With its rich cultural heritage, vibrant local economy, and rapidly advancing infrastructure, Bacolod City stands as an emerging center of growth and opportunity in Western Visayas and across the Philippines. In 2022, its economy grew by 9.8%, which was driven by the growth posted by all industries. This positive trend has enabled the city’s continuous urbanization and high employment rate that resulted in the need for more housing and real estate in the area.

Aiming to shape more urban centers and build authentic communities nationwide, PHINMA Property Holdings Corporation (PHINMA Properties) is establishing its newest township, Saludad, in Bacolod City.

As a subsidiary of proudly Filipino conglomerate, PHINMA Corp, PHINMA Properties has over 30 years of experience and expertise in real estate development, providing quality homes for Filipinos and ensuring residents have access to opportunities that support their growth. With an estimated capital expenditure of Php 12B for Saludad, it is steadfast in pursuing expansion in emerging cities and regions.

“We chose to go to Bacolod because we think we can make a difference in the urbanization of this city,” said Raphael B. Felix, President and CEO of PHINMA Properties. “Our aim is to really make lives better and become a solution provider by giving people a dignified life that they so much deserve.”

The township’s name, Saludad, which means “to say hello” or “to greet,” reflects Bacolod’s reputation as the City of Smiles where community bonds are strong and interactions are marked by genuine friendliness that often starts with a warm greeting.

Saludad is designed to capture and preserve the essence of Bacolod living while incorporating modern conveniences and sustainable practices into its neighborhoods and top-notch amenities. The township is also backdropped by the panoramic view of Negros Occidental’s scenic mountains: Mt. Silay, Mt. Kanlaon and Mt. Mandalagan, integrating the region’s natural beauty into its development and connecting the residents to its picturesque landscapes.

“What we really try to come up with here is a master plan that is very organic. It’s very natural and intuitive. It creates a deeper sense of connection and micro-identity of Bacolod.” said Arch. Iggy Labiano of Royal Pineda+, the master planner of Saludad.

Beyond offering residential homes, PHINMA Properties and its partner, JEPP (Jacinto, Echaus, Puentevella and Puentevella) Property Corp., have an economic vision for Saludad. As a mixed-use township, it is poised to be a catalyst for local economic development by creating commercial spaces and a retail center that attract investors and entrepreneurs, generating new jobs and opportunities, and cultivating an environment where businesses can flourish. With this, a new central business district can also potentially emerge within Bacolod through the township.

“Our property has the best location so we found ourselves in conversations with several developers. PHINMA Properties offered a relationship, not a transaction. They patiently listened to our vision and our hopes. PHINMA properties understood us,” said Atty. Reggie Jacinto-Barrientos of JEPP Property Corp.

All this aligns with the local government’s ambition of transforming Bacolod City into a “super city” as reiterated by Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez in his recent State of the City Address, emphasizing the goal of making Bacolod the “best place to live, work, and play.”

“We are happy to be part of Bacolod’s journey to becoming a super city through Saludad. The residential developments, leisure amenities, commercial spaces, and other features of the township will undeniably attract more residents as well as opportunities for growth in the city,” said Felix. “We are committed to ensure that our projects add value to the regions we operate in.”

PHINMA Properties held the groundbreaking ceremony for Saludad recently. The first phase of the project began this year and will be completed by December 2025 to be followed by the start of the second phase in January 2026 that will be completed by 2028. According to Paolo V. Reyes, Vice President and Chief Township Officer of PHINMA Properties, the entire project build up is projected to be until 2039.

“What you will visibly see right away would be the first phase at the southern portion of the property that includes the hotel development and commercial lots as well as our mid-rise buildings,” he added.

Know more about how PHINMA Properties weaves Filipino tradition into modern and sustainable communities by visiting phinmaproperties.com.