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  • PRIME Philippines’ 2026 Special Property Market Report – “BEYOND THE METRO: THE DECENTRALIZATION PLAYBOOK “

    PRIME Philippines’ 2026 Special Property Market Report – “BEYOND THE METRO: THE DECENTRALIZATION PLAYBOOK “

    PRIME Philippines’ 2026 Special Property Market Report, titled “BEYOND THE METRO: THE DECENTRALIZATION PLAYBOOK”, focuses on the Industrial and Offices Sectors as well as highlighting the Visayas and Mindanao markets, in response to the evolving backdrop due to the Middle East Conflict.

    PRIME PHILIPPINES’ Cholo Florencia, Executive Vice President, Overview; Joy Rosario, Vice President, Industrial Tenant Representation; Mervyn Valenzuela, Vice President, Office Tenant Representation; and Ruth Coyoca, Vice President, Visayas-Mindanao, are the speakers of the media briefing that was held on May 12, 2026 at GreatWork, 32nd Floor, Mega Tower, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.

    The Key Macroeconomic Highlights of the Overview of Global Shockwaves, Local Impacts are GDP Driver Slowdown, Inflation Spike and Interest Tightening, Employment Decline, Credit Rating Tempering and Piecemeal Peace.

    Year-on-Year GDP Growth continues to decline from 2022 to 2026 Q1. Inflation is accelerating; policy rate increases to follow from 2021 to 2026 Q1. Employment rate reaches annual post-pandemic low from 2024 to 2026 Q1. OFW remittance are expected to decline 7.8% in 2026. Credit Rating Agencies downgraded their outlook for the Philippines .

    PEZA surpasses its full-year 2025 investment target. Foreign direct investments decline by 17.1% YOY in 2025. The Philippines’ purchasing power eroded at the quickest pace among the ASEAN-5.

    Regardless of the war outcome, the impact is predictable. Will the ceasefire hold? Scenario 1: Peace, Scenario 2: Escalation, and Scenario 3: Uneasy Ceasefire. The General Impact include Economic Slowdown, Accelerated Inflation, Short-Term Storage Demand Spike, Wait-and-See Approach and Shift Toward Renewable Energy.

    Wait and See: What Geopolitical Conflict Means for the Industrial Sector

    Steady Supply Growth to 2028, Downtick in Occupancy in 2026Q1, Flight to quality for Grade A Facilities, Lease Rates Remain Stable, and Transportation Logistics Dominate Industrial Requirements are the Key Highlights for the Industrial Sector.

    Batangas market recovers from dip as other provinces remain stable in relation with the Quarterly Warehouse Occupancy Levels per Major Corridor from 2025Q1 to 2026Q1.

    Lease rates experienced minimal changes from 2025Q4 to 2026Q1. Wholesale/Retail demand tapered off following 2025H2 as Laguna continues to top charts for requirements. Industrial warehouse lease rates have yet to follow suit as the CMPI soars due to worldwide tensions.

    Supply expansion and evolving lease strategies are expected to define the Philippine Industrial market for 2026.

    Recuperation Amid Rising Competitive Pressure

    Key Highlights for Metro Manila’s Office Sector include No major shocks in Q1, CBDs marginal softening, Typical Demand Drivers, Decentralization & Cost Shift, and Incoming Supply Pressure.

    Occupancy in Metro Manila is expected to progress gradually while new supply enter the market. Each CBD displayed varying occupancy changes QoQ amidst minimal completions. Occupancy mostly held steady in Q1 21026 in Metro Cities (Makati CBD, BGC, Ortigas CBD, Quezon City, Bay Area, Alabang CBD).

    Metro Manila CBD’s exhibited a mixed lease rate performance in Q1 2026. BGC/Makati has the Widest Rage with Ceiling Price of PHP 1,800/SQM. Alabang CBD (PHP 500 Spread)has the Tightest Range with Lowest Rate of PHP 350/SQM.

    Requirements in Q1 2026 were concentrated in CBD’s attractive to BPO and Gov’t.

