Posted on

Bayanihan in the time of Corona: How Filipinos worked together against COVID-19

March 2020 will always go down as one of the hardest times in the country’s history. The Novel Coronavirus 2019, or now officially called COVID-19, has entered the Philippines after the DOH confirmed its first case on March 5, 2020. Merely two weeks after, the Philippines records over 200 positive cases and was put under a state of public health emergency and under community quarantine. 

More than just looking at the bright side of things (which is also one of the nation’s positive traits), Filipinos have stepped up and displayed a modern-day version of its centuries-old tradition of Bayanihan. As they call it, it is Filipinos for Filipinos—doing what they can to help their fellow countrymen. 

COVID-19 Testing Kits 

A team of UP scientists, led by Dr. Raul V. Destura, was able to develop a low-cost diagnostic kit for COVID-19 two weeks after the whole genome sequence was released by China. Before this initiative, testing kits used by the DOH were imported from South Korea and would cost around Php. 8,000 per test. 

Photo from CNN Philippines

Dr. Destura, who is a microbiologist and infectious disease specialist and deputy executive director of the Philippine Genome Center, said that this project is their contribution to their pledge of finding sustainable and equitable solutions to disease of poverty as local scientists. This is their way of serving the country and giving back to their fellow Filipinos. 

DIY Disinfectant Booths 

Just a few days after Marikina City has started using disinfectant booths to help with the city-wide sanitation efforts, a team of industrial designers and engineers have collaborated to design a DIY disinfectant booth.  

Photo from August Patacsil on Facebook

Since not all Local Government Units have the budget and resources to acquire this technology, a UP alumnus posted on his social media account that they are providing free design of an affordable and easy to build sanitation tent. The group has also called for help from the netizens to provide the contact numbers of LGUs who might find this project helpful. 

To add your LGU, you may input corresponding contact information here: tinyurl.com/covidsanitationtent  

Reusable Face Masks 

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, face masks have been out of stock from pharmacies and suppliers, even leaving some affecting the supply for medical professionals and frontliners. Because of this crucial need, scientists from the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute have developed reusable facemasks which can be used up to 50 times. 

The masks will use a PTRI textile-coating technology for treatment and finishing. It will also collaborate with the Power Fashion Inc. to produce masks using local fiber textiles which will be donated by the latter.  
This is not only beneficial for medical professionals but also a win for the environment as well.  

Life Cycles – Transport Initiative 

The implementation of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon left many of the frontliners  and medical professionals without transportation options for them to get to work. A cycling enthusiast netizen pitched an alternative and organized an initiative that is eco-friendly and sustainable.  

Photo from Life Cycles Facebook page

Life Cycles is an initiative formed by a group of bicycle riders and owners as an effort to provide an alternative for the employees during the suspension of mass transportation. Currently, they have gathered over 100 bikes for rent and loan for those commuting to hospitals and other government institutions. In just two days, the online community has grown with over 2,000 likes on Facebook and has raised over Php. 300,000 in cash to acquire more bicycles. 

Distributing Positive Energy 

In Cebu, the local sense of Bayanihan is very much alive as netizens are setting up online donation drives and fundraisers for the local frontliners in Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, one of the designated COVID-19 testing centers in the country.   

Photo from SunStar Cebu Facebook

Locally-grown company Visayan Electric Company also gives back to their province and announced through a statement that they will be implementing a 30-day payment extension for the bills due on March 15 to April 14, 2020. To continue providing excellent service especially during times of crisis, the company also promised that scheduled interruptions will only be limited to customer requests to ensure that there will be uninterrupted service. 

More than giving proof that the Bayanihan Spirit is truly alive, Filipinos have also demonstrated how resourceful and creative they are especially during times of crisis. Filipinos have shown that they’ve got each other’s backs, regardless of how big or small their contribution to the society is.

Posted on

Jeg Tower at One Acacia: A sustainable landmark rises – Property Report PH

Over the past two decades, Cebu City has been considered the boom-town of the Visayas in terms of growth and development. Indeed, the city has gone beyond tourism to become one of the country’s leading technology hubs, and is now recognized as one of the world’s top destinations for business process outsourcing (BPO) firms. Likewise, this southern metropolis has also been recognized as one of the most livable cities in the country, prompting an influx of new residents moving in from neighboring islands in search of a better and more comfortable way of living.

As a result, this has led to a number of big-ticket infrastructure initiatives and a pressing need to provide premium office space to suit the needs of both local and international corporations that want to set up shop in the Queen City of the South. For this, companies like homegrown Cebu firm JEG Development Corporation (JDC) are designing and building new structures to meet the needs of the city’s rapidly expanding corporate community.

