Remember when Makati City was just a vast grassland before the Ayalas transformed it into one of the country’s premier business districts? Or Bonifacio Global City (BGC), when it was simply an old military base? Well, history has a way of repeating itself and this time around, it’s happening two hours away from Metro Manila – in Batangas City, to be exact.

Commemorating its 20th anniversary this year, PonteFino Estates continues to transform Batangas City. Their latest venture? The Forum I.T. Business Park – a 4.26-hectare PEZA-registered commercial township that’s set to create the next “BGC” around 100 kilometers south of the country’s capital.

More Than Just Another Business Park

“Build it, and they will come” is what they all say, but PonteFino Estates wants The Forum to be more than just your typical business park. It’s the first real estate development in Batangas City to receive certification from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) as an Information Technology (IT) business hub. But other than that, what makes it special?

For one, it’s designed with technology-intensive companies in mind. Whether it’s a Business Process Outsourcing (KPO) company, a Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) corporation, or a retail enterprise, The Forum is crafted to be your next business address. You might be wondering, “Well, that’s all good and well, but what perks will we get by setting up shop there?”

Let’s talk incentives. As a PEZA-certified IT business park, The Forum offers businesses tax holidays (extending up to 10 years), tax and duty-free importation, other tax, impost, and fee exemptions, and streamlined regulatory processes. Furthermore, non-resident foreign nationals may be employed in PEZA-registered zones in certain positions or attain a special, non-immigrant visa.

Location, Location, Location

As the capital region, plenty of businesses prefer to work in Metro Manila with its numerous Central Business Districts (Makati, BGC, Ortigas, etc.) Given how congested the metro is and the intense traffic that plagues the roads here, it’s a no-brainer to consider nearby provinces – say hello to Batangas City.

It’s not just another dot on the map, however. Batangas City is home to the country’s second-largest international port and is one of the top 25 “Digital Cities 2025” identified by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP). Batangas City is also home to over 100 multinational companies (Shell Corporation, JG Summit Petrochemicals, Siemens, San Miguel Corporation, FirstGen) and in terms of manpower, they produce over 6,000 graduates annually.

“With The Forum I.T. Park, we aim to offer developments that enhance the business landscape while enriching the lives of our residents,” said John Thomas “JT” Garcia, Vice President for Sales at PonteFino Estates.

“We’re confident that this development by PonteFino will provide excellent returns for investors and contribute to the long-term development of the city. It’s an exciting time to be part of Batangas City’s growth,” he added.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently highlighted the region’s potential when he commended the expansion of JG Summit’s petrochemicals complex in Batangas City. The facility is expected to generate P215 billion and create 6,200 jobs by 2025. One could easily imagine similar progress being made with PonteFino Estates’ IT Park – which is perfectly situated across SM City Batangas, by the way.

Grand Vision of PonteFino Estates

The Forum I.T. Park is part of PonteFino Estates’ grand vision: an 18.5-hectare mixed-use township that’s been two decades in the making. But it’s more than just building infrastructure, it’s about curating an ecosystem where business, leisure, and lifestyle seamlessly blend together.

What truly sets The Forum apart isn’t just its business-friendly features, it’s the complete lifestyle package that comes with the location. Within the PonteFino Estates development, you’ll find:

• The Arcade: a premier commercial establishment for offices and retail spaces
• The Mansions: an upscale townhouse development boasting neo-Victorian architecture (yes, the one where BINI shot their “Cherry on Top” music video!)
• Park Avenue: a gated community offering residential lots
• One PonteFino Tower: Batangas City’s first mid-rise condominium
• PonteFino Hotel and Resort: the crown jewel that started it all

Two decades ago, PonteFino Estates began with PonteFino Hotel and Resort and since its launch, it has been setting the gold standard for hospitality in Batangas City. It’s not just a place to stay, however. It’s also the go-to destination for business travelers, families looking for spacious and well-equipped rooms for a weekend staycation, couples seeking a place to host their wedding and honeymoon at the same time, companies looking to host meetings or conferences, and those planning other social events.

The property features well-equipped and modern rooms, state-of-the-art conference facilities, and several dining options (that are set to grow even further soon – keep an eye out!) Connected to One PonteFino Tower, a Small-Office, Home-Office branded residence, the hotel serves as a testament to their integrated approach to development.

Future Beyond Metro Manila

Batangas City – with its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and growing economy – is positioned to be the next big thing in Philippine real estate and business. With PonteFino Estates’ development of The Forum I.T. Business Park, they’re not just riding this wave – they’re helping create it. With their decades of proven track record, this new development is set to redefine for investors and business owners alike what a business district outside Metro Manila can be.

For more information on PonteFino Estates, explore their website or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.