Siglo Suites generates P448M in rental income

March 17, 2020 | 12:06 am [ bworldonline.com ]

Siglo Suites helps condominium unit owners lease their units, as well as handle day-to-day maintenance and upkeep. -- COURTESY OF CENTURY PROPERTIES GROUP

CENTURY PROPERTIES Group, Inc. (CPG) said it has helped its condominium unit owners generate over P448 million in rental income last year through its professional asset and leasing management service.

The listed property developer said it had established Siglo Suites after seeing the need of its condominium owners for a service to help them lease their units and handle day-to-day maintenance.

“Century Properties’ commitment to its clients doesn’t end after the turnover of units. It is a long-term service that works to preserve the value of their homes and give good returns through Siglo Suites,” Jaime Navarro, Siglo Suites’ head of sales, unit management and marketing, said in a statement.

Mr. Navarro said Siglo Suites generated and remitted P448 million in rental income to condominium unit owners, 23% higher than the P365 million posted in 2018.

Broken down, P78 million came from short and mid-term leases of units and P370 million was generated through long-term lease of units (12 months and up).

Siglo Suites can take over the unit from the point of turnover, including furnishing the unit, managing bills and handling maintenance work. It helps craft marketing strategies for short-term, medium-term and long-term serviced stays for unit owners.

At present, Siglo Suites handles over 1,500 units in Makati City (The Milano Residences, The Gramercy Residences, The Knightsbridge Residences); Mandaluyong City (Acqua Private Residences); Parañaque City (Azure Urban Resort Residences); and Quezon City (The Residences at Commonwealth).

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SEC accepts electronic signature, unnotarized corporate filing

March 27, 2020 | 12:05 am [ bworldonline.com ]

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will now accept corporate filings with electronic signatures and are unnotarized sent through e-mail while Luzon is on lockdown.

In an effort to relax rules for corporations on limited operations due to the quarantine, the SEC issued Memorandum Circular No. 10 on March 20 as guide in submitting general information sheets, audited financial statements and all other forms and letters.

Documents that will be submitted must be in portable document format (PDF), preferably with text layer, and affixed with an electronic signature of appropriate representatives.

Files should be sent as attachments to an e-mail, sent using a valid company e-mail or the address of an authorized representative.

If the filing to be submitted normally requires notarization, the SEC said it will allow for now the submission of such files unnotarized. The company should expect, however, that the signatory in the filing is accountable to the document submitted.

Before submitting the files, the body of the e-mail must contain a statement from the company assuring the authenticity of the attachments to be sent. It must also commit to submit the same documents once business operations are back to normal.

Companies must request from the SEC a return receipt and a delivery status notification to confirm the successful delivery of the e-mail.

Once the state of public health emergency is lifted, the SEC will set a date for companies to submit notarized hard copies of the same documents submitted digitally.

“These guidelines are intended to facilitate compliance by all concerned corporations with laws, rules, regulations and applicable SEC memorandum circulars…during the period that the state of public health emergency is in effect,” the memorandum said.

Luzon has been put under enhanced community quarantine until April 13 due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. — Denise A. Valdez

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LGUs, agencies urged to cut red tape amid ECQ

March 27, 2020 | 12:31 am [ bworldonline.com ]

A soldier checks the body temperature of health workers before entering a free shuttle service following the suspension of mass transportation to contain the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Quezon City, March 20. — REUTERS

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, including local government units (LGUs), are being urged to simplify and streamline procedures and requirements as the country is under a state of national emergency due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.

In an advisory released on Wednesday, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) identified several measures that all government agencies can implement to speed up the delivery of government services.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday signed a law that granted him emergency powers to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, and placed the country under a state of national emergency for three months unless extended.

ARTA recommended the “emergency” extension of the validity of permits, licenses and certifications that are expiring, especially those whose applications for renewal or extension may not be filed during the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

It also said agencies may also consider accepting and approving applications and reports through e-mail and online platforms, on the condition that there are security measures in place.