    Office demand remains expansion-led

    Leasing Behavior – Demand is driven by expansion (60) rather than relocations. Hybrid and flexible arrangements were adapted particularly by the government sector, while private firms revert to dedicated setups, treating flexibility as tranasiitonal.

    Lease Terms and Preferences – Standard lease terms remain around 3 years to 5 years with some tenants preferring 5-year terms. Rising construction and fit-out costs have pushed tenants toward fitted spaces.

    Market Shifts and External Pressures – Decentralization remains additive, with firms expanding beyond core CBDs. BPO growth outside Metro Manila is concentrated in established Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, as security, infrastructure, and incentive gaps temper Tier 3 confidence. The Fuel Crisis has impacted tenant decision and deal timelines, not negotiated lease rate.

    Cautious optimism shapes Metro Manila’s office market outlook for 2026.

    Office supply in Metro Manila is expected to grow by approximately 2.2% by the end of 2026. Tenants are increasingly preferring fitted office spaces due to rising construction costs. Occupancy is projected to improve gradually by around 1% driven by continued BPO expansion. BGC and Makati are expected to experience stable to moderate rental growth.

    Beyond the Metro: The Decentralization Playbook

    What Top Developers See in VISMIN

    Competitive wages and significant population growth supports long-term growth prospects. VISMIN has a growth-investment gap. 2025 PH Regional Investment Share, GDP Growth, and Total Population

    Different Strokes: The Diverging Trajectories of Cebu’s Key Sectors

    High leasing velocity is expected for new office developments as older developments perpetuate majority of 13.2% vacancy. Robust office pipelines are expected to accelerate 2026’s lease rate growth. Continues demand and influx of new warehouse sustain warehousing lease rate growth. The Warehouse Demand by Industry in Cebu (2025) of the 44,000 SQM include Manufacturing (28%), Transportation and Storage (27%), Wholesale and Retail Trade (25%) and Others (20%). At 2% vacancy, Cebu’s cold storage market has never been tighter.

    Industrial decentralization is creating hotspots in Cebu.

    From Cane to Capital: Why Major Developers are Betting Big on Bacolod

    Retail giants are converging on Bacolod, with approximately 100,000 sqm of new mall space expected to enter the market within the next three years.

    Solid economic fundamentals have attracted significant developer interest. GDP Growth of Highly Cities in Visayas (2024) The cities: Tacloban City (8.20%), Bacolod City (7.70%), Iloilo City (7.10%), Mandaue City (6.90%) snd Lapu-Lapu City (6.5%). National Average: 5.7% Population by Highly Urbanized City in Visayas (2024) include Cebu City (965K), Bacolod City (625K), Lapu-Lapu City (498K), Iloilo City (474K), Mandaue City (364K) and Tacloban City City (259K).

    The 100,000 sqm of new retail space of Robinsons Place Bacolod, Megaworld Upper East Mall and Rockwell Power Plant Mall will be introduce within 3 yrs.

    Office occupancy at 74.7% leaves a lot to be absorbed, but newer developments exhibit remarkable absorption underpinned by demand chiefly from the IT-BPM sector. IT-BPM Companies Present in Bacolod City inclide concnetrix, Transcom, pentagon, TQVS, APEXREVA, iqorCXBPO, HitRate, Next Level IT Teleservices, SERV CE FIRST, GlobalStrategic, T, ttec, and PROMINENT OUTSOURCE.

    Bacolod’s warehousing quality gap keeps lease rates on the lower end.

    Green All-Around: Why Mindanao is Set For Monumental Growth

    Anchored by a well-established IT-BPM sector that accounts for roughly 75% of office requirements, Davao is poised to swiftly absorb the approximately 85k sqm of new office space expected to complete within the next four years.

    CDO & Davao are the most fiscally productive HUC per capita in Mindanao. New office developments will break a 5-year streak of inactivity.

    With a saturated downtown, an emerging uptown is sprouting. Downtown Retail Developments in Cagayan de Oro include SM CITY CDO, Gaisano Mall, Centrio Mall, Limketkai Mall, Robinons and All Home.

