Real Estate Firm 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 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. (VFI), the family behind JDC continuously contributes to the ongoing sustainable development of communities in Visayas.

For instance, VFI’s Projects, Liadlaw and Renewable Energy for Livelihood and Youth(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.