Megaworld completes Bacolod’s most modern, first LEED-registered office building

Nol 1 Upper East and other office towers within The Upper East are in the process of securing PEZA accreditation, offering additional incentives for current and future locators. —CONTRIBUTED

The City of Bacolod steps back into the spotlight as a premier investment destination, owing to its enabling business environment, strategic governance, and strong talent pool.

As seen in its thriving IT and business process management (IT-BPM) sector and emerging industries like renewable energy and light manufacturing, Bacolod presents a conducive platform for new and more businesses seeking sustainable growth and expansion in this part of Visayas. This was even highlighted by the City of Smiles’ recent recognition as Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

Currently the Philippines’ largest office developer, Megaworld owns and operates over 80 office towers across the country, including the four-story No. 1 Upper East Avenue in Bacolod City, collectively covering more than 1.5 million sqm of office space. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

A new tone for Bacolod

Dr. Frances Mae Ferrer-Llamas, Investment Promotions Officer of Bacolod City, attributes this renewed business momentum to the strong leadership of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo B. Benitez and the city’s government’s development initiatives.

She pointed out that the mayor’s active engagement has set a new tone for Bacolod.

“The mayor is taking the lead in the initiatives and that sends a very strong signal to the business community. His presence as a local chief executive brings with it a sense of business confidence that has not been there before,” Llamas explained. “He has also put into place developments and initiatives to support the business environment.”

The city’s efforts extend to fostering ease of doing business, streamlining transactions through digital platforms, enhancing education and social services, promoting tourism, and ensuring transparency and efficiency. Infrastructure development—including housing for low-income groups, utility enhancements, and continued road improvements—complements all these initiatives, making Bacolod well-equipped for accelerated growth.

Skilled talent pool

Bacolod’s talent pool is another strong advantage. The city produces 10,000 graduates annually, while Negros Occidental as a whole, contributes 45,000 to 50,000 more, providing a steady supply of skilled workers.

This workforce has become a magnet for companies like Visaya KPO and InteLogix, which are setting up operations in the city.

At present, the IT-BPM sector is the biggest employment driver in the city at 35,000 employees, while manufacturing, construction and services are the major economic growth drivers.

The city is even targeting to grow its healthcare information management services sector, green industries and manufacturing. Specifically, Bacolod is eyeing solar farms and an electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant, which aligns with the city’s push for renewable energy and sustainable urban development.

This shift also complements Bacolod’s thriving real estate sector, where ample land availability supports the growth of new business districts and integrated township projects like The Upper East, which is being developed by property giant Megaworld Corp.

No. 1 Upper East Avenue is Bacolod City’s first office building to be registered for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

Bacolod’s first LEED-certified office

Megaworld, in particular, has been a game-changer in Bacolod when it launched two township projects, one of which is The Upper East, a 34-hectare masterplanned township that redefines urban living with its modern residences, business hubs, and lifestyle destinations. It has fittingly raised the bar in mixed-use development, bringing with it its signature live-work-play model.

In the words of Llamas, Megaworld has set a “very high standard” in township developments in Bacolod City.

And indeed, it has. Last month, Megaworld announced that it has already completed the four-story No. 1 Upper East Avenue—Bacolod City’s most modern, most awarded, and first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified office tower. It banners sustainability features, topnotch amenities and innovations that are first in the city.

Llamas pointed out that developments like this are game-changers, helping entice more investors by showcasing Bacolod’s potential as a modern business district. This new office development highlights Bacolod’s readiness to host even more global companies, offering cutting-edge, sustainable facilities in an eco-friendly environment.

Guests and employees in the new office tower will be welcomed to a carefully designed and curated ground floor lobby,

Live-work-play lifestyle

Offering 8,740 sqm of office space, No. 1 Upper East Avenue features energy-efficient technologies throughout its common areas and facilities. These include energy-saving LED lighting, dual-flush technology for toilets, and double-glazed windows for heat insulation and natural lighting.

Besides being the greenest and most modern office tower in Bacolod City, No. 1 Upper East Avenue also ensures that employees are accorded that much sought live-work-play lifestyle as they have practically everything they need within this masterplanned township—from its residential towers, commercial centers to its leisure hubs.

“Investors are drawn by the city’s potential for balanced growth, combining economic vibrancy with livable spaces,” Llamas added.

There’s no doubt that Bacolod City is ideal for businesses looking to expand in a progressive, well-managed urban environment with its robust economic fundamentals, growing talent pool, strong governance and game-changers like Megaworld, which continues to create a conducive climate to ensure sustainable growth and global competitiveness.