    85k sqm of grade A office space will be introduced from 2026-2029. Davao is statistically the only landlord’s office market. IT-BPM expansion is the key driver of Davao’s office market. Office Occupants in Davao City (2026Q1) include IT-BPM (25%) and Traditional (75%) for the 284,000 SQM. Further rent segmentation will follow introduction of new developments. Davao posts one of the lowest warehouse nationwide at 2.4% with rent appreciation expected to follow. Temperature-controlled logistics have responded to rising port activity.

    VISMIN markets are expected to improve, each at their own pace

    CEBU – Robust office pipelines are expected to accelerate office lease rate growth beyond 2.4% and furthers segment premium vs. non-premium markets. Decentralization of newer supply is slated to create new hotspots in the Cebu Fringe, Southern Cebu, and other areas as vacancy is at its tightest.

    BACOLOD – The additional 100k sqm of mall space in the next 3 years will intensify pressure against local developments. The completion of Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges will help alleviate ferry dependency and create a new industrial hotspot in Pulupundan.

    DAVAO – New Grade A office completions (2026-209) amounting to 85k sqm will trigger a flight-to-quality cycle attracting new entrants into the market. Further warehouse completions are likely to delayed by rising construction cost (30%+) further prolonging the landlord’s market.

    CDO – The Uptown Corridor will emerge as CDO’s primary zone for commercial growth with the influx of various township developments. Port-linked cold storage demand is expected to grow as the Mindanao Container Terminal continuous to be over capacitated and upgraded.

    PRIME Philippines moves your business forward by incorporating the most innovative solutions to your ever-changing real estate needs. A real estate consultancy firm ready to provide your business with solutions regardless of the stage you are in.

    REFERENCE: PRIME Philippines, PRIME Philippines Research & Advisory Group

  • Leading insurer partners with LRT-1 to provide “The Gift of Protection” to thousands of daily commuters

    Leading insurer partners with LRT-1 to provide “The Gift of Protection” to thousands of daily commuters

    Leading insurer partners with LRT-1 to provide “The Gift of Protection” to thousands of daily commuters throughout December 2025. Malayan Insurance Co., Inc. (MICO), one of the country’s leading non-life insurance providers, has partnered with LRT-1 to power a month-long holiday campaign.

    This initiative offers complimentary Personal Accident (PA) insurance coverage to LRT-1 commuters throughout the entire month of December. The initiative, dubbed “The Gift of Protection,” aims to provide peace of mind to thousands of Filipino commuters during the busiest travel season of the year, when millions rush through Metro Manila’s railways for holiday shopping, year-end gatherings, and trips to provincial bus terminals for the Christmas break.

    “December is the most hectic time for Filipino commuters—carrying gifts, rushing to catch buses home, navigating crowded stations,” said Eden Tesoro, Chief Operating Officer of Malayan Insurance. “We wanted to cut through the holiday chaos with a meaningful gesture that reminds Filipinos that protection isn’t an expense—it’s a gift, and one we’re honored to give this Christmas season.”

    The campaign features a full station takeover at LRT-1’s Gil Puyat Station, a key transit point for commuters heading to Makati’s business districts and nearby provincial bus terminals. A fully-wrapped LRT-1 train will also traverse the line throughout December, spreading the message of safety and protection across the metro. Commuters can avail of the complimentary PA insurance coverage by simply scanning QR codes displayed throughout Gil Puyat Station and on the branded train.

    The seamless digital process requires only basic information—name and mobile number—and issues a digital policy certificate instantly. “This partnership with LRT-1 allows us to meet Filipinos where they are, literally,” Tesoro added. “We want to bring protection to the forefront during a time they need it most; that’s what future-proofing protection means to us.” The campaign reflects Malayan Insurance’s broader commitment to making insurance more accessible and relevant to everyday Filipinos, shifting the perception of insurance from a burdensome expense to a caring investment in one’s safety and future.