“Further, it is suggested that these transactions be subjected to post-audits when able,” it added.

ARTA said that agencies may also consider suspending the notarization requirement for documents, noting that the submission of false documents, notarized or otherwise, is punishable by law.

Government agencies may also process incomplete applications that may be completed “when conditions normalize,” ARTA said. These include using electronically signed or pre-signed licenses and authorizations and using alternate signatories when the authorized signatory is on official business or leave.

Payments may also be processed online or through outsourced payment collection centers. ARTA said that agencies should consider waiving or deferring payments if the said options are not possible.

ARTA also encouraged agencies to submit copies of regulations to the University of the Philippines — Office of National Administrative Register electronically to give legal effect to their issuances.

The advisory is a response to Mr. Duterte’s call to cut red tape in a national address on Tuesday, ARTA said in a statement.

“We would like to remind all agencies to adopt a zero red-tape policy, especially in this emergency situation during which red tape literally kills,” ARTA Director General Jeremiah B. Belgica said. “To deliberately commit red tape at this time of global emergency is unforgivable.”

Meanwhile, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is prohibiting the imposition or collection of additional port charges and fees, including the hazard fee.

PPA General Manager Jay Daniel R. Santiago issued the notice to shipping companies, terminal operators, cargo handling operators, pilots and pilots’ associations, private ports and port service providers, port managers, and other port stakeholders.

This after the Quezon Harbor Pilots Association Inc. released an open letter dated March 23, informing the public that it will be collecting “P60,000 as additional pilots’ health hazard fee for every vessel that they will be assisting in Quezon ports.”

“The PPA clarified that neither its office nor its Board has granted the authority to impose additional charges or fees to any terminal operator, cargo handling operator, pilots and pilots’ associations, private port operators, and port service providers, including the Quezon Harbor Pilots Association,” the Department of Transportation said. — Jenina P. Ibañez and Arjay L. Balinbin

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Felcris group allots P1.2B for hotel, convention center

March 24, 2020 | 12:03 am [ bworldonline.com ]

A hotel and convention center will be located at the 5.9-hectare Felcris Centrale complex along the Davao City’s coast.

DAVAO City-based Felcris Hotels and Resorts Corp. is planning to build a hotel and convention center with an estimated budget of P1.2 billion.

Felcris President Clark Lawton S. Yap, in an interview on the sidelines of a recent launching event for a condominium project, said the hotel and convention center will be located at its 5.9-hectare Felcris Centrale complex along the city’s coast.

The complex currently has a shopping mall and office building that caters mainly to business process outsourcing firms.

Mr. Yap said they are now “on the design stage” of the project and targeting to have it completed by April 2022.

The plan, he said, is a 16-floor building with 280 guest rooms.

Felcris Hotels and Resorts, which operates a hotel in La Union, will be managing the facility.

“We did talk to (international hotel management companies), however, they are demanding a large amount (as management fees),” he said.

The company is part of the Felcris group, whose ventures include supermarkets, department stores, and convenience stores, and is the franchisee of Figaro Coffee Co. — Carmelito Q. Francisco

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SEC releases rules on GIS filing during lockdown

March 20, 2020 | 6:33 pm [ bworldonline.com]

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is allowing corporations to submit their general information sheets (GIS) via different methods while Luzon is under quarantine.

In Memorandum Circular No. 9 uploaded on its website, the SEC outlined the guidelines for GIS filing whether or not corporations were able to conduct officer elections and annual meetings.

If a company was able to meet to elect directors, trustees and officers, its GIS must be submitted within 30 days from the actual meeting via mail, private courier or email. For email, the GIS may be sent to mlmliwanag@sec.gov.ph, mdtmabuyo@sec.gov.ph or cmdnotive@sec.gov.ph.

If a company is unable to elect its officers between March 1 and May 1 as scheduled due to safety concerns over the coronavirus disease (COVID0-19) outbreak and has no means for remote communication, the SEC must be notified within 30 days from its original meeting date. This may be done through mail, private courier or email, using the same email addresses above. The notice must specify the new date for the election, which should be within 60 days from the original schedule.

