as published in alveoland.com.ph

It may be true that governments and businesses are still reeling from the impact of COVID-19 as the fight against this pandemic, admittedly, has yet to be won.

But there are enough reasons for one to remain bullish amid the uncertainties and tempered business brought about by this unprecedented health and economic crisis. Despite the trying times, a few bright spots have emerged—real and sound opportunities that would allow your personal investments to grow and businesses to thrive.

Real estate, for instance, has been touted by many as a relatively resilient, strategic and stable asset class. Prior to the outbreak, it has been known to offer stable returns, passive income, diversification and leverage. And there’s no reason to believe that real estate couldn’t deliver the same promise of “strong returns over the long term” in a post-pandemic era—as long as you plan your investments carefully and thoroughly.

Lessons learned

The COVID-19 pandemic should not stop you from investing your hard-earned savings in a worthwhile venture—be it a house and lot or a condominium unit. This may be, in fact, the best time to invest in your future as current promotions and smart offerings make it even more attractive to purchase a property today.

What you need to take stock of, however, are the crucial lessons learned so far in this pandemic.

COVID-19 and the lockdowns that ensued highlighted more than ever the need for resiliency and self-sufficiency within a masterplanned community, which should be replete with all necessary components to further enhance one’s quality of life. The pandemic also underscored the distinct benefit of having your essentials within a convenient, comfortable reach. For homeowners and investors, this has now become the gold standard, and for developers, it should be the basis of blueprints for future projects.

Ayala Land, has long been building integrated communities that offer completeness, convenience, accessibility, connectivity, green open spaces, and a home that sets you up for a life of stability, passion and success. Located in key thriving areas across the country, these masterplanned developments have long served as the benchmark in residential projects, ensuring balanced living with ample business and leisure offerings that promise fulfilling experiences.

And the country’s recent experience with the pandemic and the lockdowns has shown how Ayala Land communities are indeed planned and designed for endurance.

Prime estates

For instance, the 2,290-hectare Nuvali—ALI’s largest eco-city and mixed-use estate development built on the principles of sustainable design—has allowed its residents to thrive amid the pandemic. Within this community in the cities of Santa Rosa and Calamba in Laguna are commercial developments like Ayala Malls Solenad, S&R and Landmark offering essential goods and Qualimed General Hospital.

Over the past months, Nuvali has likewise endeavored to serve its residents and stakeholders. Ayala Land estates are expertly cared for by a dedicated property management team–in both good and challenging times. In Nuvali, property managers served as front-liners in the community to protect residents, workers, and business locators from the spread of the virus.

“We implemented health and safety measures such as the periodic sanitation and disinfection of all critical areas. The Nuvali Estate Team is always ready to provide assistance to residents and customers in the estate,” said Mark Manundo, Nuvali’s estate development manager.

Further ensuring the general upkeep of the estate are security personnel, firemen, groundskeepers, and maintenance and housekeeping staff who continue to work despite the risks they face.

And it’s the same narrative for all other Ayala Land estates such as the 1,800-ha Alviera in Pampanga, an integrated mixed-use development, in partnership with Leonio Land Holdings Inc. This estate, which provides strategic access and proximity to the Clark International Airport and Subic Freeport, is envisioned to be the growth center of Central Luzon upon completion.

Another thriving estate is the 11-ha Cloverleaf, Ayala Land’s first pocket urban development in Balintawak, Quezon City. Standing in the middle of a bustling city, this well-planned, compact mixed-used community offers all the essentials that one would need.

“A complete, responsive and efficiently operated development will be able to serve the community better, and that is what we strive to offer in our estates,” said John Estacio, Ayala Land Estate Development Head.

No doubt, Ayala Land communities have long been primed for the future, providing an enhanced living experience for generations of Filipino families in masterplanned estates that have stood the test of time.