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Efficiency vs. Aesthetic: Why JEG Tower @ One Acacia has ‘uniquely designed’ windows

Traditional office spaces tend to be constricting boxes of plain gray walls. However, as the idea of the “workplace” evolved to a more ‘human-centric’ approach, trends in office design and construction highlighted the importance of health and wellness. Open layout offices and Biophilic offices became the ideal type of setup. Both are meant to promote the physical, mental, emotional, and social health of the employees, providing areas where they can rest, socialize, and spend most of the day in a healthy space. 

As the world adapted to life amid a global health crisis, more realized the importance of promoting the health and safety of the community, especially in offices and workplaces. Green buildings are becoming to be the standard in the post-pandemic life as they offer a more refined quality of life while working. 

JEG Tower @ One Acacia is the ultimate fusion of business and leisure. With its top-grade green features and sophisticated design, it is one of the few LEED-certified buildings in the Cebu central business district (CBD). This 22-storey premium grade green building is the newest PEZA accredited development in Cebu City. 
 
READ MORE: Well & Green: How JEG Tower @ One Acacia delivers the best workplace in Cebu 

One of JEG Tower’s unique features is its operable windows on its office floors. While some may find this design call as disruptive on its façade, JEG Development Corporation chose to prioritize efficiency over aesthetics. Being a LEED Pre-certified Silver development, JEG Tower observes industry standards to ensure the optimal indoor air quality inside the tower. Operable windows allow the flow of fresh air into the office floors, providing more benefit to its tenants and improving the efficiency of the building. 

RELATED: How Green Buildings Improve Indoor Air Quality and Provide A Healthier Working Environment 

Many studies gave also linked disease-causing germs and viruses to enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces. According to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), building occupants with little or no access to fresh air end up being more exposed to pollutants indoors compared to when they go outdoors. HVAC systems tend to circulate and recycle old air rather than drawing new and fresh air from the outside. 

Should office windows be operable? 

Operable office windows provide natural ventilation that does not only improve the energy efficiency of a building but also benefit the health and well-being of its occupiers:  

  • Energy Conservation 

Operable windows can allow natural airflow into the establishment. The introduction of warm and cool air to the interior of the building during favorable outside temperature and humidity conditions. 

  • Increased Comfort and Productivity 

Fresh air is always good for the health of the tenants of the building. Studies show that employees that have access to fresh outdoor air and more oxygen are more productive and healthy.  

  • Disease Prevention and Control 

Since some research claim that COVID-19 is airborne, operable windows can prevent other airborne diseases and prevent cross-infection inside the premises of the office. 

  • Low Maintenance 

Operable windows are easier to clean and maintain for office buildings. It allows easier access to the window cleaners from the inside. 

Understanding the importance of indoor air quality and fresh air is vital in offering the best working environment for employees. Committed to providing safer spaces in Cebu, JEG Tower @ One Acacia invests in the latest technology and follows the highest industry standards that set well-being as the top priority. 

For inquiries and more information on leasing, contact Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825-6884. 

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PEZA Benefits in Cebu City

Cebu is one of the most ideal business locations for multinational companies who want to tap the regional market in the Philippines. Given its strategic geographic position, Cebu City is the Visayan economic center offering a rich real estate portfolio of commercial and retail developments.

With the government and private business sector’s support, Cebu has established itself as the main economic stronghold in the Visayan region, making it one of the key cities in the Philippines that can accommodate large-scale operations and adapt to their modern technological needs.

Complementing its bustling tourism industry, continuous infrastructure development, and a fresh pool of labor force, Cebu is an ideal option for local and international businesses. It is also one of the top destinations for IT companies, manufacturers, KPOs, and BPOs, recognized as a leading tech hub and a top destination for the call center industry.

RELATED: Choosing the Best Office Location in Cebu City

Why locate your business in a PEZA accredited building?

Even before the pandemic, many foreign companies have been investing in the Philippines for offshoring and outsourcing jobs to cut operational costs and tap a larger market. To encourage more foreign investment, the government provides benefits and incentives to foreign entities through the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

Companies located in IT Parks and special economic zones enjoy a list of incentives and benefits provided by PEZA. These benefits help companies to get the best return on their capital and investments.

