Green developer eyeing VisMin IT-BPM market

Boutique property developer Arthaland is bullish on the upbeat growth of the real estate market in Visayas and Mindanao, specifically in Cebu, which is fueled by the Information Technology and Business Process Management sectors.

"We are bullish on the Vismin market given its fast paced growth in the past few years. We believe that Cebu, being a global hub in this part of the country, plays a major role in further lifting Central and Southern Philippines' economy," said Arthaland president and chief executive officer Angiel de Villa-Lacson in a statement.

The company, known for its leadership in the green real estate segment, acquired a prime property along Salinas Drive in Cebu, where it is currently building a world-class green office building that can provide some 51,000 square meters of high grade space to the local market on the first phase.

The property, which is strategically located adjacent to the Cebu IT Park, was acquired through its subsidiary, Cebu Lavana Land Corporation.

"Further growth potential is there because of well educated Visayans and sound business environment. Arthaland will be a strong partner in the growth of Visayas and Mindanao by bringing in our experience in building world class, boutique, and sustainable projects in Cebu," added Lacson.

With its investment in Cebu, Lacson said the company's objective is to be able to provide more opportunities to Cebuanos and the rest of VisMin to participate in the global business.

Nina Cordero, the company's senior vice president for project and business development, pointed out that Arthaland will make sure that the company will take part in the progress of Visayas and Mindanao beginning with the company's project in Cebu.

"We will build a project that Cebuanos and the rest of VisMin will want to invest in, to work in, and be proud of because of Arthaland's mark of quality and sustainability," said Cordero.

The publicly-listed property developer's flagship residential project is Arya Residences, a two tower boutique condominium in Mckinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), and the Arthaland Century Pacific Tower, located at the corner of 5th Avenue and 30th street in BGC.

Property analyst and director for research and advisory services for Colliers International Julius Guevara confirmed that Cebu had become the second BPO location in the country following Metro Manila.

Some BPO locators, Guevara said have established operations here so that they will have a redundant site to back-up their offices in the national capital region. —