JDC’s JEG Tower at One Acacia is one such development — and it is a structure that may very well revolutionize Cebu’s real estate and development industry, particularly where sustainability and environmental compliance are concerned.

Raising The Standards For Excellence

Green technology: The JEG Tower lobby will feature Mitsubishi DOAS lifts, pass-card turnstiles for security, as well as a plant-covered wall for a verdant touch.

“JEG Tower is one of a new crop of office developments in Cebu that are raising the standards of buildings in our city,” JDC estate and business development manager Stefan Garcia explains. “Our company has placed a lot of resources to build the best workspace in the city.”

Occupying 1,360 sqm. of a total area of 1,700 sqm., JEG Tower stands at 22 floors high, making it one of the tallest structures in Metropolitan Cebu. Its overall design is reminiscent of one of the world’s most iconic architectural landmarks, New York City’s Flatiron Building, when viewed from the corner of Archbishop Reyes Avenue and Acacia Street. Yet, its spirit is uniquely Filipino thanks to the visionary minds at JDV who worked on the structure in partnership with the Cebu arm of CASAS+Architects.

Each of its working floors was designed with an efficient and maximized use of space in mind. There is a total floor efficiency of 92 percent, with 950 sqm. of usable space and a 215 sqm. common area on each of the structure’s floors.

All in the family: JDC COO Marko Sarmiento, Estate and Business Development manager Stefan Garcia, and brand manager Ayla Gomez

Aside from raising the bar when it comes to usable space, JEG Tower is also equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Traveling from the lobby to one’s office floor — or even floor-to-floor, for that matter is made easier and faster with the installation of Mitsubishi’s Destination-oriented Allocation System (DOAS) elevators which use pass-cards coded to specific floors. The use of Mitsubishi DOAS also doubles as a security measure: it discourages loitering as passengers, whether they’re tenants or guests, may only get on or off the lift at their assigned floors.

In addition, the building is cooled throughout by the energy-efficient Daikin VRV air-conditioning system which is considered the best possible choice for the structure, given Cebu’s tropical climate.

Going Green In The 21st Century

Speaking of energy efficiency, JEG Tower also has the distinction of being one of Cebu City’s very first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified structures.

Currently pre-certified at the Silver level for building design and construction (LEED BD+C), the efficient and proper use of resources is at the very core of JEG Tower’s design and development. Once completed, it is expected to use less water and electrical power than many of the structures currently in the city’s central business district, and is expected to emit less in terms of dangerous greenhouse gases.

In order for all these to be possible, JEG Tower is equipped with 100 percent back-up power that can run 24-7. Likewise, floor to ceiling windows made with specially-treated glass don’t just present magnificent views of the city below and the surrounding environs; these also go a long way in reducing the use of electrical power throughout the structure, as ambient natural lighting illuminates workspaces in the daytime. Indeed, it is expected that JEG Tower will save energy by at least 12 percent and, thanks to efficient plumbing, reduce its total water usage by about 32 percent.

One interesting design detail that also doubles as a sustainability measure is the use of greenery in the JEG Tower façade, as well as a beautifully landscaped rooftop garden that can be used as an events space for corporate or social functions.

As JDC brand manager Ayla Gomez puts it, “We are also excited about the rooftop garden, which we are sure our future tenants will appreciate as well. It is a great area for events and is a perfect green space that we need for a quick afternoon respite, as it overlooks the sea and the mountains, fueling and inspiring the rest of the workday.”

In addition, JEG Tower was designed in such a way that tenants are also encouraged to lead a more sustainable lifestyle for themselves. While there are ample parking spaces over six floors, it is close enough to public transport terminals for the commute to and from home. Its location is also in close proximity to key commercial areas, enabling tenants to walk to a wide variety of retail and service establishments as well as restaurants. Bike racks are also provided for those who will opt to pedal their way to and from work, along with shower rooms where they can freshen up for the workday.

Gomez adds, “As the building is getting closer to turn over, locals can look forward to now having the option to choose better work environments for their companies and most especially for the people that work for them. The city will have a grade-A building that fosters community and the work-life balance that every Cebuano deserves.”

A Tower Founded On A Storied Heritage

Gomez’s words resonate with the Cebuano public not only because these buoy up their hopes for a more progressive city, but because she is part of a family that has long played a role in the province’s rapid growth: the Escaño-Garcias who not only are the driving force behind JDC but are also the people behind Vivant, one of the leading companies of the Philippine energy industry through the Visayan Electric Company Inc. (VECO), the country’s second largest electricity utility operation.

