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Why Cebu is an attractive location for multinational locators

As the world recovers from the economic impacts of the pandemic and lockdowns, Cebu remains to be an attractive business location especially for multinational locators.  
 
In its latest property report, KMC noted that commercial rents in Metro Cebu are beginning to stabilize and gradually improve as the sector transitions to the new normal. With a diversified real estate portfolio, impressive infrastructure, and ease of transport and access, local and foreign companies consider Cebu as its location for expansion. 
 
Diversified Real Estate Portfolio 
 
Metro Cebu’s main business districts, Cebu Business Park and Cebu IT Park are home to around 81,000 sq m of Grade A office spaces. Over the years, commercial developments have framed the Cebu City skyline, offering premium spaces for local and foreign business entities that want to relocate or expand outside Metro Manila and Luzon. 
 
Among the newest premium green buildings to launch this year in Cebu City is JEG Tower @ One Acacia. This 22-storey development was recognized as the country’s Best Commercial Green Building in 2020 and is a certified LEED Gold.

Impressive Infrastructure 
 
The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) is expected to bring more economic growth and assist in the pandemic recovery of Cebu City and its neighboring areas as the local government anticipates its completion during the first quarter of 2022. 
 
The 8.9-kilometer infrastructure project offers an alternative route for those coming from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. It is the country’s largest water-crossing infrastructure, built with a navigational clearance to allow larger vessels to safely cross underneath the bridge. 

Business leaders in Central Visayas have also expressed their optimism over the socio-economic benefits of CCLEX to the province and the whole region once it starts operating this year. Both local business leaders and multinational locators say the economic benefits that will enable Cebu to bounce back economically and start have ripple effects that will be felt across the Visayas. 
 
READ MORE: CCLEX to aid economic recovery in Cebu in 1Q/2022 

 
Ease of Transport & Access 
 
The Mactan-Cebu International Airport is the main entry and exit point in Cebu City. This development is also the second busiest international airport in the Philippines that serves the majority of Metro Cebu and the Central Visayas region. 
 
Its international terminal, Terminal 2, started operations in 2018 and has significantly increased the capacity of the airport to 12.5 million passengers per year. In 2019, the new design of this terminal won an award under the “Completed Buildings – Transport” at the World Architecture Festival. 
 
Interested in expanding to the Visayas? Locate in the best place to work in Cebu City. Get in touch with Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547 or send an email to jeg@kmcmaggroup.com for more details.  
 
Discover how JEG Tower @ One Acacia revolutionizes work and life balance today. 

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How do green buildings keep off COVID-19?

On average, humans spend 90% of their time indoors. Now that the majority are returning to a ‘more normal’ way of living, many also go back to their traditional workspace. Numerous studies have proven the direct relationship between one’s living conditions and the spread of disease. From the quality of indoor air to the materials used inside buildings where people work and spend the majority of their day. The pandemic made people more conscious of their environment to protect themselves from diseases and viruses.

Even before the COVID-19 health crisis, green buildings have been advocating healthy spaces, especially in offices and commercial developments. By promoting sustainability and workplace wellness, these types of buildings prioritize energy efficiency, optimizing indoor air quality, resource conservation, and proper waste management. 
 
Optimized Indoor Air Quality 
 
Proper ventilation is critical to prevent the transmission of coronavirus pathogens. During the onset of the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that viral pathogens can linger in indoor air for at least eight minutes. Furthermore, a study University of Cambridge warned that the use of mixed ventilation systems inside buildings may increase the risk of exposure to coronavirus. 

“During coronavirus, nobody wants recirculated air in offices, gyms, and schools,” says Catriona Brady, head of Better Places for People at the World Green Building Council. The World Green Building Council aims to promote the construction of more sustainable buildings, providing measures and guidelines to commercial and residential developments around the world.

A pioneer sustainable building in Cebu City, JEG Tower @ One Acacia is a standout, premium green building in the Philippines. The 22-storey office and retail project was named Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines for its unique and innovative features that ensure the best air quality inside its premises. 
 
