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Creating People-Centric Public Spaces in the Philippines

For decades, the human factor in creating public spaces has been overlooked and haphazardly addressed until the COVID-19 crisis. Over the last two years, the way of life has been changed drastically, inspiring modifications and adjustments in the way people live, work, and play. The pandemic has highlighted the need for more people-centric public spaces that will prioritize and improve the health, safety, and protection of the people in the new normal. 

What are People-Centric Public Spaces? 
 
People-centric or human-centered public spaces are spaces that are designed to provide tailor-fitted solutions to the needs of the public, providing resources that protect their interests. Since the crucial role of public health was also emphasized over the pandemic, more have been advocating for more people-centric public spaces in the Philippines. 
 
Even before the pandemic, the call for the creation of these spaces was clear. In 2016, the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development conducted Habitat III, a conference where world leaders, policymakers, and advocates convened and echoed the need for “safe, inclusive, accessible, green, and quality public spaces, including streets, sidewalks and cycling lanes, gardens, and parks that are multi-functional areas for social interaction and inclusion, human health and well-being, economic exchange, and cultural expression and dialogue” 
 
Green Real Estate and People-centric Designs 

The COVID-19 pandemic also drove a significant change in real estate on a global scale. Sustainability was no longer a ‘trend’ in the industry that focuses on environment conservation, but also became a guiding principle in creating people-centric designs and promoting the health and safety of building occupants and tenants. 

RELATED: Optimizing Buildings for Disease Prevention 
 
Green buildings or developments that were designed and constructed following sustainable measures and operating through energy-efficient means became synonymous with healthy spaces that protect lives with resiliency, safeguard well-being, and amplify human experiences. 

As one of the most essential public spaces shared by a community, office and commercial developments remain as crucial points for public health and safety. Due to the pandemic, Buildings today give more emphasis to the health and wellness of their tenants. While other offices will only start implementing such changes to cater more towards well-being, LEED-certified buildings have long been uplifting the quality of the work environment and promoting the health and well-being of their tenants—during a health crisis and beyond.  
 
LEED-certified developments optimize space for disease prevention. With its unique green facilities and top-grade amenities, tenants inside premium green buildings enjoy optimal indoor-air quality, exposure to natural light, access to green spaces, and contact-less facilities that are key in workplace wellness and safety. 
 

READ MORE: Why LEED is a big deal in the Philippines 

 
JEG Tower @ One Acacia advocates for the holistic well-being and safety of its tenants and occupants. Committed to revolutionizing work and life balance, the award-winning building offers office and retail spaces that maximize the use of natural daylight, allow better indoor air quality in all work and common spaces, and utilize solar energy for more efficiency. 
 
Want to learn more about how JEG Tower @ One Acacia promotes sustainability and advocates for holistic health in the Philippines? Reach out to Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547 or send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com. 

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Advantages of Green Buildings in Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness

Over the past few years, the world has experienced extreme weather conditions and severe disasters caused by Climate Change. Environment and climate experts warn that this trend will continue across the globe as widescale degradation occurs. The Philippines is not a stranger to the devastation caused by strong typhoons, flooding, and landslides. Last December, super typhoon Odette, internationally known as Rai, hit some parts of the country, especially Visayas and Mindanao. Cebu City, a known metropolis and economic center of the region, experienced its onslaught, leaving many without homes, electricity, and water.  
 
Importance of Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness  
While the occurrence of natural calamities is inevitable and to be expected, disaster risk reduction and preparedness are key in protecting lives and property. Experts say that for measures to be effective, a holistic and comprehensive approach should be in place. The government, private institutions, and individuals should cover policies and promote practices to ensure the effectiveness of programs, complemented by the structural integrity of structures and establishments. 

Disaster risk reduction is the concept and practice of reducing disaster risks through systematic efforts to analyze and manage the causal factors of disasters, including through reduced exposure to hazards, lessened vulnerability of people and property, wise management of land and the environment, and improved preparedness for adverse events.

Sustainability for Disaster Preparedness

The importance of integrating sustainability in real estate and development becomes reemphasized as more recognize its importance in achieving resilience. Sustainability is an encompassing concept that is a critical factor affecting not only the environment, but also the health, safety, and productivity of a structure’s occupants and the public.