While JEG Tower is JDC’s first large-scale corporate structure, it has also made its name in the real estate and development industry through elegant strip malls like One Acacia Place and The Gallery, as well as Tomodachi Premium Residences, a Japanese-inspired cluster of townhouses that have become the home of choice for members of Cebu’s growing expatriate community. As with the developments that preceded it, JEG Tower was created to suit the changing needs of a city that continues to evolve along with its people.

JDC officially topped off JEG Tower last November, and, as it draws closer to completion by the second quarter of this year, it has become a symbol of Cebu’s pride in its history, its dynamic present, and what promises to be a prosperous future.

Reference: PropertyReport PH

Posted on

Ways to reduce waste in the workplace 

Waste reduction is one of the most important facets of conserving resources and adapting green initiatives in the workplace. Over the years, companies have become more aware of the impacts of businesses on the environment and have pledged their support and cooperation in helping combat the worsening condition of climate change. From choosing to locate in green buildings to incorporating a biophilic workplace design, committing to help in saving the environment can be simple yet valuable. 

Here are some ways you can reduce office waste: 

Smart use of paper  

For some, paper is still a necessity in day to day business. With the continuous advancement of technology, businesses can implement strategies that promote a smarter usage of paper and printing: 

  • Print in draft mode to use less ink
  • Use both sides of paper 
  • Shred scratch papers and use it as fillers in packages 
  • Buy refilled cartridges of toner and ink to reduce metal and plastic waste in landfills 
  • Provide paper recycling bins near workstations 
ways-to-reduce-office-waste-1-compressor

Other companies, and even local government units in the Philippines, are even turning into paperless institutions. This eco-friendly digitalization is an initiative to significantly reduce paper consumption for transactions and a commitment to promote the conservation of natural resources to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. 

Provide reusable utensils and water bottles 

ways-to-reduce-office-waste-2-compressor

Providing your employees with reusable water bottles and utensils does not only look good for your branding, but it will also be a great initiative to promote waste reduction in the workplace. Tons of plastic can be cut off from disposable spoons, forks, and plastic water bottles. 

Offer better transportation options 

Your employees’ commute to the office is also a great area for you to promote waste reduction. Encourage employees to walk or bike to work by offering shower rooms and changing areas. For employees who live farther, organize a carpool program and get them connected. 

Recycle e-waste 

Old and irreparable mobile phones, computers, printers, and other equipment can often be recycled. Look for recycling programs and companies who buy these scrap materials in your area that accept these kinds of materials. Your company can also hold a collection drive for the employees’ personal damaged devices they would want to donate. 

Locate in a green building 

Offices that are based in a green building impact the environment more positively than those who are in regular office buildings. Sustainable structures, LEED buildings to be more specific, follow and observe certain standards that are beneficial to the environment. These green structures use less water, energy and emit fewer greenhouse gases without compromising the usual operational needs of businesses. 

The company’s role in adapting green practices within the office and instilling the green mindset to their employees is very crucial. These small efforts and policies may be simple, but they can make a large difference if done collectively. 

defining-innovation-in-real-estate-compressor

JEG Development Corporation, the name behind JEG Tower @ One Acacia, is one of the few frontrunners of the green revolution in Cebu. Being a family-run business for generations, the company has committed to promoting eco-friendlier options and solutions in their line of businesses. JEG Tower @ One Acacia is Cebu City’s newest premium green buildings. Expected to open in 2020, it looks forward to revolutionizing work and life balance by providing a working environment that uplifts its tenants’ health and wellness and promoting sustainable real estate in the province. 

Interested in leasing a commercial space in a premium green building? Contact Michael Glindro at (+63) 917-584-0443. For more information, send us an email at info@kmcmaggroup.com or reach out to us through (+632) 8403-5519. 

Posted on

Building A ‘Biophilic’ Office: What Is Biophilia And How Can It Benefit Your Business

As more companies and businesses recognize the importance of providing a workspace that would improve the health and wellness of their employees, ‘Biophilia’, or the term describing a love of life and living things, has been one of the emerging trends in interior design for offices in the world. The Biophilic office design includes features that aim to bring the outdoors in, especially in the workplace. 

In the previous year, the shift towards promoting a greener space in the office has been encouraged as studies find that incorporating biophilic design has a positive effect on the employees’ productivity, mood, and health. In fact, Human Space has reported that workplaces who have introduced elements of nature have witnessed a decrease in the levels of mental fatigue among staff members and an increase in levels of workplace wellbeing. 

Here are some ways that your business can incorporate biophilic design in your office: 

Introduce real and artificial plants  

Studies find that providing visual elements of nature within your workspace can help reduce stress and fatigue. In fact, mere exposure to green has a positive impact on creative performance, and at the same time, imparting a welcoming and relaxing environment. 