JEG Tower utilizes Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values or MERV filters that can capture particles in the air from 0.3 and 10 microns (µm). Higher value in MERV ratings leads to better filtration, fewer dust particles, and other airborne contaminants.  

Even from its construction, the tower observed the Construction Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan. This measure is implemented by LEED-certified buildings to protect its HVAC system during construction, control pollutant sources, and interrupt pathways for infection. It also guides the sequence of installation of materials to avoid contamination of absorptive materials such as insulation, carpeting, ceiling tile, and gypsum wallboard. 
 
READ MORE: JEG Tower Focus: MERV and Fresh Air System for Optimal Indoor Air Quality 

As the highest LEED-scoring development in Cebu City, JEG Tower puts a premium on ventilation and provides a safe working space for its tenants and occupiers. 
 
“A green building is like a giant face mask,” says Dr. Ho Nyok Yong, president of the Singapore Green Building Council. This is definitely one of the considerations of employees in returning to the office in the new normal. 

Non-toxic materials 

Many construction materials, including paint, contain dangerous toxins that can cause significant effects on the health of people. Many types of paint contain the colorless gas formaldehyde, one of the most common volatile organic compounds (VOCs).  
 
RELATED: Defining Sustainability: Casas+Architects discusses why it matters in design and construction 

Formaldehyde is also found in many types of glue, adhesives, and sealants as well as certain types of foam insulation. The gas poses a serious risk to human health; it is carcinogenic and can cause both respiratory problems and skin irritation. 
 
JEG Tower @ One Acacia used construction materials that are low in VOCs and other green materials that originate from nature rather than highly processed and synthetic options. 

Green Buildings Save Lives 

A recent study from Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that people in cities with slightly higher levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) had higher death rates from COVID-19. 

“We have research showing that air pollution, which in many parts of the world is coming from burning fossil fuels, is causing people to die from COVID 19,” says Dr. Aaron Bernstein, USGBC board chair and also the co-director of Harvard’s Center for Climate, Health and the Global Environment (Harvard C-CHANGE). “For people who are living in places with worse overall air quality, it [pollution] has set up their lungs to fall apart when they got sick.” 

“Green buildings save lives because they rely less on energy for every square foot of the building,” he added. “They’re responsible for a lower share of air pollution.” 

JEG Tower @ One Acacia revolutionizes work and life balance by providing a safe and healthy space for its tenants while advocating for their holistic wellbeing. The tower has been LEED-Gold certified for its outstanding commitment to energy efficiency and less negative impacts on the environment. 
 
Learn more about how to lease in the best place to work in Cebu City. Contact Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547 to schedule a viewing today! 

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How does JEG Tower @ One Acacia contribute to water conservation

Amid the celebration for World Water Day, several buildings are moving toward the development of greener and more sustainable buildings. In the Philippines, the shift to these kinds of premium real estate have proven to be more advantageous especially with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the eventual return to office. 

Beyond mere structures, sustainable architecture now taps into minimizing the negative impact of buildings on the economy and environment. According to reports, this is accomplished through efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy, water, development space, and ecosystem as whole. 

This is the vision heralded in the recently completed JEG Tower @ One Acacia in Cebu. Apart from being at the forefront of renewable energy through solar panel installation, water efficiency and conservation is at the heart of the premium, award-winning green development. 

The LEED Gold-certified tower has a rainwater collection system that increases the efficiency of water use in the building. In the data provided by the Innovative Water Solutions, rainwater system in buildings also reduce utilities costs and allocate treated water for more important use. It can also serve as a great backup water supply in emergency situations. 

US Green Technology also reported that it is easy to maintain, can help with rainwater roof runoff and reduces groundwater contamination. It also has its many uses including being a source of irrigation for pocket gardens and other flora & fauna in the green building. JEG Tower @ One Acacia is one of the few buildings in the Philippines that transformed their topmost floor into a green roof that provides ample spaces to unwind or get a breath of fresh air.  