As defined by the US Green Building Council, green or sustainable real estate is the practice of creating and using healthier and more resource-efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance, and demolition. Hand in hand with the standards to promote environment conservation and the promotion of overall well-being, this concept offers an opportunity to create environmentally efficient buildings for resiliency.


While green buildings are primarily designed to lessen greenhouse emissions and construction’s impact on the environment, sustainable structures exhibit mitigation and adaption strategies passive design principles to shape the built environment in a way that is both responsive and resilient to future climate extremes.

In a study, the resilience ability of green buildings may be achieved in two ways; reducing the initial damage to building systems and infrastructure and using passive design principles to increase building resilience.

Reducing the initial damage to building systems and infrastructure means designing systems that ensure safety, cost-effectiveness, and practicality. Passive design principles, on the other hand, are the techniques of placing, orienting, and massing a building to optimize the use of the sun and climate to provide natural lighting, heating, and ventilation.

Premium green buildings in the Philippines, such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia, do not only promote sustainability in terms of health and the environment, but also raise the bar in advocating for resilience. Being a LEED Gold-certified establishment, the 22-storey commercial tower was designed to be a safe and healthy space for businesses that are looking to relocate or expand to the Visayas.

Want to learn more about the edge of green buildings in resilience and disaster preparedness? Contact Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547 or send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com.

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2022 resolutions for a greener & healthier workplace

The new year is a perfect opportunity to start greener and healthier resolutions in the office. As the world continues to recover and adjust to a better normal, many companies and employees commit to being healthier and more conscious about public safety and the environment.

Here are some simple and sustainable New Year resolutions for a greener and healthier office and organization in 2022:


Go Paperless (as much as you can)

Going completely paperless may be a long reach but trying to limit the use of new paper or recycling old ones is always a good start. As companies transition to a hybrid work set-up, cloud-based apps and software can also be a good way of conserving paper.

‘Bike or Walk to Work’ Day

To lessen the emission of carbon monoxide, some countries observe a national “Bike to Work” day every May. This observance does not only raise the awareness of cyclists, but also promotes the health benefits of exercise and advocates for the protection of the environment.

Young Asian woman ride bikes to work she is happy and safe

Some office and commercial establishments, like JEG Tower @ One Acacia, advocates for this alternative by offering bike racks within the building and providing shower rooms on parking floors.

Organize Company Health Programs

To promote health, wellness, and camaraderie, employers can organize company-wide health programs and allot office hours for everyone to join. Various initiatives such as seminars, workout sessions, or mental health consultations can greatly impact employees’ holistic well-being.

Promote Public Health
There is a renewed global recognition of the importance of health and wellness after the world experienced a pandemic. Public health has become a focus for policy makers, government units, and private organizations.

In a report by the World Health Organization, a safe and healthy community can be ensured through effective guidelines that are observed by a group of people at all times. Providing a workplace setting that uplifts and prioritizes the overall well-being and safety of its employees creates a significant impact on public health.

Commit to Green Initiatives
Companies who want to shift to sustainability this year can start by committing to environmental initiatives. By getting involved in community-based programs and organizing projects for the environment, companies will not only greatly impact the cause but would also earn a brand image that takes care of the environment.

Conserve Energy

Conserving energy in the workplace does not only benefit the company’s utility costs, it also significantly benefits the environment. Premium green buildings, like JEG Tower @ One Acacia, address greenhouse gases by reducing the amount of energy required for building operations. With a whole-building approach, these establishments use energy more efficiently by utilizing top-of-the-line technology.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia advocates for the holistic well-being and safety of its tenants and occupants. Committed to revolutionizing work and life balance, the award-winning building offers office and retail spaces that maximize the use of natural daylight, allow better indoor air quality in all work and common spaces, and utilize solar energy for more efficiency.

Want to learn more about how JEG Tower @ One Acacia promotes sustainability and advocates for holistic health in the Philippines? Reach out to Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547 or send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com.

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Workplace Wellness Trends for 2022

The global health crisis has significantly highlighted the importance of health and well-being in a community setting. While public health has been one of the priorities of the government, COVID-19 emphasized how it should be a core concern when it comes to urban development and economic recovery.