Adding real and artificial plants within your office premises does not only impact your office ambiance and aesthetics, but it can also effectively reduce unpleasant symptoms, such as headaches, coughing, and a general feeling of being unwell, as plants reduce dust, mold, and CO2 levels. 

Make the most of natural daylight 

While some may imagine traditional office spaces with bright artificial lighting, many companies prefer to locate in spaces with open windows providing natural lighting and giving views from the outside. 

A recent study has confirmed that natural light in your office improves productivity and the overall health of employees. “Light is the most important synchronizing agent for the brain and body,” said Ivy Cheung, one of the authors of a study finding the connection of daylight exposure to employee health and productivity. “Proper synchronization of your internal biological rhythms with the earth’s daily rotation has been shown to be essential for health.”  

To make the most of your office’s natural light, make sure windows aren’t fully covered by blinds, and that workers’ desks are faced towards windows, rather than away from them. 

Stick to neutral and natural color schemes 

One of the key components of biophilic design is utilizing natural colors and incorporating a neutral color palette to the space itself. Interior designers say that biophilic design uses earth colors and tones such as greens, browns, golds, and tans, as well as blues and whites to mimic the sky and the sea. 

Add wood, stone, and granite details 

Studies find that tactile senses can play a huge role in adding biophilic elements in the office. Adding wood, stone, granite, and marble help in bringing the outside inside the enclosed office space. These materials can be incorporated as finishes on the likes of pillars, shelves, cupboards, and desks.  

Utilize available outdoor areas 

Office locations that offer outdoor spaces such as rooftops, balconies, and gardens can be more beneficial for businesses that are looking to adapting a biophilic workplace design. Add some comfortable seating and tables so staff can work outdoors when the weather permits as this access to natural light and fresh air have numerous benefits to your employees including increased productivity, creativity and wellbeing. 

Looking for an office space in Cebu City? Discuss your options with Lorenzo Rodriguez through (+63) 917-852-6884. For more information, send us an email at info@kmcmaggroup.com or reach out to us through (+632) 8403-5519.

Source: KMC Website

Posted on

Promoting Health and Well-being in the Workplace: Simple exercises you can squeeze in within your workspace

Finding time to exercise can be a challenge, especially for those who work 8am to 5pm office jobs. This lack of activity doesn’t just affect your health; it can have a direct impact on your work performance and employee engagement. According to a research published on the Journal of Workplace Health Management: 

  • 60% of employees said their time management skills, mental performance, and the ability to meet deadlines improved on days they exercised  
  • 27% of employees reported higher levels of “dealing calmly with stress” on days they have worked out; and  
  • 41% of the sampled employees reported higher rates of work motivation during the days they have squeezed in a workout  

While the lack of time and space is a common excuse, incorporating physical activity in the daily should be one of your top priorities in balancing work and life. Work out while you work! Here are some simple exercises you can try: 

Start with your commute 

With the worsening condition of traffic, it may be a good idea to combat it with new ways of traveling to the office—by walking or biking to work! If you live far and commuting can’t be out of the picture, get off a few blocks early or get down at an earlier stop. Set a target distance of how much you can walk. If you drive to work, park at the far end of the parking lot or in a nearby lot. 

Premium green buildings, such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia provides shower rooms for tenants and employees who will feel the need to freshen up and have a quick shower after walking or cycling to the building. 

Hit the stairs
Another easy yet effective work out? Take the stairs instead. Alight the elevators a few floors below your office then just climb your way up. Some find it easier to use the stairs at the end of the day to reach the lobby which works too. At the middle of the day, you can also use the stairs to walk up and down the rooftop for a 15-minute break. 

Get up and work 

Did you know that an average office worker spends almost 1,700 hours in a year in front of a computer screen? A study has found that this is about 75% of the time employees spend in a day. Get creative in finding ways you can get out of your chair every once in a while: Stand while talking on the phone, walk to a colleague’s desk for a face-to-face chat, or take the longer route to the bathroom. 

Join company-organized health programs 

Companies who promote a healthy lifestyle and work life balance organizes and facilitates various programs to encourage employees to be more aware of their health and well-being. This can vary from wellness talks, after or before work fitness sessions, green eating workshops, and the like.  

Give seated exercises a go 

Work out without even standing up and leaving your desk! Try these simple and easy exercises which you can do while sitting down and while working: 

  • Seated leg raises 

This exercise is so simple and low maintenance your co-workers won’t even have a clue. Sit upright in your office chair. Straighten your left leg so that it is parallel to the floor and hold it in place for 10 seconds. Repeat on the other leg. Do this routine for both legs for 15 repetitions. One you build up strength, try adding weight to your legs by looping your purse or briefcase on your legs while you do the raises. 

