The 670-hectare township development of Pueblo de Panay, Inc. (PDPI) in Roxas City, Capiz steers local economic activities and generates employment opportunities for almost 10,000 locals. The construction and improvement of various projects within the property are supported by LANDBANK, which has been PDPI’s development partner since 2017. (Photo courtesy of PDPI) 

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Nestled amid the lush greenery of a tranquil rural landscape is a 670-hectare mixed-used township development of the Pueblo De Panay, Inc. (PDPI) that has been a contributing pillar to Roxas City’s bid for inclusive development. 

Home to various commercial establishments, agro-industrial zones, and endearing tourist attractions—with a residential component that integrates Capiznons’ traditional lifestyle with contemporary living—the PDPI mega township development steers local economic activities and generates average foot traffic of 60,000 alongside employment opportunities for almost 10,000 locals. 

Before becoming one of the largest real estate developers in the region, the journey of PDPI started with Ong Family’s humble beginnings in 2001 having only P1.7 million in capital. Today, the family-led PDPI has grown into a developer of several successful horizontal and vertical residential and commercial projects, providing housing and business opportunities to all market segments in Roxas City.

Recently, PDPI ramped up improvements in its property to accommodate key locators, including business process outsourcing (BPO) companies, restaurants, hotels, banks, government offices, and other firms that provide local employment. 

As with any business expansion, the PDPI needed financial backing for its plans and projects to fruitfully materialize. They turned to the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) in 2017, and secured funding for the construction of a seven-story BPO building and fish processing plant in the township. 

The six-story BPO building (left) and fish processing plant (right) in Pueblo de Panay are among the first developments financed by LANDBANK in support of PDPI’s expansion plan. 

LANDBANK likewise extended financing support for site development of a 7.4-hectare IT Park that can host up to 10 BPO buildings; construction of a five-story building to be occupied by a private educational institution; and concreting of roads across the development, which include drainage works and electrical and water lines. 

“LANDBANK and PDPI share the same vision of promoting countryside development and inclusive growth. It’s about connectivity: We understand them, and they understand us. We are lucky to have LANDBANK as our reliable partner,” said PDPI Chief Operations Officer Lex Lavin. 

Pueblo de Panay has transformed a once undeveloped parcel of land into a master-planned township and viable investment destination designed by the Singaporean firm Surbana Jurong. The township has become a bustling business hub where people can live, work, relax, and have fun, embodying the company’s advocacy of “Life. Work. Balance.”

With this success, the PDPI has proven that a countryside-based and homegrown brand could have world-class aspirations and be a catalyst of local growth. The firm is committed to pursue this undertaking by stepping up further developments within the township. 

Responding to the call of the National Government to alleviate the housing backlog of the country, PDPI is developing additional residential projects in the next five years to provide almost 2,000 housing units for middle-income households, including an affordable housing project to cater to government workers and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

With the help of LANDBANK, the Capiz-based developer is also planning to expand in other key cities and towns and offer PDPI’s brand of excellence all over the country. 

“We understand that LANDBANK is always there to support and guide us in our quest to provide the same development in other key cities, as well as underserved communities. We want to be there to give them the quality of life they deserve as Filipinos. That’s what we want. It’s not only about the profit we earn, but about the number of people benefitting from our projects,” Lavin said. 

Alongside its focus on supporting the agriculture sector, LANDBANK has been servicing emerging sectors and industries in line with fulfilling its expanded mandate of driving countryside and national development.