In 2022, more companies are looking for sustainable and resilient solutions to better protect and better equip their workforce physically and mentally. Beyond pandemic resilience, the new normal office puts the spotlight on workplace wellness and safety for employees and building tenants. Here are some workplace wellness trends to expect in 2022:

Reinforcing Work-Life Balance

Prolonged lockdowns have left companies in and outside the Philippines to offer more flexible work arrangements. Contrary to the typical 8-5 office setup, many have enjoyed spending more time at home through a remote work setup, enabling them to reinforce work and life balance. This trend is expected to continue next year, as many companies consider decentralizing their workforce and provide more flexible options for their employees.

A hybrid office model means a mix of office and work-from-home setup, allowing employees to do more things outside of work. A study in the US revealed that the pandemic has significantly improved their work-life balance. Out of 1,010 respondents, 83% said that they currently have a positive work-life balance because of more flexible work options.

Focus on Mental Health & Stress Management

The new normal presents an opportunity to provide a better work environment for employees and support their mental well-being. Many studies show that office spaces impact the mental health and cognitive function of employees, especially as they face more stress and anxiety while working. According to research, employees inside a confined space for extended periods of time can suffer from mental burnout, demotivation, and added stress.

In a study, a healthy workforce can improve output due to lower stress levels and employee absences. A more holistic approach is also encouraged by some experts. In the same report, the corporate wellness program can go beyond physical, mental, social, and emotional needs. Mental health is an aspect that is most often overlooked by employees and employers alike.

Primary Care Benefits

Employees expect a more comprehensive healthcare and protection benefits from their employees in 2022. As the majority realized the importance of putting their health first and at the top of their priorities, one of the emerging trends in the new normal is the inclusion of primary care to the employees’ benefits moving forward.

Healthier Workspaces

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.

Structural and technological upgrades help boost confidence and peace of mind, enforce protocols, and track activity for tenants to feel safer and be inspired at work.

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.

READ MORE: Why JEG Tower is the perfect new normal workplace

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 right the time for renewable energy in the Philippines is now

The COVID-19 pandemic has further amplified the call for sustainability across industries in the world. As countries begin to recognize the importance of addressing health and safety concerns in a holistic approach, green and sustainable features become a standard in real estate developments, especially in the Philippines.

As a developing country in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is susceptible to the impending effects of global warming and climate change. The ever increasing demand for energy and power also contributes to the continuous burning of fossil fuels, which is not only detrimental to the environment but could also lead to health implications in the long run.

Here are a few reasons why the right time for renewable energy in the Philippines is now:

Much needed Economic Boost

Long periods of lockdowns and the global economic recession significantly put a dent in the local economy of the Philippines. Investing in renewable energy can provide a much-needed economic boost and overcome fears of a U-shaped recovery. According to the World Economic Forum, citing numbers from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), every dollar invested in the clean energy transition provides 3-8 times the return.

More Employment Opportunities

The widespread adoption of renewable energy creates employment opportunities up and down the supply chain. As of 2018, the renewable energy sector has already employed 11 million people worldwide. According to a May 2020 report released by McKinsey, international government spending on energy efficiency efforts creates 3 times more jobs than allocating budget for fossil fuel production.


Lower Health Risks

Renewable energy reduces health risks since higher production of fossil fuels increases air pollution and increases the chances of respiratory issues, which is more crucial because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Solar power is a clean and renewable energy that does not contribute to the creation of carbon emissions in the world, effectively reducing air pollution. By using solar power instead of the municipal power supply, businesses that are located in solar-powered establishments limit the production of greenhouse that also contributes to common health problems such as asthma.

RELATED: Benefits of Solar Energy in the Office

Improved Energy Resilience

With a consistent and growing demand for energy and power, electricity grids and systems remain overworked in the Philippines. In turn, these only produce erratic electrical supply in some parts of the country, especially in remote areas. Renewable and clean energy sources are more sustainable sources of power, providing access for all while reducing electricity costs for consumers.


Additionally, renewable energy can provide electricity access for commercial buildings that utilize solar panels to reduce its dependency on the local power grid. Stored solar energy can help in guaranteeing a 100% uptime and providing a more reliable backup power to sustain business operations in case of a power blackout.