If a company is not able to meet for elections due to reasons unrelated to the COVID-19, it must notify the SEC within 30 days from the company’s original meeting date. The letter should inform the SEC of the new date for the election, which must be within 60 days from the original schedule.

If a company is unable to notify the SEC of failing to meet for elections, the results of the would-be elections must still be reported through the GIS, submitted to the SEC within 30 days from the date of its actual meeting. However, the GIS will “no longer enjoy the same forbearance from the penalty for late submission” as provided for others that complied.

These new rules on GIS filing are effective starting Mar. 18.

“We will closely monitor ensuing developments and make adjustments, if needed, to help corporations and other stakeholders mitigate the risks and negative impact of the COVID-19 outbreak,” SEC Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino said in a statement. — Denise A. Valdez

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‘Millionaire’s playground’ set to rise in northern Luzon

March 17, 2020 | 12:07 am [ bworldonline.com ]

The Widus Group has committed a total investment of P12 billion for the development of the Hann Lux Lifestyle Resort in New Clark City, Tarlac. -- COMPANY HANDOUT

THE Widus Group, owner and developer of Widus Hotel & Casino and the Marriott hotel chain in Clark, Pampanga, recently introduced a luxury lifestyle brand which will bring the idea of a “millionaire’s playground” to life.

Under the new brand Hann Resorts are two equally premium sub-brands of luxury integrated resort destinations: the Hann Casino Resort in Clark and Hann Lux Lifestyle Resort in New Clark City (NCC), Tarlac. These sub-brands aim to elevate leisure experience by combining activities and experiences in gaming, golf, nature and outdoors, entertainment, and hospitality.

Daesik Han, president and chief executive officer of Hann Development Corp. (a member of the Widus Consortium), said that Hann Resorts seeks to establish itself not only as an international destination brand for tourists, but also as a “powerful master brand” that has gathered world-class luxury brands so guests can “live bold and play bold.”

“We are very certain that we can deliver it with quality,” Mr. Han told reporters after the brand’s launch on Feb. 25 at Clark Marriott Hotel.

As part of the new brand, Widus Group’s current development in Clark will be transformed into Hann Casino Resort. Aside from the existing Clark Marriott Hotel, the resort will include the Hann Casino and Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, which is expected to open by the last quarter of the year. The Widus Hotel & Casino shall be converted to the Mercure Hotel after its renovation is completed by 2022.

“It (Hann Casino Resort) is going to be a genuine, truly first integrated resort outside Metro Manila with Marriott, with Swissotel, with Mercure, and a lot of entertainment and F&B (food & beverage),” Mr. Han said.

The Widus Group, on the other hand, expects to start the major construction of the Hann Lux Lifestyle Resort in a 450-hectare property within NCC by October this year.

The integrated resort will feature three 18-hole championship golf courses, designed by renowned professional golfers and course designers Nicklaus Design, KJ Choi, and Nick Faldo. Mr. Han said that the group expects the completion of the first golf course by 2022, followed by the second and third golf courses in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

There are so many nice integrated resorts in Manila but I can have something they cannot offer to the market which is nature [and] golf,” Mr. Han said.

With golf courses as part of Hann Lux Lifestyle Resort’s master plan, he is optimistic that the resort will stand out among its competitors and can attract a wider market.

“Even those big, big integrated resorts in Macau, there’s no casino having this world-class golf course. So if you’re a gambler, and you want to enjoy, you love this entertainment, yet you want to enjoy nature and golf, then this is the place. I can expand my market not only limited in the Philippines, but this region in Asia,” Mr. Han said.

Hann Lux Lifestyle Resort will also see the opening of Banyan Tree Hotel and the Angsana Hotel. The group, according to Mr. Han, targets to finish these projects by 2023.

For the next phase of the development, Hann Lux Lifestyle Resort will also see the construction of the Westin Hotel and The Luxury Collection by Marriott International.

