Megaworld embraces digital technology in township development

MANILA, Philippines — Megaworld Corp., the Andrew Tan-led property company, is embracing digital technology and connectivity in its townships which would transform these mixed-used estates into smart cities.

Over the weekend, it unveiled its so-called iTownships, a company-wide program to future-proof its developments around the country.

Through the program, Megaworld is elevating the standards of its developments by incorporating digital technology, design innovations and connectivity into its townships.

Essentially, it’s about integrating technology into the company’s townships nationwide, said Megaworld senior vice president Kevin Tan.

“We have assigned teams to study how we can seamlessly integrate smart technology and innovations into our townships. In this fast-changing digital world, we see the importance of aligning our developments to quickly adapt to the disruptions, which we perceive as opportunities,” Tan said.

Projects under the program will include the digitization of customer service and payment processes, integration of smart home technology in residential units and utilization of digital technology and energy-efficient materials in structural designs.

Megaworld will also create Township Operation Centers across all developments which will maximize 24/7 security and safety monitoring and emergency response in every township.

There will also be urban art installations and creative pedestrian crosswalks, smart parking system including provision for electric vehicle charging in mall developments, among others.

“iTownships will become our new brand in ‘creating the townships of the future.’ It is about innovation, integration, internet and interconnectivity. Having these features in our townships does not only make our developments ‘future-ready’, but it also allows us to take greater steps towards sustainability and environmental responsibility,” Tan said.

Aside from technology, Megaworld will also incorporate green and sustainable features in the program.

Some of the initiatives that will be implemented include the conversion of old streetlights to LED and solar-powered lights, green roofing for office buildings, provision of vertical green spaces across developments.

For the past 28 years, the Megaworld Group has built over 660 residential developments, 54 office towers and 15 lifestyle malls in 22 townships and integrated lifestyle communities across the Philippines.

Megaworld now has at least 23 townships and integrated lifestyle communities across the country, six of which are being developed by GERI in Boracay, Tagaytay, Cavite-Laguna, Las Piñas City and Antipolo.

Among these are the 18.5-hectare Eastwood City in Quezon City, which is the first cyberpark in the Philippines; the 25-hectare Newport City in Pasay City; the 34.5-hectare McKinley West; the 50-hectare McKinley Hill, the 15.4-hectare Uptown Bonifacio and the five-hectare Forbes Town Center in Fort Bonifacio; the 28.8-hectare The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu; the 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo;  the 12.3-hectare Arcovia City in Pasig; the 31-hectare Westside City; the 53-hectare Northill Gateway and the 34-hectare The Upper East in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.