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JEG Development Corporation Underscores Sustainability as Key to Cebu’s Economic Recovery

Months after the threat of being the country’s COVID-19 epicenter in June, Cebu City is now gradually resuming to its normal operations following the period of being under the strictest quarantine measures.

With the city government allowing the return in operations of over 1,300 traditional jeepneys last November 3 and the Department of Health announcing that Cebu City is showing signs of herd immunity the day after, the Queen City of the South is well on its way to restart the economy.

Despite the temporary pause brought about by the pandemic, local real estate developer JEG Development Corporation (JDC) is committed to drive the historic city to new heights and to realize a more progressive and resilient future.

What started as a holding company founded by the late Jose E. Garcia in 1994, JDC has evolved into a real estate company 10 years after and is now led by Garcia’s grandson, JDC’s Chief Operating Officer, Marko Sarmiento.

Under Sarmiento’s leadership, the company began developing strip malls and residential projects and is now set to unveil a state-of-the-art green building with the launch of JEG Tower early next year.

“JDC’s main thrust has always been to enrich the lives of the communities where our properties are built. We may be a relatively new player in the industry, but our local roots are strong and deep, which is why we are committed to always uplift Cebu through our properties especially with the many adjustments because of the pandemic,” said Sarmiento. 

Reinventing the workplace

The threat of the virus has permanently skewed how businesses are done, and this includes the workplace.

For JDC’s Brand Manager, Ayla Gomez, as businesses slowly transition back to normal operations, it is the perfect time to rethink old ways and to shift mindsets to consider things that may not have been prioritized as much before.

“Even before the pandemic, we have always envisioned JEG Tower to be the game changer that challenges the perspective of businesses when it comes to the workplace. We want to encourage them to put a high priority to providing a healthier workplace, because we see the greater impact on our overall wellbeing and the world we live in,” Gomez said.

JDC Estate Manager Stefan Garcia also added that through JEG Tower, JDC is driven to develop the healthiest workplace in the city.

“By pivoting towards green development, Cebu would be a better place to live, work and do business in, as this would reduce both pollution and illness by improving the air quality, waste management, and livability of our urban areas,” Garcia shared.

“JEG Tower is built using green techniques, with management plans for soil erosion, waste management, and air quality. A less polluted environment ensures better health, especially lung health, which proved to be a key factor for people during this pandemic,” he reiterated.  

Extending their assistance to Visayas

JDC’s efforts to help Cebu get back on its feet after the lockdown was not limited to its properties. Through their affiliate foundations like Vivant Foundation, Inc., the family behind JDC continuously contributes to the ongoing sustainable development of communities in Visayas. 

For instance, VFI’s Projects, Liadlaw and RELY, provide solar electrification for off-grid schools in Region VII, while simultaneously sponsoring a technical-vocational course in Electronic Installation and Maintenance with Solar to ensure the maintenance of the solar electrification systems and future livelihoods for students in the region.

The future of real estate in Visayas

With the launch of JEG Tower set to happen imminently JDC is all geared up to push the envelope and redefine the future of the property industry not just in Cebu, but the whole country.

JDC’s deep regard for the welfare of its tenants, their employees, and the communities they are in has gained the attention of many including the Property Awards Asia, where JEG Tower was nominated as The Best Office Development, making them one of the very few Visayas-based properties that managed to get shortlisted.

To know more about JDC, JEG Tower and it’s other properties, head over to https://jegdevelopment.com.  

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Corporate Wellness 101: Why shift focus on health and well-being

With the several concerns brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, more companies are looking for sustainable and resilient solutions to better protect and equip their workforce physically and mentally. The shift to wellness is becoming one of the priorities as more businesses regroup and map out their workplace re-entry strategies.

Beyond a pandemic-proof workplace, public health and safety can be improved through a suitable corporate wellness program. This initiative offers many advantages beyond employee engagement and a sense of community.

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.

Similarly, in the Philippines, companies such as JEG Development Corporation has been offering a wellness program to encourage a more active lifestyle and support sustainable transportation in Cebu. Through an allocated fund, they have recently launched a well-received bike program for all their employees that allows them to purchase their bikes.

RELATED: Why Sustainable Transportation Matters For A Greener Philippines

Since its inception, more employees are going on bike runs together to keep them fit, and also as a form of responsible socialization. Individuals who already have bikes or are less inclined to do so can use the budget to buy vitamins to supplement their health.

More data shows that these programs can help improve overall business performance as it fosters a healthier workplace. In a report by Entrepreneur, a healthy workforce can improve output due to lower stress levels and employee absences. Beyond productivity, enabling their interest to become more physically and emotionally fit will also reduce healthcare expenses for companies.