    The “Gift of Protection” campaign runs through the whole of December 2025, at LRT-1 Gil Puyat Station and aboard one roaming fully-wrapped train car.

    Reference & Media Contact:

    Malayan PR

    Ms. Lariza Garcia

  • Literacy and Disability Inclusion Advocate Zacarias Mansing Jr. Crowned Cebuana Lhuillier’s 2025 Happiest Pinoy Among 500,000 Entries Nationwide

    Literacy and Disability Inclusion Advocate Zacarias Mansing Jr. Crowned Cebuana Lhuillier’s 2025 Happiest Pinoy Among 500,000 Entries Nationwide

    Recently, Cebuana Lhuillier has officially named Zacarias Mansing Jr., a passionate literacy and disability inclusion advocate, as the 2025 Happiest Pinoy. His remarkable journey of transforming personal adversity into a nationwide mission for children’s literacy resonated deeply across the country. Selected from more than 500,000 entries, his win marks one of the most extraordinary achievements in the history of Cebuana Lhuillier’s pioneering advocacy.

    The awarding ceremony, held last December 2, 2025 at Dusit Thani Manila, highlighted the depth and diversity of this year’s competition. Zacarias first emerged as one of the ten national category winners before advancing to the final round, where he stood alongside inspiring finalists representing youth and senior citizens, entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities, OFWs, members of the workforce, the LGBTQ+ community, creatives, indigenous peoples, and Cebuana Lhuillier clients.

    A distinguished panel of judges—comprising public servants, media professionals, social innovators, athletes, and former Happiest Pinoy awardees—evaluated the finalists through a comprehensive process rooted in four criteria: Resilience; Optimism and Genuine Happiness; Champion of Hope and Impact; and an X-Factor reflecting authenticity.

    Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier Inc., emphasized the significance of Zacarias’s win: “Zacarias reminds us that true strength is not the absence of hardship but the courage to lift others as we rise. His life—rooted in faith, grit, and service—captures exactly what the Happiest Pinoy seeks to celebrate: joy that transforms communities and inspires lasting change.”

    Zacarias’s story is a testament to that strength. After an accident abroad in 2012 left him paralyzed, he returned home determined to turn his challenges into purpose. Guided by his DRISO values—Determination, Resilience, Inspiration, Service, and Optimism—he launched the Books for Kids Project in 2017. From his wheelchair, he has traveled to more than 300 remote public schools and reached over 50,000 students, championing literacy, disability inclusion, and hope across Negros Oriental. “Being a Happiest Pinoy is about having a spirit that trusts God in all circumstances, and hands that are always ready to reach out to those in need,” he shared. Zacarias’s triumph is more than a personal victory—it is a powerful reminder that purpose can emerge from pain, and that one person’s resolve can ignite lasting change. His work continues to inspire communities, uplift young learners, and strengthen the movement that Cebuana Lhuillier began: a celebration of joy that endures, heals, and transforms

    Reference & Media Contact:

    Cebuana PR

    Ms. Lariza Garcia

  • Refer & Earn Rewards via MariBank or Shopee App

    Refer & Earn Rewards via MariBank or Shopee App

    Do you want to experience Fast & Easy Banking with MariBank? Enjoy High-Interest Earnings & Free Transfers to other banks and e-wallets. Open a MariBank account now and enjoy the following benefits:

    1. High-interest earnings credited daily
    2. No maintaining balance, no lock-in period, and account fees
    3. Sign-up is free and easy, just 5 mins with 1 ID

    According to Shopee PH Help Center, in April 2025, SeaBank became a part of the banking group of MariBank Singapore Private Limited (“MariBank”), following MariBank’s acquisition of SeaBank Philippines. In July 2025, the Bank officially reintroduced itself under its strengthened identity as MariBank Philippines, Inc. (A Rural Bank) (“MariBank” or “the Bank”) with an updated corporate logo symbolizing its integration into the MariBank Group.

