Philippines Archives - Page 3 of 7 - JEG Tower @ One Acacia Cebu, Philippines

October 25, 2021October 25, 2021

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.

October 19, 2021October 19, 2021

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.

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.

September 29, 2021September 29, 2021

Cultivating Green Traditions: JEG Development Corp. holds 5th annual tree planting activity in Cebu

JEG Development Corporation (JDC) held its 5th annual tree planting activity in Tabunan, Cebu City last Saturday, September 25.

In line with the company’s vision to promote sustainability and the protection of the environment, the homegrown Cebuano developer has been actively spearheading similar events that encourage a hands-on approach for its leaders, employees, and personnel.

“Tree planting is one of the simplest but most impactful ways to give back to nature and help ensure that Cebu’s greenery continually expands and thrives for generations to come,” Ayla Gomez, JDC’s Brand Manager shared. “The activity also fosters camaraderie with the employees and helps them put into action what our core values are.”

This year, JDC and JEG Tower @ One Acacia employees planted Guyabano tree seedlings which also aims to provide food for wild animals and sustain the local ecosystem. Guided by the company’s core values, this annual event is their commitment to a multi-generational perspective in leading the organization.

“We always encourage them to bring their kids, significant others, and family members along to pass on the traditions and learnings to the next generation. Through the years, it has become a family bonding experience that leaves everyone feeling proud and encouraged to keep protecting our home,” Gomez added.

JDC is also the name behind JEG Tower @ One Acacia, Cebu City’s newest premium green building. This 22-storey LEED Gold certified commercial and office building is the company’s maiden high-rise development that offers world-class workspaces that revolutionize work and life balance.

Named 2020’s Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines, JEG Tower is an upcoming crown jewel in Cebu City’s skyline with its unique rooftop garden, iconic shape and layout, and the latest workplace technology.

Its outstanding green features, sustainable design and construction practices led to its LEED Gold certification, making it one of the standard-bearers of the developer’s commitment to green real estate. The tower uses green techniques and applies extensive plans for soil erosion, waste management, and air quality. Aiming to create a less polluted environment leads to better public health, which is very crucial in the post-pandemic era.

Want to learn more about how JEG Tower @ One Acacia promotes sustainability in the Philippines? Reach out to 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 jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com.

September 14, 2021September 14, 2021

How JEG Tower @ One Acacia promotes environment protection & conservation

As one of the frontrunners of sustainability in the Philippines, JEG Development Corporation (JDC) is committed to building a greener and more livable Cebu. Guided by the company’s vision and pledge to provide safe spaces to the Cebuanos and advocate for their holistic well-being, the homegrown real estate company conceptualized and built JEG Tower @ One Acacia, an award-winning premium green building in the heart of the Cebu Central Business District.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia aims to revolutionize work and life balance. Even before the global health crisis highlighted the importance of safe public spaces, the 22-storey premium office and commercial building was designed to uplift the physical and mental health of its tenants and occupants.

Award-winning LEED-certified Building

Recognized as the Philippines’ Best Green Commercial Development in 2020, JEG Tower @ One Acacia is the best place to work in Cebu City. It is currently one of Metro Cebu’s newest premium green buildings that is LEED Pre-certified Silver, offering office and retail spaces that were built according to the world-class standards of the US Green Building Council. This high-rise project was specifically designed towards sustainability and would operationalize as energy-efficient as possible.

Being the second most populated urban area of the Philippines after Metro Manila, Cebu City serves as the economic center of the Visayan region and the biggest outside the country’s capital. The expansion of the IT-BPM industry in key areas in the Philippines has also significantly increased the demand for office and retail spaces. JEG Tower @ One Acacia offers additional Grade A office spaces in the CBD, without further contributing to the negative impacts of commercial spaces in the city.

Why should Cebu City Invest in Green Roofs?

Designed with sustainability and sophistication in mind, JEG Tower @ One Acacia stands out in the Cebu City skyline with its green roof and garden. This architectural feature offers a dedicated green space in the middle of the cityscape to tenants and visitors of the buildings, highlighting endemic flora species in Cebu.

According to local environmental reports, deforestation is one of the main environmental issues in the province because of population growth, rampant urbanization, and small-scale mining. Air pollution has also been a pressing issue in the city, being officially declared ‘unhealthy’ by the Environment Management Bureau in Region 7.

Having a green roof is an effective way of minimizing the risks of these environmental issues and building better biodiversity in urban areas. Many experts campaign for the creation of more green spaces within cities to reduce the number of polluting air particles and compounds. This can also contribute to the reduction of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the production of 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.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia takes pride in being one of the most environmentally friendly commercial establishments, not only in Cebu City but also in the rest of the Philippines. In a sustainability report, JDC quantifies how much difference a premium green building like JEG Tower promotes the protection and conservation of the environment through its world-class design, top-grade green features and amenities, as well as programs that aim to inspire others to do the same.