Other utilization for the rainwater collection system is to use it in the common bathrooms. JEG Tower uses recycled water in flushing toilets to lessen costs further as it is considered one of the top users of water in any building or the average household.  

As water security in the Philippines become a more vital issue, real estate is one of the sectors that are eyed to be at the forefront of the sustainability shift. Workplaces become more ideal if they promote environmental conservation, feature top-grade amenities, and green features that offer healthier spaces to locators and tenants.  

Locate your business in Cebu City’s newest premium green building. Contact Alexa Abella at (+63) 917-565-3547. For leasing inquiries and more information, send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com. 
 

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The Ideal Millennial Workplace

The-Ideal-Millennial-Workplace

In 2022, nearly half of the global labor force will be Millennials, or those born between 1981 to 1996. In the Philippines alone, 41.1% of more than 66 million workers were identified as part of the millennial generation.

As the millennials start to dominate the landscape, businesses should also adapt their workplace to a space that suits their distinct personality and preferences. Many studies found that more than salary or climbing the corporate ladder, these young workers put higher regard to their work environment and company culture. Office spaces in Cebu City are also modifying the workplace to accommodate this younger batch of potential employees. 
 
Here are five workplace design principles that will help you attract and retain a Millennial workforce: 

Work Flexibility 

Especially in the new normal, millennials enjoy the flexibility that allows better work-life balance and integration. Companies that offer flexible work arrangements are more likely to attract and retain this labor demographic as millennials feel that they should be able to work anytime, from anywhere. 
 
Collaborative Design 

In a study, 51% of millennials prefer to work in groups in person. Despite a hybrid work setup, many still want to work in an office to socialize and collaborate with their workmates.  
 
Workplace Well-being 

Compared to the previous generations, millennials put a higher premium on their health and wellness, even in the office. Companies that are also prioritizing the physical and mental well-being of their employees are also more ideal and would be more likely to retain millennials.  
 
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently published a document defining what a healthy workplace should be, post-pandemic. A healthy work environment is a balance of occupational health and safety, as well as health promotion efforts and initiatives.

RELATED: What is a ‘Healthy Workplace’? 

Top-grade Smart Technology 

More than being a ‘tech-savvy’ generation, smart and contactless technology in the office is an important consideration for millennials going to the office in the new normal. Smart offices are workspaces that utilize automated processes to enhance building operations, from ventilation, lighting, and security. All of these will be the standard in eliminating and reducing risks after the recent pandemic and other health threats. 

Sustainability 

A study in 2021 found that Millennials and Generation Z are more sustainability orientated, even if it is about work and employment. Healthy workspaces such as those that follow a biophilic design or offices located in LEED-certified buildings are also more appealing to millennials since these developments were designed and constructed through sustainable methods. 
 
RELATED: Future-proofing your Office with Sustainability 

Premium green buildings and LEED-certified developments in the Philippines are the ideal office for millennials. In Cebu City, JEG Tower @ One Acacia stands out as one of the most ideal workplaces for its top-grade amenities and sustainable features. Named as 2020’s Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines, the 22-storey office tower offer healthy spaces to tenants and occupiers.  
 
Locate your business in Cebu City’s newest premium green building. Contact Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547. For leasing inquiries and more information, send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com. 
 

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How can solar power reduce building costs?

How can solar power reduce building costs?

Commercial buildings use a lot of power. In 2022, a report by the UN Environment Programme found that the consolidated electricity consumption in building operations makes up nearly 55% of the global electricity consumption. In the United States alone, large office buildings use an average of 20 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity and 24 cubic feet of natural gas per square foot annually in order to operationalize. 
 
Sustainability for Energy Efficiency 

As an alternative, sustainable features are available to lessen the large-scale consumption of energy in the commercial sector. Energy efficiency is important to reducing greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide that contribute to climate change and global warming. Premium green buildings such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia in Cebu City are designed to limit energy consumption by incorporating innovative design and top-grade amenities to promote sustainability. 
 