    How to Get Free Money

    1. Invite your friends to open an account via Maribank or Shopee app using your referral code.

    2. Upon account activation, ask your friend to make their first one-time deposit from any e-wallet or bank, including MariBank, of at least PHP 1,000.

    3. Ask your friend to keep PHP 1,000 in their account for at least 3 days for you to get PHP 100 while your friend gets PHP 150.

    4. To qualify for the reward, ask your friend to download and log in to the MariBank app if they registered using a referral code on the Shopee app.

    Scan the QR Code of MariBank and Sign up using my referral code: WD961654, to enjoy exclusive features.

    Download now the MariBank app to enjoy more of its app-exclusive features:

    1. Free transfers to other banks and e-wallets via InstaPay and PESONet
    2. Get discounts for buying prepaid loads and telco promos in the app
    3. Shop with ease. Scan & Pay for your purchases via QR Ph
    4. Pay on time with our bills payment feature
    5. Live Chat Support for Customers

    I signed up the Maribank via Shopee app, and enjoying with ease of banking and shopping experience.

  • Sterling Bank of Asia Upholds Environmental Commitment through “Kind Heart Gives” Tree Planting Activity

    Sterling Bank of Asia Upholds Environmental Commitment through “Kind Heart Gives” Tree Planting Activity

    Sterling Bank of Asia has recently announced that their employees take part in the “Kind Heart Gives” tree planting activity at La Mesa Eco Park in Quezon City.

    Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) once again demonstrated its commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement through this year’s “Kind Heart Gives” tree-planting initiative held at La Mesa Eco Park in Quezon City. The event brought together employees from various organizations who joined SBA in its corporate social responsibility efforts, underscoring the Bank’s shared mission to make a positive impact on both the environment and the community.

    The activity went beyond simply planting trees—it fostered camaraderie, teamwork, and a sense of collective purpose among SBA employees. It encouraged participants to take part in meaningful initiatives that advocate for a sustainable future. “Our ‘Kind Heart Gives’ activity reflects Sterling Bank of Asia’s support for sustainability and our values of being socially active in good causes,” said Dan Guevara, SBA’s Center for Learning Head and First Vice President. “We are proud to see our employees engage in projects that go beyond the workplace—efforts that show our dedication to both people and the planet.”

    As SBA continues to grow as a financial institution, it remains steadfast in its commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen. Through initiatives like “Kind Heart Gives,” employees contribute not only to environmental restoration but also to strengthening SBA’s culture of compassion, volunteerism, and shared responsibility.

    Reference Media Contact:

    SBA PR

  • Pru Life UK launches first-in-market online single-pay traditional endowment product

    Pru Life UK launches first-in-market online single-pay traditional endowment product

    Pru Life UK introduces PRULove Wealth Direct, the first single-pay traditional endowment life insurance product available for online purchase in the market. This innovation reflects the company’s mission to making financial solutions simpler and more accessible for Filipinos, addressing their needs for financial returns and protection.

    Available exclusively via PRUShoppe.com, the new product can be purchased online without the need for medical examinations or physical paperwork. It features guaranteed net annual cash payouts equal to 4% of the single premium for seven years along with a full return of premium at the end of the seven-year term plus 125% of the single premium as life insurance coverage. Loanable cash values also allow policyholders to access their funds for emergencies or major expenses.

    “PRULove Wealth Direct opens doors for individuals who wish to secure their future but face barriers like limited time, restricted access, or insufficient resources,” said Garen Dee, Chief Product Officer at Pru Life UK. “It is a straightforward solution that enables more Filipinos to make most out of life and prepare for key milestones—through a seamless online purchase experience.”

    “This streamlined digital process is designed to empower consumers with direct access to life insurance—particularly those looking for services beyond traditional financial channels, and those seeking alternative tools that offer growth and protection,” Dee added.

    With just a one-time payment, policyholders can receive guaranteed payouts comparable to high-yield time deposits. The product serves as an alternative to traditional savings, with the added advantage of a safety net through life insurance.

