Construction & Real Estate

The construction and real estate sectors make up around 20% of the Philippine economy, slightly ahead of manufacturing, and as of the first quarter of 2014 accounted for 7% of national employment. The industries have been thriving in a climate of political stability and upbeat business sentiment, spurred by growth in overseas workers’ remittances, investments into business process outsourcing and government spending on infrastructure. To alleviate the financing burden and free up funds for other priorities, such as reconstruction and subsidised social housing, the government is fostering greater private participation in strategic infrastructure projects. Although growth rates for the sector are unlikely to maintain the exceptional levels of the past 24 months, the long-term prospects remain solid and balanced.

This chapter contains interviews with Manuelo Paolo A Villar, President and CEO, Vista Land; and Jose E B Antonio, Chairman and CEO, Century Properties Group.