Among others, the integrated resort will also feature outdoor recreation facilities, a clubhouse, a mixed-use commercial center, and a 10-hectare public park.

The Widus Group has committed a total investment of P12 billion for the development of the Hann Lux Lifestyle Resort, but Mr. Han said that this might at least be doubled or tripled.

“Clark is already drawing a lot of tourists and investors to the area. We hope that an integrated lifestyle and leisure resort brand will further attract people and turn both Clark and New Clark City into a bustling center for recreation and development,” Mr. Han said. — Mark Louis F. Ferrolino

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Torre Lorenzo considers REIT via market listing

March 16, 2020 | 12:06 am [ bworldonline.com ]

By Denise A. Valdez

Reporter

TORRE LORENZO Development Corp. (TLDC) is studying the possibility of launching a real estate investment trust (REIT) and listing at the stock exchange through an initial public offering (IPO) in the coming years.

TLDC Chief Finance Officer Emmanuel A. Rapadas told reporters last week the company is beefing up its portfolio to prepare for financial instruments that will turn it into a public company.

“At the moment, we’re talking with our financial advisors on how and when we will enter REIT,” Mr. Rapadas said. “We will get into REITs, it’s just a question of when.”

He also said the company was initially planning to do an IPO by 2021, but this would be moved due to the present market conditions.

“It was supposed to be 2021. But the problem is you also have to understand the general business conditions… (We have) our internal considerations as well,” Mr. Rapadas said.

“Nobody will go public now. Everybody is running away from the equities market. So when? We really have to play it by ear,” he added.

The Philippine Stock Exchange has been volatile in recent weeks due to the coronavirus outbreak, and has breached bear territory last week after reaching the 6,300 level. The main index closed at 5,793.94 on Friday.

TLDC is a local real estate developer whose assets are mostly premium university residences. It started venturing into the leisure business last year with the opening of the dusitD2 Hotel in Davao and private island resort Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort.

The company recorded total revenues of P2.2 billion in 2019, 21% higher from a year ago, and a bottomline of about P190 million, up 15% year-on-year.

Mr. Rapadas said the company is allocating up to P7 billion for capital spending this year, which will fund the introduction of three new residential projects in Manila, Quezon City and Davao, and ongoing construction of leisure projects in Batangas, Pampanga, Manila and Davao.

TLDC is expecting to hit P2.3 billion in revenues and a net income of about P400 million by end-2020. Mr. Rapadas said the company’s target is to do an IPO once revenues reach P8 billion net income hit P1.5 billion.

“We believe we’re ready. Just a few more adjustments, we need to get to a certain level of revenues… But absent the market conditions, you should not do it… Probably when the conditions are ripe,” he said.

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No delay in April 15 tax deadline

March 15, 2020 | 10:48 pm [ bworldonline.com ]

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) cannot delay the April 15 deadline for filing and payment of income tax returns (ITR) because the date is set in law, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said, and urged taxpayers to use electronic channels instead to avoid crowds and minimize exposure to COVID-19.

“We can’t move it because the April 15 deadline is in the law,” Mr. Dominguez told reporters in a Viber message Sunday.

However, Mr. Dominguez said the authorities could waive interest fees on ITR amendments if the increment of income tax payable does not exceed 25%.

“We can allow amendment of returns without payment of interest, subject to certain conditions like no variance of more than 25%. This will be in line with the SECs (Securities and Exchange Commission) extension of deadline of filing of audited FS (financial statement) of 60 days,” he said.

Taxpayers are required to file ITRs on or before April 15. Failure to file by the deadline will result in penalties, including a 25% surcharge on the tax due, 12% interest per annum.

Separately, Deputy Commissioner Marissa O. Cabreros has urged taxpayers to file ITRs well in advance or use e-filing and e-payment facilities in order to achieve the recommended social distancing.

“We encourage the public to do it early and it can be done in the convenience of their own homes because of the e-filing facility. The BIR expanded online payment options, now including Union Bank and Paymaya. This is in addition to options (via) Development Bank of the Philippines, Land Bank, Globe GCash and credit cards,” Ms. Cabreros said in a mobile phone message.

