It is said that the paradoxical existence of mother nature and economic progress cannot be fully reconciled. One concept must give way for another, and in reality it is usually the environment that is on the losing side.
But Greenfield Development Corporation has shattered this concept by adopting a clear-cut business strategy that enables them to simultaneously work with nature while driving growth in the area where their masterplanned communities are located.
“Through the years we have served as stewards of these valuable resources,” said Greenfield executive vice president and general manager Atty. Duanne A.X. Santos, referring to the hundreds of hectares of land in various strategic areas in its portfolio.
“We have nurtured these expanses of land with a promise to create vibrant, living communities that are well-designed, are eco-friendly, and use innovative infrastructure so that they are future-ready for homeowners, shoppers and office workers,” he added.
The birth of a company
When majority of Metro Manila was still a forestal town, Greenfield Development Corporation was already starting to take roots in the property sector. It began in 1961 as one of the Philippine’s largest property ownership and landholding companies with estates in Greater Manila area, Southern Manila, and Laguna.
Greenfield recognizes that they are holding on to precious commodities with colossal potential but decided to begin humbly with a modest project in the heart of the Metropolis. The early 70s saw the construction of EDSA Central, the mixed-use development that eventually evolved into a bustling hub for commerce and transportation.
Forty years later, EDSA Central was transformed into a masterplanned community that seamlessly links urban comfort with ultra-modern features for green living. The commercial complex facing EDSA was revamped into the Pavilion. It now serves as the iconic gateway to Greenfield District, which is slated to be the country’s first smart and connected neighbourhood, with ultra-modern high-rise homes Twin Oaks Place and Zitan.
Unlocking the south
The dynamics of urban sprawl towards the southern portion of Metro Manila can be largely attributed to Greenfield.
By the end of the 80s, the company has gained momentum in township development, having spawned some of the pioneer subdivisions in the country in partnership with several real estate companies.
Hillsborough Subdivision in Muntinlupa City, Southwood Residences in Carmona, San Antonio Heights and San Rafael Estates, Sto. Tomas, Batangas appeared on the map from 1988 to 1998. All were markedly located in the South, with the exception of Lexington Garden Village, which is situated in eastern Pasig City.
In 2000, the company’s partnership with Ayala Land, Inc. paved the way for the launch of Ayala Greenfield Estates, a premier 500-hectare residential golf development located in Calamba, Laguna.
To create value for its developments, major infrastructure and interchanges were constructed to ensure accessibility to and from their communities. These are the Greenfield City (formerly Mamplasan), Cabuyao, and Southwoods exits and the ABI-Greenfield Interchange.
Working with nature
To reinforce its commitment to sustainability, the company unveiled Greenfield City, which was touted as the country’s first “city within a park”. The 400-hectare mixed-use development is home to residential developments, offices, industrial, and lifestyle centers namely Solen and Pramana Residences, Paseo De Sta Rosa, Greenfield Auto Park, and Sta. Rosa Business Park.
The most notable feature of Greenfield City’s residential communities is that more than half of the property was devoted to nature. Greenfield has thoughtfully integrated wide-open spaces, tree-lined avenues, parks, and playgrounds in its eco-centric blueprint.
“We want our communities to be lasting legacies for generations to come. These were achieved by simultaneously working with nature while employing the latest technological advancements in our projects,” explained Atty. Santos.
Dynamic vision
The staying power of a company hinges on how it has successfully managed a constantly evolving business conditions by embracing change and adopting a progressive vision.
In the case of Greenfield Development Corporation, it has endured the test of time with its pioneering developments that give respect to nature while remaining relevant for ages to come.