READ MORE: Sustainable Developments: Benefits and Why More Businesses are Choosing to be Green

JEG Development Corporation advocates for sustainability and the use of renewable energy in the Philippines. JEG Tower @ One Acacia is the first commercial development in Cebu to use solar energy to operationalize the 22-storey premium green building.

Named as 2020’s Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines, JEG Tower is designed towards sustainability and operates to reduce negative impacts to the environment and provide a safe and healthy working environment.

Interested in leasing an office in this premium green office space? Contact Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547 or send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com to schedule a viewing.

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JEG Development Corporation employees receive complete COVID-19 vaccination

All employees of JEG Development Corporation received full doses of vaccination against COVID-19. With the company’s commitment to the overall well-being and safety of its employees, JDC has partnered with the local government of Cebu to avail Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac, and AstraZeneca shots. 

As the company transitions into the new normal, JDC ensured the protection of its employees is part of its business continuity plan. Recognized as the developer of the country’s 2020 Best Green Commercial Development JEG Tower @ One Acacia, JDC aims to provide a holistic wellness experience to its employees and fellow Cebuanos. 

According to the Cebu City Health Department, over 416,000 individuals in the city have so far received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 361,000 were already fully vaccinated. According to OIC Dr. Jeffrey Ibones, the city was targeting the inoculation of at least 700,000 out of its one million residents or 70 percent to achieve herd immunity.

With the steady inoculation of Cebuano residents and a significant decrease in active infections, the local government has eased economic restrictions and placed the city under Alert Level 2 quarantine classification.

Economic activity is expected to gradually improve as commercial and retail establishments reopen. Moreover, the 8.9-kilometer Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) is also forecasted to significantly increase economic opportunities in the city and aid in its post-pandemic recovery.

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JEG Tower in Focus: DOAS Elevators for the New Normal Workplace

One of the key and unique sustainability features that make JEG Tower @ Acacia stand out is its Mitsubishi Destination-Oriented Allocation System (DOAS) elevators that are utilized in all 22 floors of the premium green building.

DOAS elevators are developed to ensure strategic and safe movement within the vertical development, with innovative technology designed to utilize less energy consumption. By optimizing mobility and decongesting key common areas in the building, less energy is consumed.

More than utility savings and lesser energy consumption, the DOAS system integrates the building’s elevators with installed turnstiles that allow for a unique lift assignment, making it easier to contact trace and assuring a less crowded lobby. 

As the economy reopens and more employees are returning to the workplace, JEG Tower’s DOAS elevators add another layer of contactless protection to the building as it reduces the need to press a button for a car call. Through the automated assignment, the allocated car only has one destination, allowing for reduced waiting or time, and energy efficiency.

DOAS Elevators for the New Normal Workplace

Elevators are an essential means of transportation for workers in high-rise office buildings, however, as the workplace adapts to the new normal, many employees become wary of their safety and health while inside a closed and constricted space.

DOAS elevators aid in managing the traffic for building occupants. This system limits the exposure of employees to other tenants in the building from other floors. This helps promote social distancing without sacrificing waiting time.

This system also minimizes the need for touching surfaces as it eliminates elevator buttons. Turnstiles that are situated in the lobby will automatically assign to which elevator car employees need to ride to reach their desired floor. This touchless option mitigates any risk for cross-contamination inside the commercial building.

READ MORE: Why JEG Tower is the perfect new normal workplace

As one of the frontrunners of sustainability and advocates of work-life balance in the Philippines, JEG Tower @ One Acacia uplifts the holistic health and well-being of its tenants, especially in the new normal. This 22-storey premium green building has designed office spaces to maximize the use of natural daylight, allow better indoor air quality in all work and common spaces, and organize initiatives to encourage healthier living for its tenants.

Named as 2020’s Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines and a LEED Gold certified office building, JEG Tower @ One Acacia invests in top-grade amenities and the latest technology to offer the best, safest, and healthiest place to work in Cebu City.

Interested to know more about this rising icon of sustainability? Connect with us by calling (+63) 2-8403-5519 or sending an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com.