  • Hovering leg raises 

This is a more advanced—yet still easy routine while seated. Sit upright in your chair. But this time, raise both legs so that they are parallel to the floor. Slowly lower your legs until they are hovering an inch or two above the ground. Hold the position for as long as you can, and then release. 

  • The Football Fast Feet 

Sit in your desk chair with your feet flat on the ground. Rapidly tap your feet in place, as if running in place while sitting down. Do this without stopping for 30 seconds. Pause for 5 seconds. Then do it again for 30 seconds straight. Experts encourage to do this simple workout every half an hour or so to bring up your heart rate. 

Source: KMC Website

Posted on

JEG Tower @ One Acacia Holds Topping Off Ceremony

The construction of JEG Tower @ One Acacia, Cebu City’s newest premium green building, is right on schedule. Marking the completion of the structural construction phase of the building, the tower held its topping off ceremony last November 19, 2019, on the 22nd floor of the building. 

JEG Development Corporation (JDC) executives, representatives from Casas Architects, and family members gathered to lay the final brick on the podium and mark an important milestone. The 22-storey tower will don as a landmark to celebrate their family’s legacy and promote sustainability through green real estate in Cebu. Executives from KMC, its sole leasing agency, were also present in the event. 

“Topping off is important for any development since it signifies a major accomplishment in the overall completion of the project,” Marko Sarmiento, JDC’s Chief Operating Officer, said. “The superstructure is the most vital component in any building and to reach this point only means that we’re close to the finish line.” 

JEG Tower @ One Acacia is more than just an additional gem to the Cebu City skyline. Designed by Casas Architects, it follows a sophisticated design without compromising its sustainable features. It will utilize and operationalize using less water, energy, and emit fewer greenhouse gases.  

JDC’s first high rise commercial venture is one of Cebu’s pioneers in raising the bar in the quality of premium commercial spaces in the region which will not only benefit its tenants’ operational costs but also uplift the working conditions of their employees. It utilizes top of the line technology such as Daikin VRV air conditioning systems and Mitsubishi DOAS elevators that organize their lifts to be the most time saving for office users.  

Through JEG Tower, JDC promotes the walkability of the business district by providing communal showers in the parking area. This unique amenity will not only encourage tenants to get a workout in but also contribute lesser carbon emissions to the environment. 

“What we are also excited about is the rooftop garden, which we are sure our future tenants will appreciate as well,” Ayla Gomez, JDC’s Brand Manager shares. “It is a great area for events and is a perfect green space that we need for a quick afternoon respite overlooking the sea and the mountains to fuel and inspire the rest of the workday,” she added.

These energy-saving measures also mean a good investment for the tenants, in terms of saving money on reduced utility bills. It also promotes improved productivity of their workforce, which study after study has been shown to be increased in green buildings. JEG Tower is also one of the few LEED-certified buildings in the metropolis and is currently pre-certified LEED Silver. 

JEG Tower @ One Acacia Holds Topping Off Ceremony

“As the building is getting closer to turn over, locals can look forward to now having the option to choose better work environments for their companies and most especially for the people that work for them,” Gomez said. “The city will have a grade A building that fosters community and the work-life balance that every Cebuano deserves.” 

Leading to its launch and turnover in 2020, JDC is looking to achieve Gold certification.  

“Now that the superstructure is completed, all hands are on deck in finishing the building,” Sarmiento said. “The installation of our elevators, as well as the completion of our facade, are two of the more crucial activities that we have to pay close attention to next. We also intend to energize the building by January of 2020.” 

Once completed, JEG Tower @ One Acacia will also serve as JDC’s headquarters and home base.  

“JEG Development Company has placed a lot of resources to build the best workspace in the city, Stefan Garcia, JDC’s estate and business development manager said. “JEG Tower is one of a new crop of office developments in Cebu that are raising the standards of buildings in our city.” 

Source: KMC Website

Posted on

How much office space does your business need?

One of the first things you must decide on when leasing an office is how much space your business needs to occupy in order to successfully operationalize. Unfortunately, there is no single formula business owners can use to compute the exact floor area they need to lease.

Consider the following factors instead:

Number and Types of Employees
The size of your future office should depend on the number and types of employees your company has. Consider the space they need in order to function productively and efficiently.

Office Layout
From stuffy and uniformed cubicle styled office layouts, workplace designs are now varied from open floor plans to colorful hubs that aim to be trendy and more functional. Open or traditional, which one are you going for?

Future of your business
In a few years, your business may have outgrown the space you’re planning on leasing. However, you need to have some forethought and decide where will your company be in the near future.

