes the first 60 hectares of Filinvest Innovation Park
It is going to be Christmas less than 20 days from now. With a more subdued and introspective Yuletide due largely to the lockdown and the effect of the pandemic, a lot of people are now thinking of their future.
They say that whenever an economy is down or bearish, it is the best time to buy investments such as property and real estate as the conditions are made favorable for buyers. Many developers are giving special promos and incentive. Banks have been offering reduced lending rates and better loan terms after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has been lowering the interest rates since the pandemic began early this year. BSP cut the borrowing rate to 2 percent on 19 November, setting the tone for banks to price their loans, credit card and deposit rates.
As such, it is now the best time for most to think of a future that
includes a property that would be considered a smart investment in the decades to come.
Metro Manila has been overpopulated for a long time, with the 2015 Census stating that the metropolis has a population of 12.8 million. It has also seen many incidences of flooding due to the onslaught of supertyphoons in the last decade, the most recent is Ulysses (Vamco) that left many parts of the metropolis and even provinces in Luzon flooded. Efforts have been made to decongest the metropolis with enticing developments in neighboring cities and municipalities.
One of these is seen as an ideal prospect for those who want to live in a community that puts a premium on a master-planned, sustainable development.
What’s coming
New Clark City (NCC) in Tarlac is a 9,450-hectare planned community managed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). It has two districts, namely, the National Government Administrative Center (NGAC) and the Filinvest New Clark City (FNCC).
It is bounded by two mountains, on its east side is the famous Sierra Madre mountain range while on its western front is the Zambales mountain range. Its minimum
elevation is at 54 meters (177 feet) above sea level while its planned central park will serve as flood catchment basin.
“It has a smart- planned ecosystem that combines innovation with sustainability. Here, we will build mixed-use districts – industrial, residential, educational and commercial — where everyone can live, work, play and learn as one,” its website stated.
The two districts are encouraging future residents as both offer basic necessities such as government offices, residential communities, schools, hospitals and commercial establishments.
Through Executive Order 119 signed on 17 November 2020, NGAC will provide an integrated government center outside the National Capital Region (Metro Manila) in case of disaster as well as mandated the establishment of satellite offices of government agencies.
Phase 1A of NGAC includes the sports complex that features the Athletes Village, NCC Athletics Stadium and NCC Aquatics Center, which were used during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. It will also include a satellite office of the Office of the President of the Philippines, disaster risk management agencies, a 500unit condominium housing for government employees and a river park.
Giant real estate developer Filinvest describes its 288-hectare development as a “smart townscape.” Its latest update in September said that the first phase of FNCC is expected to be completed in the “near future” that includes the first 60 hectares of Filinvest Innovation Park.