Fiscal Incentives

  • Income Tax Holiday (100% exemption from corporate tax for n number of years) 
  • Tax-free & duty-free importation of capital equipment and raw materials 
  • Exemption from wharfage dues and export tax, impost, or fees 
  • VAT zero-rating of local purchases*  
  • Exemption from payment of all local government imposts, fees, licenses, or taxes 
  • Exemption from expanded withholding tax 

* Subject to compliance with requirements

Non-Fiscal Incentives

  • Simplified Import-Export Procedures  
  • Potential employment for non-resident foreign nationals*  
  • Issuance of Special Non-Immigrant Visa with Multiple Entry Privileges for non-resident foreign nationals 
  • Extended visa facilitation assistance to foreign nationals their spouses and dependents 

*Investor/s, officers, and employees in supervisory, technical, or advisory positions, and their spouses and unmarried children below 21 years old

JEG Tower is now PEZA accredited!

JEG Development Corporation’s maiden high-rise commercial development is now Cebu City’s newest PEZA Accredited premium building. This 22-storey tower is 2020’s Best Commercial Green Development, recognized by the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards. It was also shortlisted as the Best Office Development in the same year.

For more information on leasing, contact Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-852-6884. You can also send us an email at info@kmcmaggroup.com or reach out to us at (+63) 2-8403-5519.

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JEG Tower @ One Acacia Set to Launch this Year

Amid the pandemic, JEG Tower @ One Acacia is finally nearing its completion and launch this year. Now with 97% of its structure done, the 22-storey premium green building is set to open its doors to the public by the first half of 2021.

The tower’s office and retail floors are already completed and are soon to be ready for turnover. Each office floor measures approximately 1,133 sq m, which can be leased whole or could be subdivided by prospect tenants.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia was hailed as the country’s Best Green Commercial Development and was shortlisted for Best Office Development at the PropertyGuru Property Awards in the Philippines last year. This milestone serves as a win for Cebu City’s expansion of sustainable development pipeline.

JEG Development Corporation (JDC)’s maiden high rise project is also the city’s newest PEZA accredited building. This LEED Silver Pre-certified building is also expected to achieve its Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council (USGBC) as it finishes construction this year.

Want to learn more about the best workplace in Cebu? Schedule a viewing today!

Unveiling of the Roof Deck Garden

What is left of the construction is the completion of the tower’s architectural crown jewel, its highly anticipated green roof deck on the 22nd floor. This distinct feature is one of JEG Tower’s dedicated green spaces, offering a breathable space for tenants and visitors in the building.

JEG Tower In Focus: Roof Deck Garden featuring Cebu’s Endemic Flora

As a proud homegrown real estate developer, JDC celebrates its Cebuano roots through its company and brand identity, especially through its high-rise venture in the real estate industry. The rooftop is set to feature purely endemic flora of Cebu such as:

  • White Kalachuchi Tree
  • Peacock Plant Shrub
  • Pandanus Shrub
  • Eugenia Shrub
  • Peace Lily
  • Yellow Iris

500YOC in Cebu

Complimenting legacy and heritage, the opening of JEG Tower @ One Acacia this year coincides with the celebration of the quincentenary of the establishment and promulgation of Christianity in the Philippines.

While relatively being one of the new kids on the real estate and construction block in Cebu City, JEG Development Corporation traces a long history of celebrating the Cebuano heritage through the legacy of its namesake, Jose E. Garcia, who also founded the company in 1994.

GET TO KNOW JEG DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

With diverse real estate developments in Cebu City, JDC is a proud homegrown developer who always puts forward the well-being and welfare of their fellow Cebuanos.

“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,” Marko Sarmiento, JDC’s Chief Operating Officer said.

Recovering Economy

Many local economists are optimistic that Cebu’s economy will pick up soon as more and more people receive the vaccine. The Cebu Chamber of Commerce Industry (CCCI) has expressed its support to the government’s vaccination program, expressing that this will be the key to the local industry’s gradual economic recovery.