Beyond Offices

Your considerations for the size of your office should not end in allotting space for desks and computers. You should also think about shared spaces like meeting rooms, conference areas, and other venue where your employees can take a break and socialize. Studies show that providing your employees with ample space to take a break from work and away from their workstations improve their overall productivity and work ethics.

Company Culture

Lastly, you should account your identity as a company when deciding on how much space should your office occupy. Your company culture may manifest in the way you and your employees do and finish work, how you organize and communicate, and at the same time influence the dynamics that will take place in your office floor.

Posted on

Defining Sustainability: Casas+Architects discusses why it matters in design and construction

As the call for more initiatives to combat climate change has become more urgent, sustainable and ‘green’ real estate is seen to be one of the most effective efforts from the building and construction sector to take part in.  

Casas+Architects is one of the country’s pioneers in designing better buildings. Committed to integrating the architectural design with their natural environment, the firm utilizes the company values of imagination, creativity, and skill from the creation of concept down to the most minute construction of sustainable structures in the Philippines. 

Designing Better Buildings 

“Beyond our commitment to distinction, our goal is to work for a positive impact on individual lives, the environment, and communities through sustainable design,” Architect Meloy Casas, founder and president of Casas+Architects said. “The goal of every sustainable building is to reduce the carbon footprint during its construction and lessen its negative impacts to the environment throughout its lifecycle,” he added. 

Being one of the multi-awarded architectural firms in the country, their thrust towards promoting sustainability with their projects is what defines their work and differentiates them from the rest. Since 2008, they helped in forming the Manila skyline, completing notable structures such as the Grand Hyatt/Metrobank Center, Pacific Plaza, Icon Residences, and Maybank Performing Arts Center, among others. 

Cebu’s Frontrunners of Sustainable Real Estate 

Today, they are expanding their operations to the Visayas with the design of one of its newest premium ‘green’ buildings, JEG Tower @ One Acacia. Architect Meloy has translated JEG Development Corporation (JDC)’s vision of making Cebu City more livable. 

“After a serious bidding process with other well-known architectural firms, the board selected Casas, not only because of his expertise but also because it was felt that he best knew how to turn JDC’s long-term dreams into a reality,” Stefan Garcia, the company’s Estate and Business Development Manager said. 

Driven to push forward this initiative to become the new standard, JDC specifically partnered with Casas+Architects to design this 22-floor tower towards sustainability, using environment-friendly materials and would operationalize as energy-efficient as possible. It is also one of the first buildings in the Cebu business park to be LEED pre-certified. 

“Architect Meloy was very active in the initial design stages of the building and has continued to be very present throughout the whole process,” Garcia added.

“The building design is the most important factor in achieving points for LEED certification,” Michael Glindro, Senior Manager for Landlord Representation of KMC said. “It is critical to have all stakeholders and design team members to plan and coordinate the design properly to build a truly green and sustainable building,” he added. 

KMC handles all the sale and leasing transactions for JEG Tower @ One Acacia, which is set to be completed early next year. 

Why Go ‘Green’? 

‘Green’ buildings are more costly to build and operate, however, this is Casas+Architects and JDC’s investment to a better future for the environment.  

“We’re doing this not with the cost in mind,” Marko Sarmiento, JDC’s COO stated. “The ‘green’ movement in the real estate industry has so much potential, and I think the Cebuanos can benefit from it,” he said. 

From the design perspective, Architect Casas said that going ‘green’ benefits both landlords and tenants in the long run. 

“’Green’ operations and management can reduce operating costs, enhance building marketability, increase workers’ productivity and reduce potential liability resulting from indoor air quality problems,” he enumerated. “On the other hand, the indoor environmental quality of ‘green’ buildings can have a significant effect on the health and well-being of its occupiers.” 

“If we are building something, we are doing it the best way possible,” Ayla Gomez, JDC’s brand manager added. 

“Early on in the design phase, he encouraged us to dream big and not to think too much of the financial impact,” Sarmiento shared. “Some of the early designs were contrasting with what we eventually decided on, which made the process fun and engaging.” 

The Identifiers of Success 

Designing and building a ‘green’ building in the Philippines, especially in Cebu, comes with a challenge, however, Architect Casas saw this as an opportunity to excel even more.  

“The building orientation and location was a great challenge since its located on a prominent corner lot and bounded by two busy streets,” he said, citing one of the many technical difficulties in bringing his design to life.  

“The design would make the most of the unusual shape of the corner lot on Archbishop Reyes which is sure to become an icon of the Cebu skyline,” Garcia said. 

Architect Meloy Casas made a name for himself in the industry as a man with boundless passion and dedication for his craft. His eye for architecture and his ability to see beyond the essence of his design is what makes him one of the most trusted names in the industry. 

