SMDC: A driving force, a staunch ally in shaping the nation

SMDC has already created the right blueprint for integrated lifestyle communities, which are responsive to the evolving needs, lifestyles and preferences of its homebuyers and investors

It has been a driving force in redefining the urban dwelling landscape, mindfully creating spaces that are not only livable and convenient but are also future-proof and resilient.

But while it has impressively become among the frontrunners reshaping the Philippine real estate industry, SM Development Corp., the wholly owned residential arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc., has more importantly emerged over the last decade as a force for good, an enabler and a staunch partner in nation-building.

A BUILDER OF INTEGRATED COMMUNITIES

Even prior to the pandemic, SMDC has already created the right blueprint for integrated lifestyle communities, which are responsive to the evolving needs, lifestyles and preferences of its homebuyers and investors.

Livable, dynamic and vibrant, these developments have carried the same standards that would fittingly define excellence and innovation in all SMDC developments over the last 15 years—the same standards that are now proving to be essential even in the midst of this unprecedented health and economic crisis.

“We have redefined the urban dwelling landscape and are now seeing the fruition of our vision of making luxurious city living affordable. We have been in business for only a decade and a half, but have launched numerous projects in major central business districts and growth centers, not only in Metro Manila but also in the provinces,” explained SMDC president Jose Mari Banzon.

“We continue to create products that are ever-evolving and are always responsive to the needs of our homeseekers and of the times, but carrying the standards that we have set from the very first home that we built 15 years ago,” Banzon said.

‘15-MINUTE CITY’

But what is impressive is that even at the onset, SMDC has made it a point to create mixed-use communities that essentially embody today’s “15-minute city” concept. Developed by French-Colombian professor Carlos Moreno in the midst of this pandemic, the 15-minute city concept touts the need to have convenient access to essentials for a better and improved quality of life.

This has exactly been SMDC’s proposition for more than a decade now.

For one, all its developments are in prime locations to ensure one’s unparalleled accessibility to central business districts (CBDs), major thoroughfares and transport hubs.

Each integrated community has also been designed and masterplanned to include important components that would ensure utmost convenience for its locators, office workers, visitors and residents—espousing a holistic lifestyle that ensures that much sought live-work-play balance.

Residences, commercial hubs or an SM Mall, and offices are all located in a safe, secure and self-sustaining community where one can live well and thrive, and be within 15 minutes away from essential establishments and institutions.

The allure, however, goes beyond the premium prestigious address. SMDC ensures that its residences will be a fitting home for today’s modern urban dweller, with impeccably designed, hotel-like lobbies, masterfully planned resort-styled amenities and a professional property management to ensure the safety, security and integrity of SMDC developments.

Fundamentally, SMDC creates affordable residences that put a premium on the residents’ physical, mental and emotional well-being, while its communities would meet standards in terms of resilience and sustainability.

A TRUE ENABLER

SMDC has truly become an enabler as it not only provided an opportunity for many Filipinos to realize their dream of owning a home, but it also, more importantly, made luxurious city living affordable. Indeed, SMDC democratized home ownership and helped enhance the lifestyles of many Filipinos now enjoying their home in CBDs and growth centers across the country.

“We have remained true to our vision of building a nation of homeowners; to our commitment of developing not just any home but a home where the everyday homeseeker gets access to the conveniences of city life, to economic and lifestyle opportunities amid lush greenery and wide, open spaces to allow him to live healthily, happily and securely,” Banzon said.

“We are always on the lookout for ways to ensure that our latest product is better than the last and that it allows homeowners to live their best lives, to have more time for the things that matter, to thrive in an environment that is healthy and secure, in a community that is safe, supportive and nurturing,” he further explained.

Such has been the commitment of SMDC that even in the midst of the pandemic, it continues to think of new ways to cater to the needs of its market.

For this year alone, it introduced two new products— mid-rise developments located in fast-rising suburban communities, and residential-office (RESO) developments, borne primarily out of the emerging trend of work-from-home arrangements during the pandemic. SMDC RESO developments, in particular, provide micro, small and medium-sized enterprises with the multiple benefits of having your home and office in a single location.

“We understand the realities of situations such as this pandemic so we make appropriate adjustments not only in terms of the design of our developments but also in providing flexible payment schemes that are sensitive to the economic situation,” Banzon added.

A FORCE FOR GOOD

In doing all these even in the midst of this devastating pandemic, SMDC has proven itself to be a staunch partner in nation-building. It stepped up to become a force for good, at a time when the country, which has been reeling from this crisis, needed it most.

Despite the challenging landscape, it continued to launch new projects and build homes to help fuel an economy in recession and provide much needed jobs. This allowed SMDC to significantly contribute to the country’s economic growth and social development.

SMDC has also been launching programs and projects that would help strengthen and empower the communities they build—more so in the last 20 months when many of its residents and employees faced difficulties during the pandemic.

“Ultimately, community building becomes nation-building. By working to empower the communities we create, we serve a catalytic role for community engagement—fostering a sense of camaraderie and altruism extending beyond the walls of our homes,” Banzon concluded.