Vista Estates’ new micro-city in Bataan is a model of green living
Embracing sustainability has long been inherent in Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. Such a mindset is well ingrained in the way the country’s largest integrated property developer masterplans and develops its mixed-use projects, business hubs and commercial centers across the country, ever mindful of their impact on the communities and the environment.
One masterplanned community that exemplifies this commitment to integrating green measures can be found in the City of Balanga in Bataan, particularly in Verida by Vista Estates.
BATAAN AS AN IDEAL HUB
Located about 120 km north of Metro Manila, the province of Bataan is famous for many reasons. It boasts, for example, of a rich history that celebrates the heroism of Filipino and American soldiers during World War II, while its heritage and ecotourism destinations have since been attracting local and foreign tourists to this Central Luzon province.
At the same time, investors have found an ideal hub in Bataan as the province is nestled within the country’s growth triad corridor comprising the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone, Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone and Metro Manila. Cited in 2021 as the country’s most business-friendly province by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Bataan is currently home to freeports and industrial zones that host manufacturing facilities, warehouses and offices that serve global businesses.
ECONOMIC UPSURGE
Its capital, Balanga City, aptly mirrors the vibrancy of the province. While primarily a residential zone that has agriculture and tourism as its livelihood source, Balanga has seen rapid growth in its commercial sector over the past several years.
Today, Balanga is Bataan’s prime commercial hub—the center for trade and services in the province, with businesses mostly in wholesale and retail, construction, finance, tourism and manufacturing. While the city’s eastern section is highly urbanized with offices, commercial and leisure hubs, the western side is meanwhile blessed with farmland, grassland and forests, and is mostly agricultural.
Given the presence of learning institutions and a state university here, Balanga is also dubbed as the “Education Center of the Province”. In fact, its city government is working towards its vision of becoming a “Smart University Town” by 2030, and a center for global technology businesses by focusing on ICT and AI courses.
With all these in place, Balanga is shaping up to be an ideal place to live, work and raise a family, with the presence of modern conveniences, thriving industries, business and employment opportunities, a strong learning atmosphere and natural, scenic surroundings.
All the more is Balanga a fitting home for a rising premier eco-estate like the 50-ha Verida by Vista Estates.
INSPIRED BY THE GARDEN CITY OF SINGAPORE
With a lofty vision to become the country’s foremost archetype of a green, sustainable estate, Verida is taking cues from Singapore, ranked as the most sustainable city in Asia and the fourth in the world according to the 2018 Sustainable Cities Index.
The “Lion City” is recognized as a “City in a Garden” with nearly 50 percent green cover and 72 ha of rooftop gardens and green walls. It is also among the 20 most carbon-efficient countries in the world.
Verida—a portmanteau of the Spanish words “verde” and “vida”, which mean green and life respectively—is well positioned to achieve that vision. This estate sits on a wide expanse sectioned into three nodes, all geared towards
achieving the development’s sustainability goals.
The Square will be a smart metropolis that includes VistaMall, hotels and a convention center. The Garden Promenade will meanwhile feature lush green places for ecotourism, vertical estate living, retail and dining enterprises, as well as The Galerie, a shared street dotted with lush pocket gardens, play areas and eco-reading pods.
The third node, The Park District, will be a socio-cultural hub that includes a church and a plaza, all designed to ignite passion for the community, and for the preservation of cultural heritage.
Wide open spaces, eco tourism opportunities, and renewable energy advocacies will further help Verida in its vision to become Bataan’s premier eco-estate.
GREEN SPACES
Future residents and locators can expect structures cocooned by green walls, roof gardens and areas offering ample breathing room. Designed to be a sanctuary, Verida seeks to create a feeling of spaciousness, openness and refreshing cleanliness.
Living spaces, designed to meet the needs of modern-day urban dwellers, are also well integrated into the estate, surrounded by natural environs similar to the passive parks of Singapore.
Meanwhile, the cultural plaza, business nexus, retail district, tourism district, medical centers, technology hub and vertical residences are strategically laid out throughout the estate. These key features ensure the convenience of residents, guests and locators.
Accessibility further defines Verida’s masterplan, which ensures easy movement across the estate, quick access to essentials and other needs, and connectivity to surrounding areas. Nearby are access points to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), the Subic-ClarkTarlac Expressway (SCTEx), and the Bataan Provincial Highway, which will allow one to reach Verida easily from Metro Manila or from anywhere in Central Luzon.
Investors and homebuyers are well assured here at Verida as Vista Land is investing in this masterplanned development to ensure that Vista Estates will make good on its promise to create superior offerings and deliver excellent long-term investment growth.
Designed to be a sanctuary, Verida seeks to create a feeling of spaciousness, openness and refreshing cleanliness