Mr. Dominguez has said that the Department of Finance has not firmed up plan yet for tax relief measures for affected businesses.

BIR Commissioner Caesar R. Dulay said the government’s largest tax-collecting agency is considering targeted relief for businesses severely affected by the outbreak, though he provided no details. — Beatrice M. Laforga

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REITs, outsourcing firms seen to drive property market growth

March 10, 2020 | 12:07 am [ bworldonline.com ]

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are expected to help drive the Philippine property market’s growth this year. -- COMPANY HANDOUT

By Denise A. Valdez

Reporter

THE Philippine real estate industry is seen to keep growing this year, driven by the kickoff of real estate investment trusts (REITs), expanding business process outsourcing (BPO) industry and strong consumer demand.

In a statement over the weekend, real estate consultancy firm Santos Knight Frank said several factors may offset the decline in real estate growth brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.

It said 2020 is set to be the “year for REITs,” following the regulator’s relaxation of rules to attract REIT offers from property developers. This includes the reduction of the minimum public float to 33% and the value-added tax exemption when transferring properties to a REIT vehicle.

So far, Ayala Land, Inc. has applied to do an offer of up to 478.64 million shares in office properties in Makati City, which will raise up to P1.36 billion for the company.

“More property companies have expressed interest in REITs after regulators unveiled the revised rules in January. Property giant Ayala Land recently filed its application… while DoubleDragon Properties Corp. is looking at raising P11 billion annually over a six-year period via REITs,” Santos Knight Frank said.

Looking at more mature REIT markets in Asia Pacific such as Australia, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore, the consultancy firm said these countries have recorded higher dividend yields from REITs compared to listed property companies, which paints a rosy picture for the potential of Philippine REITs as well.

“Santos Knight Frank believes that REITs will unlock a number of opportunities in the property market, such as greater access to real estate investment and revitalization of capital markets,” it said.

Shares in listed property firms have seen a volatile movement in the local bourse, in line with the volatility of global equities due to COVID-19.

But with the launch of REITs, Santos Knight Frank said this opens an opportunity for more participants in the property market.

“REITs have the power to sustain long-term growth for the Philippine economy through investments,” Santos Knight Frank Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rick M. Santos said in the statement.

“We anticipate that REITs will drive an increase in acquisition, consolidation, and property development activities across the Philippines in the coming years. New capital raised by the developers through REITs will enable expansion of the real estate sector not only in Metro Manila but also in the provinces…,” Santos Knight Frank Associate Director for Investment & Capital Markets Kash Salvador added.

Aside from REITs, the real estate sector is also seeing tailwinds from the continuous growth of the BPO sector. With the government’s moratorium on new economic zones in Metro Manila, Santos Knight Frank said BPOs may start moving to the countryside, driven by the sustained high demand from locators.

“From 1.23 million direct hires as of 2018, the entire Philippine BPO industry is expected to support up to 1.57 million by 2022. Santos Knight Frank estimates that the growth of 7% CAGR would, in total, require an estimated office space of 1.2 million square meters for the 260,000 new jobs generated,” it said.

The co-working trend is another element that may keep the real estate sector growing, as the consultancy firm said high demand from freelancers, start-ups, entrepreneurs and BPOs continue attracting new co-working space brands into the country.

The rise of sustainable buildings is also a growth driver for the sector, as Santos Knight Frank said there is a 12.5% higher lease rate in buildings that are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified compared to those that aren’t.

“As the real industry becomes increasingly aware of its environmental impact, more property owners are turning to green design, solutions, and systems… LEED-certified buildings not only carry environmental benefits, but they also position properties to the premium side,” it said.

Industrial and logistics sectors are likewise seen to further expand this year, fueled by the demand from the e-commerce market. “The areas of Calabarzon and the corridor (of expressways) in North Luzon are prime spots for logistics and industrial real estate to grow. These would be the next hubs for distribution centers and warehouses,” Mr. Salvador said.