By introducing state-of-the-art technology and innovative sustainable features, JEG Tower @ One Acacia serves as a game-changer and pacesetter as businesses slowly transition back to normal operations in Cebu City.

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

“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,” the company’s Brand Manager Ayla Gomez added. “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.

More than developing a premium green building, JDC strives to provide a healthy and safe space for the Cebuanos and business occupiers that will expand in Cebu.

“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,” Stefan Garcia, JDC’s Estate Manager, 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.

Stay tuned for JEG Tower @ One Acacia’s launch! Visit www.jegtower.com for more information.

Interested in leasing? Contact Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63)-917-825 6884. You may also call us at (+63) 2-8403-5519 or send an email to info@kmcmaggroup.com.

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JEG Tower In Focus: Roof Deck Garden featuring Cebu’s Endemic Flora

One of the most distinguishing features of JEG Tower @ One Acacia is its unique green roof that makes the 22-storey commercial tower a standout in the Cebu City skyline. This roof deck garden offers a dedicated green space in the middle of the cityscape to tenants and visitors of the buildings.

As a proud homegrown real estate developer, JEG Development Corporation (JDC) celebrates its Cebuano roots through their company and brand identity, especially through their first high-rise venture in the real estate industry. The rooftop is set to feature purely endemic flora of Cebu such as:

  • White Kalachuchi Tree
  • Peacock Plant Shrub
  • Pandanus Shrub
  • Eugenia Shrub
  • Peace Lily
  • Yellow Iris

Aside from pushing for a greener Cebu, JDC has also partnered with local businesses, suppliers, and contractors in the completion of the commercial development. JEG Tower @ One Acacia becomes a portfolio of Cebuano skills, talents, and heritage.

READ MORE: Cebuano Pride: How JEG Development Corp. partners with local businesses to showcase expertise and culture

Planting the ‘Right’ Trees

Choosing endemic flora to be featured in JEG Tower’s roof deck garden also allows the improvement and continuity of the local natural landscape in Cebu. Planting native species of greenery leads to better utilities management and savings. Since these trees and plants are familiar with the local climate, they do not need extra resources to thrive and flourish.


Preserving Cebu’s Biodiversity

As the economic center of the Visayan Region, Cebu is rapidly becoming a concrete jungle, especially in the Cebu Central Business District and the metropolis. According to reports, deforestation is one of the main environmental issues of the region because of population growth, rampant urbanization, and small-scale mining.

Combating Air Pollution

In 2019, the air quality in Cebu City was officially declared as ‘unhealthy’ by the Environment Management Bureau (EMB-7). The government organization has urged the public to take safety precautions to combat this environmental problem.

Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon told the media in January that the local government unit will push for more initiatives and encourage the business sector to help decrease the air pollution levels in the province.

“While we cannot totally eliminate air pollution given that this is one of the realities of rapid urbanization, we can at least make investments to lower the levels of air pollution in our city to improve the cardiovascular, respiratory, and mental health of our people, both in the short and long run,” Dizon said.

Extensive planting within city centers is now widely recognized as a means of improving air quality. Scientists and researchers also encourage the creation of as many green spaces within cities to reduce the number of polluting air particles and compounds. Plants also reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and produce more oxygen.

Building green roofs also benefit the building’s tenants and occupiers by contributing to sound reduction, improves workplace aesthetic, reduces ambient temperature, and regulates indoor temperature. Roof deck gardens also help in saving energy and encourage biodiversity in the citray.

RELATED: How Green Roofs Help the Environment

JEG Tower @ One Acacia is Cebu’s newest PEZA accredited premium green building. Being named the country’s Best Green Commercial Development in 2020, the tower serves as a milestone in the Visayan Region’s shift to sustainability.

As the concept of sustainability gets redefined to encompass a holistic approach in real estate, a building’s green features do not only lessen the negative impacts to the environment, but also provide an ideal space for the physical and mental well-being of the building’s tenants. Dedicated to offering the best workplace in Cebu City, JEG Development Corporation is set to open a unique and impressive architectural feature in JEG Tower @ One Acacia.

