Owning a home is a dream many Filipinos aspire to achieve, but the journey to homeownership remains a challenge, particularly when it comes to finding affordable yet quality housing. Despite the efforts of the government and real estate developers, delivering enough affordable homes has been a persistent issue, compounded by the pressures of post-pandemic inflation and stringent industry regulations.
Affordable quality
While many developers have had to compromise on quality to keep prices down, Citihomes Builder and Development Inc. (CBDI) has taken a different path. CBDI, under the leadership of President Rosie Tsai, has been steadfast in its commitment to delivering mass housing communities that exceed the standard offerings in their segment.
Tsai emphasizes that CBDI’s vision goes beyond merely providing affordable homes; the company aims to instill pride in Filipino homeowners by enhancing their quality of life. “We always keep our buyers’ needs and aspirations at the forefront when designing our developments,” Tsai explains. “Our role as a developer is to deliver expertise, experience, and a secure community life that would be difficult for homebuyers to achieve on their own—covering everything from structural integrity and space planning to material selection and a rewarding home acceptance process.”
CBDI’s commitment to quality is evident in the features of its homes, which include security grills on all house models, high ceilings for better sound and heat insulation, and class-leading amenities like air-conditioned clubhouses and covered sports facilities. The company also hosts Move-In fiestas to welcome new homeowners, a testament to their personalized approach.
Building from the Heart
Celebrating its 40th anniversary and 18 years as a full-fledged real estate developer, CBDI has grown from a small build-and-sell operation in 1983 to a leader in the industry. The company’s rebranding in 2006, marked by the tagline “Building from the Heart,” signaled a renewed focus on improving the delivery of homes and communities. This includes educating buyers on property investment, guiding them through home loan financing, ensuring timely delivery of housing products, and fostering self-sustaining homeowners’ associations.
With over 150 hectares of residential developments in Cavite and Bulacan, CBDI has completed 20 communities, housing more than 16,000 satisfied homeowners.
Commitment to sustainable communities
As CBDI enters its 41st year, the company is charting a new course toward sustainability in residential construction. Executive Vice President John Philip Wang reveals that CBDI is integrating class-leading sustainability features into current and future projects, all while keeping homes affordable.
These sustainability initiatives include grid-tied solar panel systems, rainwater harvesting tanks, reduced use of lumber, low-carbon cement, and solar-powered streetlights—all of which are already in place in some of CBDI’s developments. “Our network of experts and industrial partners continues to grow,” Wang says. “Our next steps include household composting and focused recycling programs to help our communities reduce reliance on waste hauling and landfills.”
Wang underscores CBDI’s commitment to promoting responsible living among its buyers and stakeholders. “We are determined to continue on this path and encourage as many people as possible to engage in conscientious and sustainable living.”
CBDI’s dedication to sustainability has already been recognized. The company’s Liora Homes Naic project recently earned a 3-Star rating from the prestigious BERDE Districts of the Philippine Green Building Council, while the Amora townhouse model received EDGE Certification from the International Finance Corp. (IFC). These accolades affirm CBDI’s mission to build homes from the heart, enhancing the lives of Filipino homeowners.
Building homes, building communities
With a 40-year legacy in home construction and 18 years of pioneering residential community development, CBDI has established itself as a leader in delivering green and sustainable communities that enhance the quality of life for Filipino homeowners. As the company looks ahead, it is set to launch its next and largest development, Paseo de Lipa, which promises to bring even more innovative and sustainable housing solutions to the market.