In terms of residential spaces, Manila is likely to sustain its dominance, as the consultancy firm said there are three projects scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2020 alone: The Velaris Residences, Sonora Garden Residences and Avida Towers Parklinks.

“The growth in the prime residential market in Manila is driven by a tight supply of luxury and high-end properties, increasing number of Filipino ultra-high net worth individuals, and demand from foreign buyers,” Santos Knight Frank said.

Co-living spaces are likewise going to push the growth of real estate, as big property developers continue investing in this segment.

“The beginning of 2020 has been marked by a series of unexpected events that continue to affect the global economy. Despite the impact of COVID-19 and downturn in international stock markets, the Philippine real estate industry continues to have reasons to be optimistic,” it said.

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Bill granting amnesty on back taxes approved

March 10, 2020 | 9:43 pm [ bworldonline.com ]

THE House committee on ways and means said Tuesday it approved an amnesty measure for taxpayers owing back taxes to the government if they pay the equivalent of 3% of their net worth.

“(Committee on ways and means) approves Tax Amnesty — 3% of SALN equity subject to 1. (one year) waiver of bank secrecy 2. AEOI (automatic exchange of information) 3. FATCA (foreign account tax compliance act),” Representative Jose Maria Clemente S. Salceda of Albay, who chairs the committee, told reporters via Viber Tuesday.

The panel consolidated House Bill 191 by Estrellita B. Suansing and Horacio P. Suansing Jr., and House Bill 3671 by Sharon S. Garin.

“House Bill numbers 191 and 3671, provide that all unpaid national internal revenue taxes such as but not limited to, income tax, withholding tax, capital gains tax, donor’s tax, Value-added tax, percentage tax, excise tax and documentary stamp tax collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Customs within the stated period shall be relieved from payment of penalties and surcharges,” Mr. Salceda said in a fact sheet sent to reporters Tuesday.

Under the unnumbered consolidated bill, a taxpayer availing of the amnesty will be granted “certain immunities and privileges” from civil, administrative and criminal penalties, Mr. Salceda said.

Amnesty candidates must pay 3% of their net worth as reflected in their Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) as of Dec., 31, 2018. The measure also reduces the total tax due if the taxpayer settles the tax liability earlier. It allots the collections to be spent on a BIR database, the government’s social safety net measures, and the Build, Build, Build program, among others. — Genshen L. Espedido

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December 2019 Real Estate Consultant Licensure Examination Results Released in Three (3) Working Days

Posted on 04 March, 2020

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 59 out of 67 passed the Real Estate Consultant Licensure Examination given by the Board of Real Estate Service in Manila last December 8, 2019 (Written) and February 17-21 up to February 26-28, 2020 (Revalida).

The members of the Board of Real Estate Service who gave the licensure examination are Ofelia C. Binag, Chairman; Rafael M. Fajardo, Jose Arnold M. Tan and Pilar M. Torres-Banaag, Members.

The results were released in three (3) working days after the last day of examination.

Starting March 6, 2020, registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will be done on-line.  Please go to www.prc.gov.ph and follow instructions for initial registration.  Those who will register are required to bring the following: downloaded duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, notice of admission (for identification only), 2 pieces passport sized pictures (colored with white background and complete name tag), 2 sets of documentary stamps and 1 piece short brown envelope.  Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.

The date and venue for the oathtaking ceremony of the new successful examinees in the said examination WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.

• Full text of the Official Result
• Performance of Schools
• List of Successful Examinees who garnered the seven (7) highest places
• List of Successful Examinees

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Anti-red tape body tags LRA for slow action

March 4, 2020 | 8:08 pm [ bworldonline.com ]

THE Anti-Red Tape Authority on Wednesday flagged the Land Registration Authority (LRA) for failing to approve pending transactions with the public on time.

Jeremiah B. Belgica, the agency’s director general, told reporters that out of five “problematic agencies” tagged by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in his yearly address to Congress last year, LRA stands out.

The anti-red tape body had received reports that LRA had not streamlined transactions.