One of the most defining features of this 22-story iconic office tower is its solar panels, the first for commercial developments in Cebu. JEG Tower is set to utilize a 40 kWp Solar PV System from over 100 pieces of Polycrystalline PV Modules installed on the building crown. The system will be able to supply electricity to fully or partially power the lower ground floor to the 6th Floor. 

“The idea of using renewable energy to power portions of JEG Tower was always intriguing to us and when the opportunity was there, it was a no brainer,” JEG Development Corporation (JDC) COO Marko Sarmiento said. “It is an important milestone for our company since it makes us the first developer in Cebu to have a solar roof deck installation on a high-rise office building. It is also consistent with our vision to be innovators in the industry.” 

Solar panels reduce a building’s energy costs by harvesting solar energy throughout the lifetime of your solar panels, which can be twenty years or more. JEG Development Corporation has entered a 20-Year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with COREnergy for a Zero Cash-Out solar photovoltaics (PV) plant. 
 
READ MORE: JEG Tower achieves LEED Gold, set to become Cebu’s First Commercial Development to use Solar Energy 

In its latest sustainability report, 2020’s Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines recorded a 23% reduction in electricity consumption through its state-of-the-art variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air conditioning systems, Low-E glass window panels, and usage of LED lighting.

Solar Appreciation Day 2022

Every second Friday of March, the world celebrates Solar Appreciation Day to raise awareness and advocate for one of the most important resources the world relies on. During this day, initiatives to promote solar technology. 
 
JEG Development Corporation joins the commemoration of this environmental initiative. As a LEED Gold certified premium green building, JEG Tower @ One Acacia champions solar energy, as well as the usage of renewable energy in the Philippines. 

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Foreign investment picks up as Cebu City remains under Alert Level 2

 
Cebu City’s economic recovery is expected to pick up and accelerate as the metropolitan remains under Alert Level 2. 
 
In the latest resolution by the Inter-Agency Task force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID), the whole island province of Cebu shall be placed under the second most lenient lockdown classification until March 15. In February, the Department of Health recorded fewer active cases and a positivity rate falling to only 5%, with a daily average of 3.64%. 
 
This is timely as more multinational investors express interest in locating in the economic stronghold of the Visayas. In a statement by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), demand for business in the province is steadily increasing as many foreign investors inquire about face-to-face meetings. 
 
“These foreign and economic attaches see Cebu as an island that they will never ever forget. Businesses from their country put Cebu in their bucket list for investments,” CCCI president Felix Taguiam said. 

He also noted that the chamber is hopeful that more investments will pour into Cebu as the province recovers from the pandemic and rebuilds after Typhoon Odette. “I can see activities, moving, trading, and everybody is smiling,” he also shared.  
 
Cebu is also looking forward to the completion and inauguration of the the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX). This 8.9-kilometer infrastructure project offers an alternative route to Mactan-Cebu International Airport to the world-class resorts, beaches, and expansion opportunities in the economic capital of the Visayas. It is the country’s largest water-crossing infrastructure, built with a navigational clearance to allow larger vessels to safely cross underneath the bridge. 
 
RELATED:  CCLEX to aid economic recovery in Cebu in 1Q/2022 

More Office Options 
 
In the latest property report by KMC, many commercial and retail options will become available in Cebu City’s main business submarkets. As construction projects get completed, more office buildings, including JEG Tower @ One Acacia, will become available within this year. Cebu City’s commercial real estate portfolio has exponentially expanded over the years as more multinational companies expand operations and footprint outside Luzon and Metro Manila. 
 
Looking for the best office to locate your business in Cebu City? Reach out to Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547 or email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com today! to locate your business in Cebu City’s.

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Future-proofing your Office with Sustainability

Future-proofing-your-Office-with-Sustainability

Changes brought by the pandemic to the lives of people have further inspired and pushed developers to future-proof spaces they offer. For businesses to adapt to the changes presented by unprecedented circumstances, spaces should allow innovation and anticipate future modifications to further support companies and provide its needs to operate. 
 
