Top Philippine real estate developers are betting big on regional growth across the country despite mounting geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and renewed global uncertainty under the Trump administration.
Speaking at the 2025 Asian Real Estate Summit (ARES) in Bangkok, Thailand, which was attended by over 1,000 brokers and industry professionals, developers highlighted strong domestic demand, steady OFW remittances, and growing interest in Visayas and Mindanao as drivers of continued sectoral expansion.
Wee Community Developers Inc., which pioneered regional expansion in secondary cities, is actively building projects in Davao, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, and Southern Luzon.
“Historically, we’ve weathered disruptions—from conflict zones to policy shocks—because our developments are agile, and the demand base remains solid,” said Carson Choa, Project Director at Weecom. “Supply is manageable, and margins remain healthy.”
Now in its 15th year, Weecom has also focused on broker engagement, awarding 46 cars to top sellers in the last five years. The firm has introduced quarterly goals and incentives across four regional zones to maintain momentum.
Jose Soberano III, CEO of Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI), said the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) segment continues to provide a resilient revenue base.
“Even in the worst global scenarios, Filipino workers remain in demand—especially in healthcare and technical professions. Our economy’s dependence on remittances isn’t going anywhere,” he said, calling remittances a “GDP fixture.”
CLI is advancing its Ming-Mori Techno Business Hub in Cebu’s south and supporting infrastructure works for socialized housing and road widening.
King Properties CEO Juanito King noted success beyond Cebu, with active residential developments in Iloilo and Bacolod. “Bacolod is now proving highly feasible for mid-end and mixed-use products,” he said.
Primeworld Land Holdings is diversifying into tourism-linked projects, including a 4.5-hectare resort township in Mactan featuring a Hilton-branded hotel.
“We’re banking on tourism-backed investment confidence,” said CEO Sherwin Uy. Despite rising material costs, Uy said pricing pressure has not disrupted Cebu’s investor sentiment.
Grand Land Inc. President Ryan Bernard Go confirmed mixed-use and hospitality partnerships, including a 35-story Oakwood tower in Cebu and an Asai-branded boutique resort in Oslob. “We’re back on track with a refreshed project pipeline,” Go said.
Mindanao-based Damosa Land is also scaling up. CEO Ricardo “Cary” Lagdameo reported developments in Davao and General Santos totaling 20,000 sqm in industrial and flexible workspaces, with expansion plans for Cagayan de Oro.
“Infrastructure lags behind private development, and that’s a real challenge,” Lagdameo said. “But the market remains dynamic—even amid global issues. Middle East-based buyers may adopt a wait-and-see stance, but demand hasn’t disappeared.”
While global headwinds add complexity, developers appear unfazed. “In real estate, fundamentals matter more than headlines,” said Choa. “Filipinos will continue to invest in homes, and we will continue to build where growth is heading.”
Business News Asia