Left to right: John Estacio – Vermosa Senior Project Development Head, Ayala Land Estates, Christopher Maglanoc – Regional Estates Group Head, Ayala Land Estates, May Rodriguez – Regional Estates Project Development Group Head, Ayala Land Estates, Ar. Mia Quimpo – Planning, Innovation, and Design Head of Ayala Land Estates, Ar. Rowena Ramos – Vice Chair of the PHILGBC Board of Trustees, and Mario Suelto – PHILGBC Technical Coordinator
CAVITE, PHILIPPINES — Ayala Land’s Vermosa has achieved a sustainability milestone, earning the BERDE 5-Star Certification under BERDE Districts from the Philippine Green Building Council (PHILGBC). The distinction reinforces Vermosa’s position as a leading sustainable and master-planned estate south of Metro Manila. The recognition further affirms Ayala Land’s long-term commitment to building environmentally responsive communities at scale.
Spanning 752 hectares across Imus and Dasmariñas, Cavite, Vermosa continues to evolve as a dynamic growth center integrating business districts, residential communities, active mobility, and outdoor recreation within an interconnected master plan. At its core is a commitment to a green movement philosophy – making sustainability an integral part of how the estate is designed, developed, and experienced.
Developed by PHILGBC, BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence) is the country’s leading green building certification system, evaluating developments based on environmental performance beyond mandatory green standards. To achieve the 5-Star district rating—the highest tier under the framework—Vermosa was recognized for integrating environmentally responsive planning strategies across its master plan.
At the heart of the estate’s sustainable design is its 143-hectare North Central Business District (NCBD), which incorporates 19 hectares of green open space, bringing nature directly into the commercial core. This integration of nature into the built environment reflects Vermosa’s broader approach to sustainable development – one that considers how people move, interact, and enjoy the spaces around them.
The estate’s master plan incorporates walkable streets, bike-friendly infrastructure, water efficiency measures, greywater management systems, energy-conscious district planning, and resilient infrastructure designed to address long-term climate challenges. Together, these strategies support a more resource-efficient and connected environment, encouraging more sustainable ways of living, working, and moving through the estate.
A Future-Ready Estate Delivering Stakeholder Value
“Receiving the BERDE 5-Star Certification under BERDE Districts reflects our commitment to building sustainable, future-ready communities that create long-term value for residents, businesses, and stakeholders,” said John Estacio, Vermosa Senior Project Development Head. “By grounding our master planning in verified environmental standards, we provide homebuyers with a healthier, active environment and offer commercial locators a competitive, eco-efficient platform to grow.”
Beyond environmental stewardship, the certification brings tangible benefits to property owners and locators. Residents enjoy direct access to green spaces and pedestrian-oriented streetscapes that support physical wellness and quality of life. For commercial buyers and locators, sustainable infrastructure and seamless accessibility help build an attractive environment for talent, customers, and long-term asset value growth. The recognition further underscores Ayala Land Estates’ approach to large-scale urban development that balances economic growth, environmental stewardship, and everyday quality of life as Vermosa continues to shape the future of modern estate living in Cavite.