As defined by McKinsey, future-proofing an office and an organization is looking ahead of design trends, making use of innovative technology, and anticipating to minimize risk and adapt to changes in the future. Penketh Group, a workplace design and strategy organization, also noted that future-proofing workplaces is a “form of damage control used to reduce any barriers, limitations or negative consequences as time ticks on and industries evolve.” 
 
Future-proofing for Millennials 
 
Organizations and businesses in the Philippines begin to realize the importance and crucial role of the workplace to the health, safety, and productivity of its employees. As the labor force shifts to a new demographics, priorities in employment and retention have also changed. In 2021, an estimate of 47.1% of more than 66 million Filipino workers were identified as part of the millennial generation. Dubbed as the “Job-hopping Generation”, Gallup reported that more than salary and climbing the corporate ladder, millennials prioritize a company’s culture and a good workplace. 

Future-proofing-your-Office-with-Sustainability-2

Future-proofing & Sustainability 

Future-proofing a workplace goes hand in hand with sustainability. More than just a construction and design trend, sustainability has become an encompassing approach to maintaining an optimal space for employees and taking care of their holistic well-being.  
 
Green and sustainable features secure an organization’s future and significantly impact the health, wellness, and safety of its occupants. Here are some ways sustainability contributes to future-proofing your office:  

Smart Technology 

Smart technology will be one of the requirements for workplaces in the new normal. Smart offices are workspaces that utilize automated processes to enhance building operations, from air conditioning and heating, lighting, and security. All of these conveniences will start to be the standard in eliminating and reducing risks after the recent pandemic and other health threats. 
 
Premium green buildings utilize this innovative solution through voice-controlled elevators, remotely operated printers, and increased use of sensors throughout offices would substantially reduce workplace risk. In more secured offices, emerging technologies such as facial recognition can further reduce contact and exposure among colleagues. 
 
RELATED: https://jegtower.com/the-future-of-workplace-contactless-features-and-smart-technology/ 

Optimal Indoor Air Quality 
 
Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, related to the health and comfort of its occupants. Research emphasizes that this is an important factor in providing a safe and healthy workspace for employees post-pandemic. 
 
Many studies have made direct correlation with better pandemic response and providing an improved indoor air quality. Premium green buildings like JEG Tower @ One Acacia utilizes the MERV-13 air filters and Fresh Air System for optimal indoor air quality. As a LEED Gold establishment, the 22-storey premium green building in Cebu City uses these top-grade filters that capture particles in the air from 0.3 and 10 microns (µm). Higher value in MERV ratings leads to better filtration, fewer dust particles, and other airborne contaminants.  
 
The tower’s MERV13 filter is one of the highest-grade filters in the industry that promotes an ideal indoor environment and eliminates the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew, or fungi. 

Waste Management & Recycling 

Green buildings also prioritize proper waste disposal and recycling. In the Philippines, one of the frontrunners of sustainability, JEG Tower @ One Acacia collects and stores waste materials for recycling, including the diversion and demolition of debris from disposal in landfills and incineration facilities. Instead, these recyclable construction materials are redirected back to the manufacturing process and appropriate reclamation sites. This process reduces demand for virgin resources and further reduces the environmental impacts of resource extraction, processing, and transportation. 

Biophilia 
 
One of the simplest requirements for building a biophilic office is the introduction of plants and greenspaces within the work area. By introducing plants, either in pots or in the form of living green walls into the office environment, indoor air quality is improved as the vegetation can help in absorbing pollutants, toxins, and disease-carrying viruses. This can complement a building’s air filtration system that optimizes disease prevention. 
 
Biophilic designs in workplaces also feature large windows that allow maximum natural light. Many studies have linked this design to improved productivity, motivation, and overall happiness and satisfaction of employees in the office. 
 