Want to learn more about the tower’s green advantage and benefits? Contact Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63)-917-825 6884. For listing inquiries and more information, call us at (+63) 2-8403-5519 or send an email to info@kmcmaggroup.com.

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Making Waves in the Workplace: Why the Real Estate Industry Needs More Women Leaders

Having female leaders is usually a feat for most companies, but JEG Development Corporation was bound to set new standards from the beginning. Being one of the first few local developers in Cebu, the company is grounded on tradition set by its namesake, Jose E. Garcia, but continues to dare and challenge norms to continue his legacy. Third generation leader, Ayla Gomez, smashes stereotypes and breaks barriers as one of the executive committee members of JDC while advocating for women empowerment and sustainability in the workplace.

“I wouldn’t say it was a dream to be an executive or specifically to be in real estate,” Ayla expressed. “I did, however, have hopes of being able to lead effectively in whatever path I chose to take, and to be able to contribute something of value, and be a team player.”

Breath of Fresh Air

Representing the family business as the brand manager, Ayla stands out as one of the young women who dare to redefine women’s roles in leadership and real estate. Having a background in marketing, design, and business, Ayla applies a different approach in working on JEG Tower @ One Acacia’s branding: she ensures they remain as authentic as possible to their identity and genuinely stand by what the award-winning building represents.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia is JDC’s first vertical development. Despite being arguably the new kids on the block, the 22-storey premium green building has already been recognized as the Philippines’ Best Green Development and was shortlisted as Best Office Development by PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards.

READ MORE: JEG Tower @ One Acacia wins Best Commercial Green Development

“We are a small company, even smaller when I came in, and we were starting our first vertical project,” Ayla shared. “I remember thinking back then, “This can be challenging.”, but of course, being small has its advantages which we look at as a strength of ours.” 

Fast forward years after, JEG Tower @ One Acacia is nearing its opening and launch. It is dubbed as the best place to work in Cebu City after earning a LEED Silver Pre-certification and an accreditation from PEZA. 

Green Branding Redefined

Being “green” is not all about being environmentally friendly today. For a homegrown company like JDC, this project means a way of giving back to the people of Cebu. While constructing a green building is more expensive compared to building normal ones, JDC carries its company values of integrity, visionary, and fortitude.

“If they are building something, we are doing it the best way possible,” Ayla expressed. “We want to make them feel valuable, staying true to JEG Tower’s main vision of revolutionizing work and life balance.”

READ MORE: Defining Innovation in Real Estate

The importance of green buildings is being emphasized much more today as the world faces a global health crisis in the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, green buildings encompass a holistic approach in real estate, where sustainability is measured in providing a safe and healthy space for building occupants, while minimizing the harmful effects of construction and operations on the environment.

“I felt very strongly about the project and the sustainable direction it was leading in. I was excited to be part of one of the first movers in Cebu real estate to recognize this importance and to help bring this to the forefront in the community here,” she said. 

Inspiring More ‘Girl Bosses 

Gone are the times that it is unconventional for companies to have female leaders. In fact, Ayla shared an interesting trivia: “According to the Grant Thornton 2020 Women in Business Survey, 43% of female executives in the country hold senior leadership roles, and the Philippines ranked first as having the most number of female executives. This is definitely inspiring!”

Progressive companies and more ‘tenacious, compassionate, and collaborative’ women leaders work hand in hand in normalizing how gender does not define nor limit brilliance nor competence in leadership.

“One challenge that women leaders face is having to assert ourselves more because most industries are still very much male dominated, which puts women on an uneven playing field,” she shared. “Most times, a woman’s competence is questioned and criticized more than of a man’s.”

Despite this, Ayla inspires more girl bosses and women leaders to eliminate inequality and stereotypes in the industry. “The gender bias or double standard is prevalent and is something that women are fighting to change. Women continue to break the glass ceiling and make waves in the workplace.”

Representing JEG Development Corporation and fellow women, Ayla calls for an inclusive workplace for all in working towards a ‘gender-balanced’ society. “Be proactive. Let us continue to make our voices heard and make others listen,” she stated. “Whether it is for equal pay or more representation in the company, let us push for action to evaluate, identify, and prevent an unconscious bias.”