The 22-storey premium commercial development serves as the symbol of JEG Development Corporation’s commitment to giving back to the Cebuanos by promoting sustainable and green real estate.

Want to learn more about the tower’s commitment to the environment and sustainability? 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 jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com.

September 7, 2021September 7, 2021

Why Locate your Business in a LEED-certified Office Building?

Due to the pandemic, more Filipinos grew more conscious of their health and safety, especially in shared spaces. It became an added challenge for employers to provide workspaces that do not only induce productivity but also offer spaces that prioritize their well-being.

Designed to promote sustainability and holistic wellness, LEED-certified buildings have become a more ideal location for companies that are looking for their office space in the new normal. As economies start to reopen and people return to work, these premium green buildings have become the new standard for many. Here are some reasons why companies should locate in LEED-certified office buildings:

Save up on Operational Costs

LEED-certified buildings are constructed to use energy more efficiently and conserve water by utilizing top-graded technology and systems. This may include high-efficiency variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air conditioning systems, installation of Low-E glass to reduce heat from the sun on the building’s interiors, installation of LED lighting throughout all buildings, the use of solar energy, and energy-efficient elevators.

When it comes to water efficiency, some LEED-certified buildings also have rainwater collection systems and facilities to lessen the demand and reliance on potable water sources.

Happier, Healthier Employees

Numerous studies have shown that employees working in LEED-certified buildings are happier and healthier. Because of numerous cumulative factors such as exposure to natural lighting, the optimal indoor air quality, and access to green spaces, these premium green buildings are linked to improved productivity, increased output, and better work performance.

Employees that work in workplaces inside LEED-certified buildings are also found to be more motivated at work and more productive. They are exposed to optimal indoor air quality, natural lighting, and access to green spaces that can have significant effects on their cognitive functions, physical, and mental health.

According to data, higher indoor air quality significantly enhanced nine specific areas of functional domains namely basic, applied and focused activity levels, task orientation, crisis response, information seeking, information usage, breadth of approach, and strategy. Improved air quality also resulted in better sleep and fewer health symptoms at work.

Stand out among Competition

As people started to put a premium on their health and well-being, companies that lease offices in a LEED-certified building stand out as a business that values and supports sustainability. This can be a major differentiator for your business, helping you to secure new customers and increase customer retention to positively impact your sales revenue.

Businesses that provide the best workplace for their employees will have a stronger and better brand identity and characteristics, attracting not only potential customers but also new talent once they expand operations.

Now is the best time to locate your office in a LEED-certified building.

With the bigger emphasis on health and safety and more competitive office lease rates in Cebu City, companies are looking forward to locating their office in a LEED-certified development. JEG Tower @ One Acacia offers premium office and retail spaces for businesses in Cebu City. This 22-storey LEED Pre-certified Silver establishment was named Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines in 2020.

Schedule a viewing with us today. Contact Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825-6884. For inquiries and more information, call us at (+63) 2-8403-5519 or send an email to info@kmcmaggroup.com.

September 1, 2021September 1, 2021

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

The Philippines has topped Asia and ranked 5th in the world for the use of solar energy across various sectors and industries.

According to a study conducted in 2018, the country was hailed number one among developing countries in the continent in terms of the use of solar photovoltaic systems for electricity generation. As a tropical archipelago, experts agree that the Philippines has the potential to generate a lot of energy from natural resources. In recent years, local government units and private firms partner to capitalize on this potential. Numerous solar energy farms across the country have been established and founded to supply electricity and power to select areas and localities.

solar panels in the Philippines have come to the forefront in cost efficiency with regular consumers. In truth, the Philippines has been generating energy from renewable resources for a long while now. It has only been in recent history that more of the Filipino people are recognizing the benefits of renewable energies as an alternative to oil and carbon. Listed below are the renewable energies found in the Philippines, as well as the geographic location of the power plants where they can be found.

Cheap, Clean, Renewable

According to the International Energy Agency, solar power is turning into the cheapest source of new electricity generation capacity in many countries, especially in Asia. It is also endorsed by frontrunners of sustainability and green real estate for the benefits it offers environmentally and financially.

The IEA also noted that they are looking forward to the next 25 years, when the world’s growing energy needs are met first by renewables and natural gas as fast-declining costs turn solar power into the cheapest source of new electricity generation.

Investment in Sustainability

The Department of Energy has been bullish in exploring and investing in renewable energy generation to help lower costs, meet the consumption demands, and lessen the country’s carbon footprint. Beyond costs, solar power generation also reduces emission of environment-harming greenhouse gases that contribute heavily to the climate crisis.

Moreover, the shift to renewable energy in real estate is constitutionally encouraged in the country. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act requires building owners to use renewable sources. Solar power is most plausible given that the Philippines remains to be the only country to experience 2,000 hours of sun per year.

