Transforming possibilities to opportunities for growth
For potential to flourish, it’s necessary to invest resources. That has been the case for trusted developer Pueblo De Oro (PDO), a brand that was willing to bet big on locations that hold potential but are not typically popular among other players. And in doing so, it struck gold as it turned these locations into what are now top, thriving addresses.
Currently, its portfolio consists of notable projects in San Fernando, Pampanga; Santo Tomas and Malvar in Batangas; Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu; and Cagayan De Oro in Misamis Oriental.
PDO president and COO Prim Nolido explained that they have invested in these areas because they saw their potential— not because it’s economical for the company but rather they saw these areas as ideal communities for Filipino families.
Case in point is PDO’s first project: the 400-ha township in CDO, which began with the vision of PDO chair and CEO Guillermo Luchangco.
“Upon seeing the location, [Luchangco] saw the promise of this ‘Marlboro Country’ ... [as a] future economic hub,” Nolido shared.
The same applies to all other locations. Where its leaders saw possibility, PDO gauges opportunities for growth. When it agrees, the transformation begins.
“Our development philosophy goes beyond impressive facades and design,” Nolido said. This intention has prompted PDO to push the envelope, offering quality yet reasonably priced homes in vibrant, strategically located villages. But PDO doesn’t stop there.
The real estate player curates each project into a destination development “that attracts homeowners to locate with us and that adds value that they can enjoy.” Pueblo de Oro Townscapes Malvar is part of a 212-ha development with a commercial area, an educational hub and an industrial park. The CDO township has a golf course and an urban rainforest.
PDO also collaborates with experts and adheres to high standards. Its homes are certified with EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies), a globally recognized citation for energy efficiency and overall well-being, among others. The CDO township was designed by Louis Berger International, renowned for integrating nature into development projects.
PDO has been big on greens and blues, ensuring that at least a third of each development would be open spaces and maximizing natural features. Its 30-ha Cebu township overlooks the Mactan Channel. Its communities in Batangas offer the “work-live-playlearn” lifestyle at the foot of Mount Makiling.
“It is fortuitous that this philosophy has aligned with the ‘new normal’ ways of living resulting from the pandemic,” said Nolido, adding that they will withstand crucial challenges beyond the pandemic, thanks to PDO’s passion for sustainability and “new urbanism.”
“In simpler words, our communities are located close to many amenities and essentials,” said Nolido. “Residents are encouraged to take leisurely strolls to your destination... After work, you can quickly pop over to an exclusive village gym ... or take a long walk outdoors around pocket parks.”
Sustainability also involves resilience, highlighted by PDO’s property in floodprone San Fernando, Pampanga.
Nolido recalled: “Before developing our subdivisions, we invested in a floodwater study ... and spent P150 million to raise the land by 1.5 to 3 m.”
The company has also installed bank protection and erosion mitigation systems in its townships. These additions have helped homeowners dodge disasters and accumulate better returns.
PDO also takes part in the global effort to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry. Pueblo de Oro Townscapes Malvar, for example, innovated its construction process to efficiently build homes while reducing resource wastage and energy consumption.
Finally, when dwellers are already living the life, PDO still reminds them to be sustainable.
“As a conscientious developer, [PDO] goes to great lengths to ensure that each of our master-planned townships and communities offer far-reaching social, economic and environmental benefits,” Nolido said.