Green buildings at the vanguard of sustainable architecture in Mindanao

Advancing responsible architecture through sustainable development is my most treasured advocacy.

- Romolo V. Nati

Last October 10 to 11, 2024, I had the privilege to share this with housing industry leaders and professionals from across the country during the 32nd SHDA-DHSUD National Developers Convention, one of the most momentous gatherings in the real estate industry. The event, which was held at Dusit Thani Hotel in Davao City, featured different discussions on the promising future of housing in Mindanao.

I am honored to have shared the stage with key figures in the field with whom I share the vision of providing transformative and progressive housing on the second-largest island in the Philippines. They included veteran journalist and sustainability advocate Ces Oreña-Drilon, Holcim Philippines Vice President Ram Maganti, Rhizome President and CEO Russell Smith, Maer Summit Properties, Inc. Director Rhoda Cua, and Swito Design Principal Architect Gloryrose Dy-Metilla. We exchanged views on fostering a greener direction in building tomorrow's spaces and its impact on the environment as we counter the threats of climate change.

The panel discussion was moderated by SHDA Governor Steven Tambunting and CUBO Modular CEO Zahra Zanjani. Through my presentation titled "Certified Green: Sustainable Architecture Solutions," I affirmed the importance of green practices in the field. From 2015 to 2030, the demand for housing in the low-to-mid-cost market is expected to rise to 12.3 million units, against the projected actual output of 2.7 million units. This study from the University of Asia and the Pacific and SHDA underscores that this demand gap of 9.6 million housing will likely be unmet.