Insider Spotlight
Once seen as peripheral to Metro Manila’s traditional business districts, the area is now gaining traction as firms prioritize accessibility, operational efficiency, and long-term fundamentals over density alone.
Why it matters
Market interest is converging on districts that can support sustained expansion without sacrificing livability. Alabang’s transformation highlights how long-term planning and infrastructure readiness can reposition an area into a strategic business address.
The big picture
At the center of this momentum is Filinvest City, the flagship township of the Filinvest Group.
Developed from what was once the Alabang Stock Farm, the district was envisioned early on as a fully integrated central business district combining offices, residences, retail, and open spaces. This live-work-play concept predated its widespread adoption in Philippine urban planning.
What sets it apart
Filinvest City retains available commercial parcels, giving it the capacity to absorb new investments while maintaining scale, connectivity, and environmental balance.
Unlike newer districts still in early development stages, its masterplanned framework allows growth without compromising coherence or direction.
Driving forces
Premium office developments continue to attract corporate tenants, supported by infrastructure designed for workforce accessibility and efficiency.
Northgate Cyberzone, a Peza-registered IT park, remains a major draw for outsourcing and multinational firms seeking cost-effective southern locations.
Recent locators underscore rising confidence. The SONAK Group has established its headquarters in the district, while PLDT Inc. has announced plans for the country’s first tech campus in the Southgate District, a nearly five-hectare development aimed at future-oriented operations.
What they’re saying
“Our long-term view has always been clear: build a city that anticipates needs before they emerge. Filinvest City’s progress today is the direct result of disciplined investment, sustainable planning, and a masterplan designed to endure. The South’s growth story continues, and we are committed to leading it,” Catherine Ilagan, president and CEO of Filinvest Alabang Inc., said in a press statement.
Beyond offices
Business growth has fueled demand for residential communities across varied lifestyle profiles, supported by parks, retail hubs, and healthcare facilities.
Filinvest City has also reinforced its sustainability credentials as the country’s first central business district to earn both LEED Gold and BERDE 3-Star certifications.
What’s next
As economic activity continues to tilt southward, Alabang’s appeal reflects years of deliberate groundwork. With its masterplan intact and room for continued development, Filinvest City is positioned to translate heightened interest into long-term, sustainable value. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
