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| Filinvest City skyline (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/Filinvest City) |
It was once just a 244-hectare stockfarm in Alabang that was idle and barren. But Andrew and Mercedes Gotianun, the power duo behind the Filinvest Group saw its boundless possibilities, transforming it into a masterplanned Central Business District (CBD). Little did they know that what was just their vision and unwavering ambition 30 years ago would turn into the first and only smart city in the country known today as Filinvest City. This title is further backed up by its recognition as the first and only central business district in the Philippines with a LEED-Gold Certification by the U.S Green Building Council and 3-Star rating for the Pilot Version of BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence) Districts by the Philippine Green Building Council.
These highly-coveted certifications were rightfully earned, thanks to clever city planning where all essential establishments are within accessible radius from one another. This means its citizens can easily access leisure, business, and premium residential addresses, as well as learning and educational zones, and medical and wellness hubs through short drives or walks within the city. Undoubtedly, Filinvest City’s unyielding growth and pioneering innovations allowed the township to become today's trailblazer of smart cities in the country that can create a trubitastic impact towards a more sustainable direction in the future.
A greener direction
With all that Filinvest City has to offer, it is not surprising that this thriving metropolis has boundless potential. Committed to bettering the lives of its people, Filinvest City has constantly been growing and innovating through more eco-friendly, sustainable initiatives and smart solutions – from its infrastructure to its green spaces and community-focused developments. At the heart of the city stands Festival Mall Alabang by Filinvest Malls, recognized as the largest shopping and dining destination in the Metro South. The mall has forged a partnership with ENGIE, a France-based energy service provider, enabling 30 percent of its energy requirements to be fulfilled by solar power. As one of the pioneering establishments in Filinvest City, Festival Mall represents the first development within the CBD to undergo this eco-friendly transition. This initiative significantly reduces the mall’s carbon emissions by over 40,000 tons, equivalent to the impact of 9,000 cars on the street. Apart from Festival Mall, Filinvest City’s Axis Towers has also partnered with ENGIE for the implementation of a district cooling system (DCS), helping buildings in the Northgate district to further lower their carbon footprint while providing energy-efficient cooling technology. As a result, offices connected to the DCS have been reduced electricity consumption by up to 40%. The city’s sustainable efforts continue with the upgrade of its urban water management. With the help of FDC Water Utilities Inc. and Hitachi Ltd., the city will benefit from the unique and seamless integration of sewage treatment and potable water production technologies. The project includes the construction of a highly technical upgraded sewage treatment plant and a modern water recycling facility, all set to be complete by March 2026. With this upgrade, capable of producing a capacity of at least 10.5 million liters per day for household use.
Smart solutions in everyday life
Filinvest City ensures that its Cityzens are also encouraged to practice a more eco-friendly lifestyle by integrating smart tech solutions into their everyday lives. At Filinvest City’s Central Park lies a parking facility equipped with two charging stations that is accessible to the public for electric vehicles. Additionally, the parking area itself was constructed using sustainable pavers, a collaboration with Green Ants to incorporate recyclable plastics into production processes. To further solidify Filinvest City’s status as a smart city, the township has boosted interconnectivity throughout its various areas, to improve security, accessibility, and mobility. Complimentary WiFi is accessible at its six major parks and other common areas. Adding to this is a free wireless charging station at Central Park where most of the cityzens converge.
For over three decades, Filinvest City has undoubtedly been paving the way for smart and sustainable city solutions in the country, adapting future-ready initiatives to improve the lives of people and the environment. But while they have achieved significant milestones, these green initiatives mark just the initial steps with anticipation of numerous innovations in the years ahead that would surely benefit its Cityzens and further propel its trubitastic impact in sustainability and economic development, inspiring and encouraging more smart cities to do the same in their own right.