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Sustainable Real Estate: Why You Should Work in a Green Building

The COVID-19 pandemic has reemphasized the importance of public health within communities. The global health crisis highlighted how the environment and space people occupy can directly affect their health significantly. In the middle of a global climate and health crisis, promoting sustainable spaces is more crucial than ever. Green and sustainable workspaces do not just benefit the environment, they greatly impact the people in them as well.


Why You Should Work in a Green Office

Much research has found a link between a safe and healthy office space and design with the overall well-being of its occupants. From health benefits to productivity boosts and the obvious environmentally friendly impact, here are more reasons why employees should work in a green building:

Health Benefits

Providing plants and real greenery is one of the easiest ways of gradually transforming an office into a green space. Studies as early as the 1960s proved how plants can drastically improve the air quality in a contained area. A study conducted at Washington State University revealed that incorporating plants in office spaces can reduce dust levels by as much as 20%, as the plants remove particulate matter from the indoor environment. Office flora can also help bolster humidity levels to the 30% – 60% range required for human health.

The biophilic design of workspaces inside green buildings incorporates ecological aspects that minimize stress levels, reduce mental fatigue, and elevate mood.

Increased Productivity

Having large windows that allow maximum natural light to come into the space also positively impacts the wellness of employees. Exposure to sunlight was proven to increase the brain’s release of a hormone called serotonin. Serotonin is associated with boosting mood and helping a person feel calm and focused, improving morale and productivity.

A study from Northwestern Medicine and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign also discussed how improved indoor environmental quality doubled their participants’ cognitive function and boost creativity.

Friend of the Environment

In a press release, UN Environment has highlighted how buildings are a key driver of energy demand globally.

Green buildings are designed and constructed to significantly reduce global emissions, as the buildings sector is responsible for around 39% of all energy-related CO2 emissions and 36% of final energy use.

Sustainable real estate is an effort to reduce the grave impact of buildings which accounts for 40% of greenhouse gas emissions and 20% of all solid waste generation in developed countries, according to the United Nations Environment Programme.

RELATED: Workplace Re-Entry 101: Why choose green buildings as your next office

Premium green buildings, such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia, invest in the well-being of its building occupiers by addressing health and wellbeing in a holistic approach. By following industry-set standards and optimizing building design and operations, it is one of the most ideal locations to work in Cebu City. JEG Tower puts a premium on its tenants’ health while practicing sustainability and energy efficiency.

Named as 2020’s Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines, this 22-storey tower has achieved its LEED Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council. With 68 points, it is the highest-scoring LEED 2009 project in the province.

Contact KMC via jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com for leasing inquiries and more information today!

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JEG Tower achieves LEED Gold, set to become Cebu’s First Commercial Development to use Solar Energy

JEG Tower @ One Acacia has officially achieved a LEED Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council. The development was also awarded 68 points, the highest-scoring LEED CS project in Cebu. The 22-story tower achieved gold for BD+C Core and Shell.

Moreover, 2020’ Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines is set to become Cebu’s first commercial development to use solar energy as it enters into a 20-Year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with COREnergy for a Zero Cash-Out solar photovoltaics (PV) plant. 

(Photos from COREnergy. Actual panels on JEG Tower to be installed.)

The development 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.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia’s venture to renewable energy is just proof of its commitment to use a safer energy option to benefit the environment. “Sourcing out solar energy used to be a challenge but with suppliers like COREnergy, availability is here and more importantly it is affordable,” Sarmiento said.

Innovators in the Industry

JDC, a homegrown real estate commercial and residential developer in Cebu City, is regarded to be one of the frontrunners of sustainability and green real estate in the country. With this additional top-grade green feature for JEG Tower, the company becomes one of the pioneers of renewable energy in the Visayan region.

“The building will be utilizing solar power to pump water from the cistern tank to the water tank above the roof deck, run all the electrical systems in the main lobby including the turnstiles, run the systems in the fire command center, run back of the house systems and/or the building manager’s office,” Tomas Tan, JDC’s Senior Manager for Technical Services explained. He also noted that the high-rise commercial building will use the generated energy in real time, requiring no electric storage.

“No batteries or net metering system is required since the power generated by the solar PV system will be immediately used to run the building,” he added.

(Photos from COREnergy. Actual panels on JEG Tower to be installed.)