With the massive movement to go green especially in real estate, the investment or additional cost incurred in the technology used to support solar energy can be outweighed or mitigated upfront by several benefits that it can provide in the long run.

Beyond the idea of conservation, highlighting the improved energy efficiency structure that will be unique to adopting developments and estates is an unparalleled advantage that will have far-reaching implications in overall energy consumption and demand globally.

Interested in green buildings and the move to a more sustainable future? Contact us today at (+63) 2-8403-5519 or email info@kmcmaggroup.com.

August 24, 2021August 24, 2021

Benefits of Solar Energy in the Office

The use of solar panels as an alternative energy source can be one of the unique features of a green building. Commercial solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity in order to meet the building’s power needs to operate. As sustainability continues to be one of the standards in real estate development in the new normal, more and more property owners are considering to install commercial solar panels to attract tenants and occupiers. Here are some benefits of using solar power energy in the workplace:

Energy Independence

With growing power demand, overburdened networks and increasingly erratic weather, electricity supply remain volatile in some parts of the Philippines. Commercial buildings that utilize solar panels 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.

Environmental Impacts

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.

Operational Savings

Installing solar panels and sourcing electricity from the sun’s rays also reduces the building’s operational costs. Since commercial buildings that utilize collected and stored solar energy are not purely dependent on local power grids, businesses can expect a partial cut off their monthly utility bills.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Businesses and brands that support and promote sustainability leave a positive and lasting impression on existing and potential clients. Using solar energy and contributing against climate change is considered to be a plus for a company’s CSR.

Return on Investment

Installing and utilizing solar panels has the potential to increase the resale value of any commercial property. Real estate and property investors are more inclined to pay a premium for developments that have solar-enabled assets that deliver benefits to their tenants and occupants.

Push for sustainability locally

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

Interested to know more about how JEG Tower @ One Acacia promotes sustainability in Cebu City’s property market. Contact Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63)-917-825 6884 for inquiries and more information. You can also call us at (+63) 2-8403-5519 or email info@kmcmaggroup.com.

August 17, 2021August 17, 2021

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

As the term “sustainability” became a more encompassing concept across different industries, more businesses are shifting and adapting to principles to achieve and practice it. According to the Alliance for Sustainable Built Environments, businesses and organizations that follow these principles and approaches create long-term value by embracing opportunities and managing risks derived from changes in economic, environmental, and social factors.

What is Sustainability in Real Estate Developments?

Sustainable or “green” developments are buildings and establishments that were designed and constructed to uplift the conservation and protection of the environment, hand in hand with the promotion of health and well-being in any commercial or residential property.

According to the World Green Building Council, a structure is considered ‘green’ when its design, construction, and operation reduce or eliminate negative impacts and in turn create positive effects to the environment and to the wellness of its occupants and the community. This organization has developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED certification, that aims to be a benchmark for sustainability and eco-friendliness. LEED Certification points are awarded to projects based on numerous sustainability factors and categories, which are used to get a composite score for the project.

A study by the Asian Development Bank has found that there is an uptrend of ‘green and sustainable’ businesses in the region as more recognize the ‘serious threats to human health, environmental quality, and natural resources from the pursuit of economic growth.’

In the Philippines, a shift towards sustainability was even more emphasized as the country battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Issues such as the lack of healthy public spaces were placed under the spotlight as modifications are being refined to transition to a new and better normal.

Benefits of Going Green

Green buildings offer more benefits to businesses in terms of economical or financial, environmental, and social aspects.

Green buildings provide economic advantages to businesses through lower construction costs, higher property value, greater utility savings, and lower operating costs for its tenants and occupants. Sustainable developments utilize locally available raw materials and resources that reduce transportation and logistical costs for construction materials. Moreover, green buildings are proven to reduce energy consumption by 23% and ensure efficient electricity and water usage throughout the whole building.

Sustainable developments and LEED-certified buildings, such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia becomes the new standard for office and commercial properties in the Philippines. This 22-storey building was recognized by the PropertyGuru Property Awards and named it the Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines.

Designed and constructed to be a safe environment and a premium space for Cebuanos even before the pandemic, JEG Tower offers the perfect new normal workplace in the Visayan capital.

In the new normal community and building-based prevention and control measures have become one of the most important methods of fighting against the epidemic. As cities start to reopen their economies and people return to work, green buildings have become a standard for many companies and businesses. A building’s green features became a leverage for commercial developments for the benefits it extends for the health of its tenants and for the prevention of future disease outbreaks.

August 10, 2021August 10, 2021

How the COVID-19 pandemic pushes better workplace design and construction measures

It has been a year since the start of COVID-19 pandemic started and changed the dynamics of how people work and urban mobility. Many industries including design and construction have been affected and were forced to adopt new practices to ensure smoother and safer operations.

