14/05/2024
A New Standard of Living for Global Filipinos
Global interest in the Philippine real estate sector, fueled by advancements in logistics and transportation, is redefining living standards of Filipinos here and abroad.
With the Philippines projected to be among the top 18 economies in the world within the next 25 years, real estate investment interest has surged exponentially over the last decade. Many of those interested are Filipinos living abroad, sometimes for more than a generation, who are either planning to return or seeking a stake in the country’s future by investing in real estate, known as one of the safest investments.
Ayala Land plays a crucial role in this trend, guiding clients through the process of choosing the perfect property, whether remotely or in person. “We started in 2005 with a small operation targeting the U.S. and Asia,” says company president Bing Gumboc, “but we have grown significantly.”
With 450 in-house tactical teams, over 1,000 global marketing partners, and offices in the U.S., Singapore, Hong Kong, Milan, and Dubai, Ayala Land is not only thriving but also setting a global standard in international real estate marketing. The company’s post-pandemic growth figures are remarkable, with a 45% increase in overall operations and a 157% surge in the United Arab Emirates. This interest extends beyond Filipinos planning to return home; even third and fourth-generation Filipinos with no plans to return are investing in their homeland while it remains affordable. “This is extremely encouraging for us,” says Gumboc, “because our goal is to help Filipinos secure the fruits of their labor, build their dreams solidly, and support the growth of the Philippines.”
Innovative living concepts are also transforming the industry, with sustainable solutions leading the way. Italpinas, a pioneer in green building, entered the market in 2009 with a vision: to provide energy-saving, sustainable living solutions without increasing costs. “We focus mainly on passive green design strategies incorporated into the architecture itself,” explains CEO Romolo Nati. By enhancing natural ventilation, recycling water, generating power with solar panels, and shading building facades, Italpinas designs reduce air conditioning usage by a third, which can account for up to 60% of a household's energy consumption in the Philippines.
Italpinas’ commitment to sustainability and hard work has established it as a prominent name in the Philippine real estate market. “I fell in love with the Filipino environment, the people, and the opportunities here,” adds Nati with a smile. “If you have vision and discipline, you can succeed here.”
Facilitating this transformation is Fast Logistics, a leader in intelligent transportation. The company provides comprehensive solutions for local and multinational companies, including warehousing, distribution, and logistics services across the Philippines' 7,641 islands. Primarily handling fast-moving consumer goods, Fast Logistics offers extensive inland, air, and sea forwarding and courier services. “We expanded as our customers' needs grew, branching into warehousing, distribution, and more, always striving to support our clients every step of the way,” says CEO William B. Chiongbian II.
By leveraging technological solutions like the Honeywell system for automated warehousing, Fast Logistics has enhanced efficiency and grown past many competitors. With optimism about the Philippines' agro-industrial future under new government policies, the company anticipates significant growth. “We have the lowest median age in the region, and we’ve crossed the per capita income mark of $3,000 not only in large cities but also in smaller ones,” Chiongbian adds. “This should make anyone operating in the Philippines or considering moving operations here very optimistic.” (LA Times) # # #