Sustainable Growth for Cebu

As the Visayan capital and the main economic stronghold outside Luzon, Metro Cebu rapidly became urbanized and dense with more office and commercial buildings. Environmentalists in the region pinpoint this economic boom as one of the main factors in the disruption of the province’s biodiversity.


According to a sustainability report by Barone International, JEG Tower @ One Acacia has successfully reduced greenhouse gas emissions by diverting 1,527,584 lbs. of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually. As a testament to the tower’s unique energy efficiency, its energy savings is 23% lower than that of a non-green building.

Smart use of water resources is being implemented in the building by reducing potable water utilization for toilets, urinals, and shower that helps natural conservation of resources, reduces costs, and improve the building’s efficiency. Proper collection of recyclables and waste management has also been considered to ensure severe impacts to landfills.

“There is no long-term future without sustainability,” JDC’s Brand Manager Ayla Gomez reiterated. “In a fast-growing city like Cebu, sustainability should really be at the forefront of every developer. We are at a unique time and place where health, safety and wellness continue to prove that these are important factors to be able to keep progressing and ensure growth.”

JEG Tower goes above and beyond sustainability standards as it ensures ozone protection by using a Hydroflourocarbon (HFC) R-410A which has zero Ozone-depletion potential in the refrigerant used for the building. It also implemented an erosion and sedimentation control plan during construction. It also has pocket green spaces and a pioneering green roof that provides restoration of habitats that will support local flora and fauna.

“Anything we can power through a sustainable source is a great benefit for a building, beyond energy consumption, this further emphasizes the efficiency of our energy model and ultimately helps us lower carbon footprint,” Gomez said.

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Redefining Work-Life Balance in the New Normal

If there is something positive that came out of the COVID-19 pandemic, experts agree that it is emphasizing the importance of employee health and safety, exploring the possibility of a more flexible working arrangement, and reiterating the importance of space – especially in the office.

As more economies and industries reopen in the new normal, many companies and businesses are becoming more aware of their responsibilities in taking care of and prioritizing the well-being of their employees. As an effect of the long-term remote work scheme, most employees have also realized the importance of work-life balance.

What is Work-Life Balance in the New Normal?

Mobile devices, cloud sharing applications, and video conferencing platforms have played key roles in making remote work possible during lockdowns. As modern technology offered this possibility and convenience, it also further blurred the line that separates work and the private lives of many workers. In an article published by Forbes Magazine in May, many employers and employees alike reported burnout because of this. International corporations and even local businesses have recognized how “the blurring of lines between home and work and the relentlessness of the pandemic workday have taken a toll on their well-being.”

Redefining work-life balance in the new normal became crucial for companies in order to address it better during business re-entry. With the transition to a more flexible work arrangement, work-life balance now emphasizes the importance of working efficiently without sacrificing the employees’ health and wellness. Work-life balance in the new normal should also highlight rest and strengthening one’s immune system as protection against the virus. Moreover, it should also focus on working within safe and healthy workspaces.

Healthy Spaces for Work-Life Balance

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy post-pandemic workplace should be a balance of occupational health and safety, as well as health promotion efforts and initiatives.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia was designed and built with its occupiers’ health and safety in mind. Even before the pandemic, this premium 22-storey commercial establishment aimed to offer the best workplace in Cebu City.

Homegrown developer, JEG Development Corporation (JDC), has focused on pivoting the evolving needs of the workplace in the new normal and has incorporated systems, fixtures, and technology to inspire work-life balance and provide a safe space for its tenants.

READ MORE: Future-Proof Workspaces: Office Must-Haves in the New Normal


Through the intelligent utilization of technology, sustainable design and construction methods, and integrated and holistic approach to the well-being of its occupiers, JEG Tower @ One Acacia is the perfect new normal workplace in the heart of Metro Cebu. This premium green building was named 2020’s Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines for its design and utilization of top-grade amenities to elevate the experience of its tenants. It also recently achieved a LEED Gold certification, making it one of the most sustainable developments in the country.

Looking for a safe workplace post-lockdown in Metro Cebu? Reach out to Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825-6884. Schedule a viewing with us today by calling (+63) 2-8403-5519 or sending an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com.