Holding meetings face-to-face to discuss the project and process of construction and actual site visits for easier progress monitoring used to be the norm. As most processes shifted online, it is important to note some of the changes that were implemented in consideration of public health and well-being.

Safety and Health Protocols

Apart from risk and hazard reduction measures strictly implemented on-site, safety and health protocols are now being factored in accordance with government directives. Many have turned to prefabrication to minimize the number of personnel or individuals present on site.

Most developers or property owners revisited the components of their developments. Air purification has been a big point of concern in most shared spaces like the office. Employing the use of HVAC systems and MERV filters in these spaces became the additional and proven layers of protection against the virus.

The focus on health and wellness also urged more manufacturers to source for ways to have anti-microbial laminated surfaces. According to reports, using quartz and copper can also be useful for its microbes-repelling properties.

Contact tracing measures have also taken shape and are made accessible by scanning a QR code for a more touchless experience. This often leads to a health declaration form that ensures all individuals entering and exiting the premises are documented.

Advanced Technology

Automation has been a staple in designing workplaces and their facilities. Voice or motion-activated technology in office spaces and common areas such as elevators, copy rooms, restrooms, and meeting rooms can make for an environment that is safer to occupy.

This is why future-forward commercial establishments such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia are moving to leverage this technology to provide a smart and healthy workplace for their tenants and occupiers.

Placing contactless features through sensors in entryways and crowd-controlling systems in elevators have been useful considerations even in office and commercial towers due to the considerable foot traffic. Its Destination Oriented Allocation System (DOAS) elevators minimize contact and prevent probable cases of contamination. Long-range temperature scanners are also stationed in all entry points to ensure the physical fitness of all employees and guests.

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Sustainability and Green Features

To ensure employees’ health and wellness, the adoption of biophilic design and other green features when constructing buildings has been remarkable. Apart from the physical implications brought by the pandemic, more businesses are focusing on maintaining the stability of employees’ mental health.

Biophilic designed offices maximize the use of natural light and allow for better air quality that helps people to have higher cognitive performance. It also provides spaces that give access to better ventilation and an option of going outdoors without the risk of contracting the virus.

Premium-grade office developments such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia is one of the few estates that takes it a notch higher through its pioneering green roof—a relaxing space that features local flora and fauna that is made accessible to all occupants of their building.

The future of revolutionizing work and life balance has evolved beyond just aesthetically pleasing design. It is now inclusive of safeguarding the people who will be occupying and benefiting from this healthier and sustainable shift.

Want to learn more about JEG Tower @ One Acacia? Contact Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825-6884. For inquiries and more information, call us at (+63) 2-8403-5519 or send an email to info@kmcmaggroup.com.

July 13, 2021July 13, 2021

Recovery Roadmap: Cebu City accelerates vaccination, relaxes entry protocol

The Cebu City government is eyeing to vaccinate at least 70 percent of its population by yearend, the city health office said. Averaging a total of 2,500 inoculations per day, the local government is hopeful that this target is attainable by December 2021.

After the city’s temporary suspension of inoculation due to the lack of supply, Cebu City resumed its vaccine rollout for its residents last Thursday, July 8. Local health data also showed that as of July 3. 277,514 residents have already registered to be vaccinated.

“We are praying for a fair allocation of vaccines for Cebu City. We have one million population. Our target is to vaccinate 700,000 of the residents, then we need more doses inasmuch as we don’t want to open, then close and open again our vaccination sites,” Dr. Jeffrey Ibones, head of the Cebu City Health Office said to the media.

Cebu City has also been prioritizing the opening of more vaccination sites to accommodate more individuals. Ibones stated that another vaccination site opened last July 2 in the mountain barangay of Cambinocot.

For other Cebu City vaccination sites, click here.

Easing Travel Requirements

Following the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Cebu City is considering to ease its tourist entry requirements for fully vaccinated individuals. According to the resolution, those who have already received two doses of their COVID-19 vaccine are no longer required to present a negative RT-PCR test result upon entry to the island.

Local government officials have endorsed this domestic travel policy to Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella for final approval and implementation. Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera, deputy chief implementer of the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), added that loosening the requirements for domestic travelers could be seen as an “incentive,” and it could encourage people to register for vaccination as they would no longer have to complete the requirements when they decide to travel to other parts of the country.

As restrictions begin to relax and more residents get vaccinated, local businesses are optimistic for the speedy recovery of Cebu City’s economy, especially in the real estate sector. More premium-grade office developments, such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia, are pivoting their office re-entry strategies and offering safer and healthier spaces for businesses and tenants who want to take the opportunity to invest in Metro Cebu.

Want to discuss more business opportunities in Cebu City? Contact Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825-6884. For inquiries and more information, call us at (+63) 2-8403-5519 or send an email to info@kmcmaggroup.com.

Tag: Philippines