Arca South’s strategic positioning makes it a strong alternative to BGC and Makati
Arca South is steadily shaping into one of Metro Manila’s most practical and strategically positioned business districts.
Located in Taguig, it benefits from the city’s strong economic performance and its growing role as a hub for modern, well-connected urban development. With solid market indicators and the rise of resilient, future-ready buildings, this masterplanned district is gaining attention from companies looking for expansion opportunities beyond traditional centers such as Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and the Makati central business district.
A natural expansion point in a tightening office market
Vacancy patterns illustrate how differently the two districts are performing.
BGC holds a single-digit vacancy rate of 9 percent, or about 191,000 sqm of available space. This figure is expected to narrow to around 5 percent as pending leases are finalized in the coming months.
Makati, by contrast, carries a higher overall vacancy of 15 percent, with approximately 591,000 sqm still open to occupiers. Even so, many of its Grade A buildings remain highly competitive, operating with vacancies below 5 percent—a sign that demand for top-tier space in the district remains steady despite softer conditions elsewhere.
As high quality offices in both districts continue to be absorbed, availability is expected to tighten further, prompting firms requiring larger blocks or more flexibility to consider nearby emerging areas. This supports the growing appeal of new development corridors in Taguig, where Arca South offers proximity to the country’s most active business ecosystem along with room for expansion.
Connectivity that enhances accessibility
One of the district’s immediate strengths is its existing accessibility.
Jeepneys and other local transport options regularly pass along the East Service Road, one of the main entry points into Arca South, allowing workers and residents to reach the area through familiar and established routes.
This baseline connectivity will be significantly enhanced in the coming years through major infrastructure investments. The upcoming Taguig Integrated Terminal Exchange is set to link the district to Skyway, Metro Manila Subway, and North–South Commuter Railway, creating seamless connections across Metro Manila and to nearby regions.
Together, these improvements strengthen Taguig’s appeal to companies seeking easier employee mobility, wider hiring reach, and long-term accessibility.
Future-ready developments supporting the area
Part of the district’s growing appeal is the presence of new, resilient buildings that reflect evolving workplace priorities.
Developments such as Bamberton Center, which incorporates advanced structural and sustainability features, demonstrate the type of modern infrastructure rising within this part of Taguig. For companies that value long-term stability and operational resilience, these newer buildings offer practical advantages while remaining close to major business hubs.
Residential dynamics support long-term growth
Residential supply trends also strengthen the district’s long-term potential.
While Metro Manila has 79,400 units in active supply, Taguig has one of the smallest incoming pipelines, with only 2,100 units expected to enter the market. This limited future supply positions the city well for sustained stability as demand continues to improve.
Taguig is also one of the few areas that has posted positive rental growth since early 2020, with rents rising 17 percent, indicating consistent end-user interest even as other markets continue to adjust.
A masterplanned environment for modern urban living
The broader development area integrates residential communities, offices, retail destinations, medical institutions, and event venues within a walkable and cohesive urban environment.
Much of this cohesive planning reflects Ayala Land’s broader approach to estate development, which has guided the district’s transition into a modern mixed-use community. This aligns with the market’s growing preference for districts that prioritize convenience, open spaces, and holistic urban design.
The addition of new retail, healthcare, and lifestyle components within Arca South further elevates its role as a complete urban destination where people can live, work, and gather.
A strong contender for Metro Manila’s next growth center
As BGC continues to tighten and Makati shows varying performance across its building stock, Taguig’s expanding development corridor offers companies practical alternatives.
Supported by major infrastructure investments and a new generation of adaptable, resilient buildings, Arca South presents a compelling option for businesses seeking accessibility, stability, and long-term operational efficiency.
Add to that its connectivity, thoughtful planning, and measured residential supply, the district is well positioned to emerge as one of Metro Manila’s most competitive and sustainable growth centers in the coming years.
The author is an executive director at Leechiu Property Consultants Inc.