“JDC always desires to work with people at the forefront of the industry, matching the visionary ideals we hold to make Cebu a better place in which to live,” Garcia stated. “With Casas+Architects’ high-skilled workforce and use of technology, married well with our vision, and it hard for us to imagine what it would be like with a less expert firm.” 

“Considering the stature and reputation as one of the country’s leading Architects, working with Architect Casas has been as much a learning experience as it has been a great pleasure,” Sarmiento said. “Despite his many projects, he took the time to personally guide us through the process of selecting the design that was right for us,” he added. 

Posted on

In Focus: Cebu To Launch Its First Sustainable ‘Smart Building’ Soon – Here Are The Deets!

Cebu, an ever-bustling city, is undeniably one of the country’s biggest centers for tourism, culture, and commerce. Known for its varying industries, each of its businesses play a big part in keeping the city’s pulse alive. But one company in particular is hoping to lead Cebu into a new generation. JEG Development Corporation, originally a holding company started in 1994 by the late Jose E. Garcia, has since evolved into a real estate development company in 2004, when the family’s younger generation took over in his passing in 2003. Now, at its helm is its Chief Operating Officer, Marko Sarmiento, a budding entrepreneur and grandson of Jose E. Garcia, who is looking, not only to grow the business to new heights, but to also lead Cebu into a more progressive future.

“My background was actually in the furniture industry, which is a big industry here in Cebu, and I was doing that for 10 years. My father’s side of the business is furniture, and mother’s side is real estate. When real estate was picking up, it was something that my family wanted to develop further. I had other family members in JEG Development that were working there, but they shifted to our main industry, which is power generation and distribution. So real estate was just plugging along, and no one was really taking the lead. That’s when I came in in 2010,” Marko tells ABS-CBN Lifestyle. “We had a few small projects when we started, but we always had this plan to develop an office building. And it was around 2017 when we decided we were going to pursue the building, and that became our first ‘big project— the JEG Tower.”

The JEG Tower is the first high-rise project of the company, set to launch late this year. Having been described as ‘the ultimate fusion of business and leisure,’ the development will mainly function as a commercial building with retail spaces in the lower floors, and office spaces on the upper levels. But what makes this building special, are its environmental and innovative components. It will be one of the few LEED certified buildings in Cebu, and will boast sustainable and practical features such as efficient energy consumption, lower water consumption, and a ‘green roof’ that collects rainwater for re-use, just to name a few. This will be a first of its kind in the city, and is something that the company hopes to be the catalyst for a more sustainable trend in Cebu.

“We realize that we came into the industry late. When we developed this building, the reason we decided to go LEED, green, and grade A, was because we had to differentiate ourselves from everybody else. But rather than just building one successful project, a lot of it had to do with making Cebu being a livable city. It’s a focus that the family has, the board has, and we feel that a LEED building puts us in the right step forward,” Marko says. “‘Smart buildings’ are something we’d want to push for.”

Coming from relatively smaller projects such as The Gallery, a strip mall in the city, and Tomodachi Residences, a premium residential townhouse development, their new commercial high-rise acts as a promising launch pad to a more progressive direction for the company. With Marko, and the rest of the team hopeful for brighter things to come, their focus stems from a more meaningful vision for their growing company.

“We want to be seen as the guys who really took time to think of developing projects not only for the bottom line, but to develop the community, and for the rest of the country to look at Cebuanos as more than just your typical developer. That we actually think of the environment, the community, and livability,” Marko stresses.

Beyond the company, Marko envisions JEG Development’s projects to contribute to the broader strokes of Cebu’s development and to help showcase the ingenuity of the Cebuanos, as well as how they can be up to par with the developments in Metro Manila, and what can also be seen from around the world.

“We want to give Cebu something to be proud of, because of something we’ve actually developed in Cebu that could hopefully be a microcosm of what else we’d be doing in the future. A township is something that we’d one day like to develop, where we’d have parks, maybe in a smaller scale, but a little community where we could have nice commercial buildings and walkable spaces. In other countries, you can see that it’s nice to walk in the city, and unfortunately, Cebu isn’t as walkable, and it’s something we’d love to somewhat create,” he muses.

“We’re all Cebuanos, we take pride in being Cebuano, and we want people to look at Cebu as a place that’s not only a nice place to visit for its beaches, but also for having premium office spaces and residential developments, with good quality of life.”

Source: https://lifestyle.abs-cbn.com/articles/7890/in-focus-cebu-to-launch-its-first-sustainable-smart-building-soonhere-are-the-deets

Posted on

Building a more livable Cebu: Top 5 green initiatives in Cebu City

As the condition of Climate Change continues to worsen, more and more institutions are driving programs and initiatives to help in combatting its effects and minimize harmful impacts on the environment. According to global reports, the world is already at its “tipping point” wherein various activities of modern man have been accelerating the global warming to the extent of changing climate patterns and endangering all forms of life.