A more holistic approach is also encouraged by some experts. In the same report, the corporate wellness program can go beyond physical and emotional needs by addressing issues unique to one’s particular life. This can include financial aid, legal protection, or simply taking a more active role in the community which heavily appeals to the younger generation or the millennial workforce.

Recently, new fronts in healthcare and corporate wellness are being explored. With the help of technology, it is easier to access information and monitor fitness performance through certain apps and online platforms. Given the current pandemic, corporations can opt to avail of digital health care solutions in the workplace to create more awareness or mindfulness when it comes to physical or mental fitness.

RELATED: Pushing Sustainable Offices: Leveraging smart technology for safety, productivity

In a study conducted in the US, it was observed that employees are much interested in utilizing technology or digital systems that can help them personally monitor weight loss, provide health risk assessments, and other relevant biometric screenings.

With the drawbacks triggered by the pandemic, the shift in business priorities is a long time coming. Investing in the health and wellness of the workforce will deliver long-term returns and benefits not only for the individual but for businesses as well.

Looking to move into a healthier workplace? Contact Michael Glindro at (+63) 917-584-0443 or send an email to mike.g@kmcmaggroup.com.

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Beyond Green: Why you should expand to Cebu

Despite the severe impacts of the COVID-19 in the Philippines and subsequent lockdowns, Metro Cebu continues to prove its viability as the Visayan business center. Apart from its push for sustainability, the city’s holistic recovery picks up momentum as measures are put into place to contain the pandemic and ensure the health, safety, and business posterity.

Here are a few reasons why you should locate to Cebu:

  • Strengthened COVID-19 response

    After a longer stay in Enhanced Community Quarantine, the Department of Health confirmed that Cebu has recently recorded its lowest number of cases last September 28, 2020, with only 3 confirmed patients. The local government through its Emergency Operations Center has been actively taking measures to contain the virus, contact tracing, and alleviate the number of active cases.

    The EOC monitors areas or key locations with high foot traffic such as markets, supermarkets, construction, and government offices. Local officials have also actively implemented swabbing of locally stranded individuals and placed a testing station in Pier 1.

  • Safer Construction Practices

    Workplace safety protocols are being applied across all sectors. Beyond offices, safer construction is also being pushed by the Cebu LGU. This action plan came after the high transmission observed among workers going on site.

    Improved health measures are now being implemented such as swab testing shouldered by the DOH while food and isolation expenses will be carried by contractors or project owners. To further streamline the process of contact tracing, construction firms are tasked to assign a health and infection prevention officer.

    Stricter implementation of physical distancing and monitoring of construction sites are also being done to protect employee welfare and guarantee safer spaces within the metro.

  • Push for Greener Cebu

    Mobility has been a major point of concern as community quarantines have been implemented nationwide. There has been a rise in bikers in the city as an alternative for public transportation.

    In support of energy-efficient and ecologically friendly initiatives, bike lanes have been marked and painted green to allocate space for two-wheeled, non-motorized vehicles depending on an area’s lane space. It will also encourage and ensure safer travel as it is separated by a white line from regular cars or transport.

    Real estate developers have also actively pivoted their developments for more sustainable and resilient amenities or features. Commercial towers and offices such as JEG Tower are offering biophilic spaces and buildings to place the metro at the forefront of this green recovery that prioritizes the environment and the wellness of its occupants.

  • Healthier investment, business activity

    Despite the challenges, future-proofing of investments has been a point of focus for local institutions and key stakeholders. In preparation for the post-pandemic landscape, new opportunities in infrastructure, water, and energy continue to move forward led by Vivant Corporation to better serve the Cebuano community.

    According to reports, Vivant is looking for water supply solutions in parched areas in Cebu including other areas in the Philippines by looking at bulk water supply, distribution, wastewater treatment, and water engineering.

    Cebu LGU also partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry in providing a support program for all enterprises including microentrepreneurs. Through the “SUGBO Negosyo” program, entrepreneurs can access seminars, and get assistance in business registration and other business development services.

  • Better workplaces

    Cebu-based developments continue to produce premium spaces that foster a safe and productive working environment. Developers such as JEG Development Corporations are upgrading their building-based measures by adding touchless or contactless fixtures inside their high rise, JEG Tower @ One Acacia. Entryways are equipped with thermal scanners and automatic doors. Well-ventilated spaces such as pocket green spaces and unique green roofs are also made accessible.

    They are also encouraging proper hygiene and sanitation to prevent transmission by leveraging smart technology. Its common areas with high foot traffic such as restrooms are equipped with sensor-prompted, state-of-the-art hand dryers with anti-bacterial additives. As a LEED-certified building, it has armed its offered spaces with MERV-13 filtration that will complement its top-of-the-line HVAC system.

Interested in locating to Cebu? Contact Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825-6884 or email lorenzo.rodriguez@kmcmaggroup.com to discuss your options.