He said LRA’s charter falls under the “3-7-20” rule — simple transactions should be done in three days, complex transactions in seven days and highly technical ones in 20 days.

LRA officials should fix this or face cases for violating the anti-red tape law, Mr. Belgica said.

The agency has ordered all government bodies to approve pending applications before March 7 or face sanctions for inefficiency.

The regulator also asked all public offices to strictly enforce the processing periods prescribed by their charters.

Agencies mentioned by Mr. Duterte — the Social Security System, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Land Transportation Office, Pag-IBIG Fund and LRA — will be prioritized for audit, according to ARTA’s chief.

Mr. Belgica said they would also prioritize the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and Food and Drug Administration. — Gillian M. Cortez

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DMCI Homes finishes Bacoor development

March 3, 2020 | 12:02 am [ bworldonline.com ]

DMCI PROJECT DEVELOPERS, Inc. said it has completed the four buildings of Alea Residences, its first condominium development in Bacoor City, Cavite.

The company, which operates under the DMCI Homes brand, finished Budi — the last building of Alea Residences — in February. This was consistent with the timeline set by DMCI Homes when it launched the project in 2016.

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The first three buildings Darma, Raja, and Surya have been turned over to unit owners last year.

“The completion of the mid-rise resort-inspired development brings to Cavite a total of 563 new ready for occupancy (RFO) residential condominium units,” DMCI Homes said.

Sitting on a 1.5-hectare property, Alea Residences is located along Las Piñas-Talaba Diversion Road in Barangay Zapote 2.

With its Balinese-inspired architecture, Alea Residences features resort-inspired amenities, gardens, swimming pools, activity lawn, play area, and picnic areas. Indoor amenities include a lounge, game area, fitness gym and audio-visual room.

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Architects’ group wants stricter issuance of building permits

March 3, 2020 | 12:07 am [ bworldonline.comn ]

United Architects of the Philippines is seeking to raise awareness of illegally-constructed structures that pose risks to the public. -- REUTERS

By Bjorn Biel M. Beltran

Special Features Writer

THE United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) reiterated the need for more stringent procedures in the issuance of building and construction permits, particularly in the implementation of ancillary architectural permits as mentioned in the National Building Code of the Philippines.

During a forum with the media on Feb. 18, UAP President Benjamin Panganiban, Jr. said the strict issuance of permits will discourage illegal, unlicensed practitioners from preparing and sealing architectural plans, specifications and other documents.

“It is imperative to have the right professionals who will sign those permits,” he told the press, noting that non-architects pose a significant risk to the public’s safety.

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“No other technical allied profession comes close to the learnings and knowledge of the architects. These structures should be developed by the right professionals who are licensed and registered [by the government],” he added.

By implementing concrete measures against illegal practitioners, Mr. Panganiban said there would be more accountability in cases of misfortune, as there are legal protocols in place for identifying those who should be liable in case of a building’s collapse.

“Many people think that being an architect is just about being good at drawing, but it’s more than that,” UAP Secretary General Ronnie Yumang told the media.

“Most people ask an architecture student to draw for them, and then they build their homes using that drawing without seeking the professional expertise of a licensed architect and this puts the safety of people at risk.”

The call is in line with the UAP’s #GetAnArchitect advocacy campaign, which seeks to develop a variety of initiatives to promote architecture as a profession, highlight its spirit in an informative way, and encourage the public to advocate for safer, healthier, accessible homes, businesses, and communities.

Mr. Panganiban said the #GetAnArchitect campaign came into fruition as they looked for opportunities to engage and communicate with the public and stakeholders how architects “work with them, design solutions, transform communities, and strengthen society.”

Meanwhile, the UAP announced its plans for UAP Construction Expo 2020 (CONEX), which aims to gather the country’s construction industry sectors to demonstrate state of the art products and to promote new technologies, equipment, and materials to the Philippine market.

To be held on April 23 to 25 at the SMX Convention Center, the convention will be centered on the theme of “fusion.”

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