In 2006, Cebu City has been named as the second most air-polluted city in the country. The city is also 6th out of the 16 Philippine cities vulnerable to Climate Change. Due to these alarming information, the Cebu City Government has been actively proposing measures to address this pressing issue, from conducting an annual ‘Carless Day’ to requiring vehicles to undergo regular emission tests, especially for those who are always stuck in traffic. Different programs are also set which aim to achieve an effective and efficient program to establish a clean and better environment for Cebu City residents.

More than these programs, other initiatives were also launched by individuals and non-government organizations to help the cause.

Plantable Pencils

Eco Hub, a start-up company based in Cebu City, has successfully launched its product, pencils that can grow back into plants and trees when planted. This innovation is no different from regular pencils, except that its tail end is a “gelatin capsule” that contains plant seeds in place of an eraser.

Eco Hub’s plantable pencils have capsules on the tips containing seeds which can grow into plants and trees

“This gives it a new lease on life. Instead of being thrown away, the plantable pencil becomes a symbol of sustainability,” Eco Hub said on their Facebook page.

A pencil costs Php. 20 each, and it comes in different seed options: tomato, mint, basil, sunflower, carrot, or citronella seeds, among others. The start-up sells other sustainable products such as reusable straws and utensils to further support the cause.

Plastic Ban

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena has signed a memo banning all single-use plastics in government offices. Food vendors can no longer use plastic bags, straws, cups, containers, and utensils in selling food to employees and visitors. Instead, every government employee and official is encouraged to bring their own reusable containers.

The government officials are pushing this initiative forward as they propose an ordinance prohibiting establishments, particularly groceries and supermarkets to use plastic bags for the next three years. Currently, this rule applies every Wednesdays and Saturdays as provided under Ordinance 2343.

Plant. Plant, Plant Program

In contrast to the Duterte Administration’s flagship infrastructure program ‘Build, Build, Build’, the region’s Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-7) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) implements a rule to replace every tree that will be affected by the ongoing projects under the program.

The government plans to grow over 3,000 trees to compensate the Build, Build, Build program in Cebu

“This is going to be the first time that DPWH will include as one important component, that is the preservation and conservation of our environment,” DPWH-7 (Central Visayas) Regional Director Edgar Tabacon told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

In a January 8, 2019 memorandum of agreement signed by both agencies, the DENR-7 undertakes to implement the planting the trees replacing those that will be taken out due to civil works. Tabacon explained that every “planted” tree that will be affected by an infrastructure project will be replaced with 50 trees, while every “naturally-grown” tree will be replaced with 100 trees.

#ChallengeForChange

This campaign for change was started online. Abhi Yeole, an Indian national who resides in Cebu has set up a Facebook page called “We Don’t Deserve this Planet” with the goal of encouraging people to tidy their surroundings and take a “before” and “after” photo which they could post on their social media websites.

Yeole told Cebu Daily News that he and his group initially wanted to raise awareness on environmental concerns that are affecting the world today.

“We want to make people aware so that they know what’s the biggest problem today. Then, we ask for action to bring change,” he said.

Yeole said that they have been getting favorable responses from all over the world, as participants of the challenge range from residents of the Philippines, Indonesia, Germany, India, and Thailand among others.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia

Being the second most populated urban area of the Philippines after Metro Manila, Metro Cebu has been experiencing a massive economic boom the past few years. Since the growth of the IT-BPM industry in the region, the demand for office and retail spaces in the Queen City of the South has also been on the rise. JEG Tower @ One Acacia, the city’s first green building. The 22-story building will offer additional Grade A office spaces in Cebu, without further contributing to the negative impacts of commercial spaces in the city.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia is rising soon, taking Cebu City one step closer to being greener.

JDC, the corporation behind this initiative, specifically designed their first high rise project towards sustainability which made use of environment-friendly materials and would operationalize as energy efficient as possible. The sustainable design of the building does not only benefit the environment but also takes care of the overall well-being of its occupiers.

“Green developments aren’t a standard yet in Cebu, but we want to take the initiative starting with this building,” Marko Sarmiento, JDC’s Chief Operating Officer stated.

“The green movement in the Real estate industry has so much potential, and I think the Cebuanos can benefit from it,” he said.

June is National Environment Month. DENR 7 Regional Executive Director Gilbert Gonzales stated that this year’s celebration aims to raise awareness on how air pollution is destroying not just the environment but also the health and general well-being of the public. These initiatives, regardless of scale, are successful in increasing awareness and contributing to the cause against Climate Change, especially in Cebu City.