Decades before the concept of smart cities took root in the Philippines, one of the country’s premier real estate developers embarked on an ambitious project in the early 1990s. This visionary endeavor aimed to create a sustainable and forward-thinking urban hub on a sprawling 244-hectare expanse of land in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. That endeavor became known as Filinvest City, a testament to the forward-looking ethos of Filinvest Alabang Inc. (FAI).
2. Filinvest City e-vehicle charging station ribbon cutting with (L-R) Share Pro Inc. supply chain management head Andrew Gotianun III, Filinvest Development Corporation vice president Michael Gotianun, Filinvest Alabang Inc. president & COO Catherine Ilagan and vice president for townships Don S. Ubaldo.
Filinvest City stands out as the Philippines’ first and only green-certified central business district. It has received several prestigious certifications, including LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold in Neighborhood Development from the U.S. Green Building Council and a BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence) Certification with a 3-star rating from the Philippine Green Building Council. This recognition underscores Filinvest City’s pioneering role in seamlessly integrating modern conveniences with nature.
This fully integrated and self-contained development is divided into districts, featuring a harmonious mix of residential areas, recreational hubs, renowned educational institutions, and top-notch medical and wellness facilities. The close proximity of these amenities promotes walkability and ensures residents’ safety.
Don Ubaldo, FAI’s First Vice President for Townships, emphasizes that Filinvest City’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to adapt and modernize to meet the evolving needs of its residents. With over three decades of continuous development, the city has a proven track record of appreciating land value over time.
4. Filinvest City recently opened its two slots of e-vehicle charging stations for public use
Looking forward to the next three decades, Filinvest City is poised for even more improvements and innovations. These enhancements aim to elevate the quality of life for its residents and enhance environmental sustainability.
The city’s progress begins with a focus on security, connectivity, and accessibility. For motorists, Filinvest City offers an ecological parking facility with two slots dedicated to e-vehicle charging stations for public use. Furthermore, the parking area of this charging station features sustainable pavers made from upcycled plastics, in collaboration with Green Antz, demonstrating a commitment to recycling within the community.
In pursuit of sustainability, Filinvest City installed the District Cooling System in 2017, the largest facility of its kind in the Philippines. This system enables 16 buildings in the city to access chilled water for interior cooling. The city has also upgraded its sewage treatment and introduced a new water treatment plant, promoting the safe recycling and reuse of water for landscaping. Solar panels have been in operation at the Festival Mall since January 2022, significantly reducing carbon emissions and contributing to a cleaner environment.
6. Bike racks are also available around Filinvest City parks.
Recognizing the importance of security, Filinvest City has strategically placed CCTVs in common areas and key locations throughout the city. Moreover, as part of its journey toward becoming a smart city, Filinvest City has invested in infrastructure to provide free public Wi-Fi access. This includes the FC App, an application that offers commuters GPS-integrated tracking for the PWD-friendly Global Electric Transport (GET) Comet E-Vehicle, an environmentally friendly and cashless public transportation system.
8. Filinvest City has installed CCTVs in strategic locations and common areas of the city for better monitoring, management, and recording of city activities.
Filinvest City also plans to enhance its parks for the well-being of both residents and nature. Solar-powered streetlights and smart benches with wireless phone chargers will soon adorn Filinvest City Central Park.
To celebrate its first 30 years of meaningful existence and to further engage the community in smart, sustainable initiatives, Filinvest City organized “Run for the Future: Building a ECOmmunity Together,” a fun run held on August 26. The event featured great food and performances from local artists, with proceeds donated to Pedro E. Diaz High School in partnership with the Environmental Sanitation Center of Muntinlupa.
Don Ubaldo sums up Filinvest City’s commitment by stating, “Everything we do is intentional – from the infrastructure to the amenities and creative activations around the city. They are all in place to support our move towards becoming the first smart city in the country where people and the environment can benefit from each other.”
To learn more about Filinvest City, visit their website at https://filinvestcity.com/ and their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FilinvestCityOFFICIAL/.
