Finely built communities to power up the fringes

By Vaughn Alviar @INQ_Property

March 04, 2023


It's a given—many would often choose to build in central locations, owing to a demand for spaces within easy reach of modern conveniences. One developer, however, opted to go beyond urban locations to instead find areas that hold potential for growth.

Sta. Lucia Land Inc. has dared to bet big in emerging locations, fueling the so-called fringe areas by building masterplanned communities that many Filipinos today call home. This is how this trusted developer has grown into a formidable force in the Philippine real estate scene, now with more than 300 projects developed across 10 regions in the country. And it does not plan to stop there, as it continues to grow its portfolio across the country, fueling the so-called fringe areas to give more Filipinos a well-deserved chance at homeownership.

Davao

Less than two hours from Davao City and in another progressive city called Tagum is a gamechanger of a development: Los Rayos Lake Residences, a project anchored on a central lake. This undertaking is a 37-ha property inside the much bigger agri-tourism township Hijo Estates, soon to be an economic hub of its own in Davao Region.

There, one is neighbors with mangrove forests and a white-sand beach, aside from urban conveniences. Coupled with outstanding site development, Los Rayos also has a grand community clubhouse with its own resort-style pool, playground and basketball court, an entry statement by artist Kublai Millan, a lighthouse, a function room and, the biggest come-on, the 4-ha lake area.

Negros Occidental

Even closer to a capital city is La Alegria Residential Estates, another lakeside community. This development in Silay City is some 30 minutes away on wheels from the center of Bacolod City and a shocking 10 or so minutes from both Silay proper and the international airport.

Understanding that Silay City is the "Paris of Negros" and the "cultural and intellectual hub" of Negros island, the developer made sure the quality of its work would fit in. When you walk out of your home for a stroll, you might as well end up in the clubhouse with its resort facilities: ballroom, courts, gym, pool and coffee shop. Go a little further and enjoy Paradise Island's pool, gazebo, picnic area and lighthouse.

Rizal

Sta. Lucia Land is one of the reasons the Eastern side of Mega Manila is as vibrant as it is now, having revitalized the area with development upon development. In its over 50 years of existence, the company has not let go of that quarter and is still on the lookout for more areas to develop there.

One spot on the map where it found potential is Baras, where it now has the 29-ha Green Peak Heights. It takes 30 minutes to get to the center of Antipolo and just an hour to enter Metro Manila. Close to urbanity it may be, it gives dwellers a wonderful backdrop of nature. It delivers on amenities, too. It has a community clubhouse, basketball and tennis courts, and a swimming pool, on top of generous open spaces.