READ MORE: https://jegtower.com/the-importance-of-biophilic-design-in-a-post-lockdown-office/ 

Well-being Programs 

To further improve the overall well-being of its tenants, premium green buildings also offer opportunities and programs that directly affect their health. According to Business News Daily, providing lifestyle enhancement benefits can be a powerful method to recruit and retain employees. These benefits usually involve fitness, mental health, or medical needs. Simply giving access or capacity to avail gym memberships, health apps or other assistance programs can keep them happy and loyal. 

With more employees being health-conscious, a future-proof workplace successfully incorporates sustainability, sophistication, and safety in its design and layout. Premium office spaces provide an additional layer of protection to its tenants against the virus and other threats to their holistic health.  

Premium green buildings and commercial developments, such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia, ensure that the workplace gives utmost importance to the health, safety, and holistic well-being of its tenants. With offices designed to integrate sustainability and sophistication, employees can enjoy green features that provide greater support for employees to their psychosocial needs. 
 
Want to learn more about how the workplace can support employee well-being? Contact Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547. For leasing inquiries and more information, send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com. 

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Why LEED is a big deal in the Philippines

As the emerging climate crisis continue to loom in the near future, sustainability and discussion of ecological conservation have been a matter of discussion around the world. In Asia, the Philippines is one of the countries in the region aiming to achieve the “Zero Energy Buildings” goal.

This goal is widely adopted by several countries their respective developers in response to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. In the IPCC report, buildings can play a big role in halving global carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 to reduce the risk posed by the climate crisis.

To reach this goal, more premium has been placed on accredited green buildings in the Philippines through the internationally recognized US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. This enabled shift toward a greener and more sustainable estate that has placed a greater value in terms of climate resiliency, build quality, and overall tenant satisfaction.

The LEED certification has been competitive edge carried by selected buildings carefully assessed by the USGC. Here are some of the unique characteristics enjoyed by LEED-certified buildings:

  • Promoting cost efficiency and environmental conservation

LEED buildings often have unparalleled sustainable features during their full life cycle. It uses recyclable or natural resources in construction materials and has energy and water-efficient amenities without losing sight of tenant safety and comfort.

According to a 2014 Berkeley study, green buildings contribute fewer greenhouse gases by 50 percent. In the Philippines, some office and commercial buildings have adopted ecological-friendly designs to improve energy and water efficiency with rainwater collection and onsite renewable energy.

RELATED:Capitalizing on Solar Energy: PH tops Asia, ranks 5th worldwide in solar energy use

Buildings become good investments with the smart use of resources and significantly 20% lower operating and maintenance costs as stated in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report. These provide tangible benefits to property owners and developers in the long term.

  • Developing better buildings for better tenants

LEED buildings are known for implementing cutting-edge architectural design and smarter space design to meet sustainable and aesthetical standards. Despite the utilization of recyclable or renewable resources, tenant satisfaction and employee morale are boosted through its maximized use of natural lighting and the creative placement of green spaces that add to its overall aesthetic value.

In the US, asset value also increases as businesses are often willing to pay more just to stay in a LEED structure given its benefits in occupant safety and comfort. Attracting a better tenant pool since locating in a green building also helps most corporation or companies achieve their Environmental Social Governance (ESG) goals.

RELATED:Why JEG Tower is the perfect new normal workplace

  • Pushing for health and wellness

With the implications posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, public health and wellness became one of the top priorities of most companies. While green buildings are good for the environment, it has also contributed greatly to ensuring occupants or employees are better taken care of.

Through automation and a better filtration system, touchless fixtures and amenities are made available along with the improvement of the indoor environment and air quality. Cleaner air reduces the risk of transmission and prevention of respiratory illnesses.

Exposure to fewer toxins or pollutants and access to lush green spaces help reduce tress,resulting in a happier and more productive workforce.

Ready to be our partner for a greener future? Locate in a LEED building such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia today. Contact Lorenzo Martin E. Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825–6884. For leasing inquiries and more information, call us at (+63) 2-8403-5519 or send an email to info@kmcmaggroup.com.