    The launch of PRULove Wealth Direct comes at a pivotal moment in the Philippine life insurance industry as it continues to evolve through digital innovation. As more Filipinos seek flexible, accessible ways to secure their financial future, Pru Life UK is responding with solutions to help them pursue their passions and prepare for life’s milestones—for every life, for every future.

    For more details, please visit PRUShoppe.com and refer to the respective product terms and conditions.

    Reference & Media Contact:

    Lariza Garcia

  • Pru Life UK launches PRUSteady Income

    Pru Life UK launches PRUSteady Income

    A practical, steady solution for today’s needs and tomorrow’s goals

    As Filipinos continue to juggle growing financial responsibilities with personal aspirations, Pru Life UK introduces PRUSteady Income, a new 20-year endowment insurance plan designed to provide financial resilience—now and into the future.

    “At Pru Life UK, we are committed to understanding what matters most to our customers. We designed PRUSteady Income as a practical financial solution that empowers our customers to confidently pursue their priorities today and prepare for life’s milestones ahead,” said Garen Dee, Chief Product Officer.

    This life insurance plan offers a reliable mix of guaranteed protection and a steady income stream. From the end of the 11th year until the 20th year of the policy, policyowners are guaranteed to receive net annual cash payouts equal to 10% of the sum assured. Upon maturity at the end of the 20-year term, the full sum assured will be given as a maturity benefit.

    In the unfortunate event of death of the insured, the plan provides beneficiaries with up to 200% of the sum assured as death benefit. To help manage unexpected financial needs, the policy also includes loanable cash values which is accessible as needed.

    For every Filipino

    The launch of PRUSteady Income underscores Pru Life UK’s commitment to helping Filipinos build a balanced financial portfolio—offering insurance solutions that are simple, reliable, and built for real-life needs.

    “Filipinos often put their families first and themselves second. With PRUSteady Income, we want to help them do both at the same time. It’s about giving people the confidence to care for their loved ones now, while also investing in the well-being of the person they’ve always aspired to be,” Dee said.

    “Whether you are a parent preparing for a comfortable future for your children or a freelancer building a steady living today for yourself and your loved ones, PRUSteady Income is designed to meet you where you are in life and help you move forward with greater confidence,” she continued.

    For parents, the guaranteed annual payout offers a meaningful way to invest in their children’s future—supplementing their educational fund and nurturing a lifestyle filled with opportunity and growth. “Beyond the 20-year coverage period, the maturity benefit can add to the policyowner’s retirement savings, offering financial security at a time when economic uncertainties make long-term planning more essential than ever,” she said.

    PRUSteady Income is also well-suited for freelancers who find themselves balancing the demands of everyday life while yearning to nurture their personal growth.

    “The reality is saving often takes a backseat to immediate responsibilities. This product provides financial protection with guaranteed payouts, while the maturity benefit serves as a financial cushion for pursuing long-overdue personal goals,” she concluded.

    To learn more about PRUSteady Income, visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph or follow Pru Life UK on Facebook. Please refer to the product terms and conditions or consult with a licensed Pru Life UK agent to ensure the product suits your needs.

    Reference & Media Contact:

    Lariza Garcia

  • Pru Life UK employees champion bayanihan spirit in Brigada Eskwela 2025

    Pru Life UK employees champion bayanihan spirit in Brigada Eskwela 2025

    Pru Life UK once again rolled up its sleeves for Brigada Eskwela, the Department of Education’s nationwide schools maintenance programme, rallying employee volunteers last month in support of Pleasant Hills Elementary School in Mandaluyong City.

    The initiative began at the Pru Life UK’s headquarters, where employees painted pots and planted vegetable seedlings. These were later donated during a school outreach, part of a wider effort to prepare classrooms for the new academic year.

    Volunteers spent the day painting walls, cleaning rooms, and organising books—bringing fresh energy to the school community. Pru Life UK also provided painting materials to support ongoing refurbishment needs.

    “It’s fulfilling to give back in such a tangible way,” shares Maria Junifer Maliglig, one volunteer. “Seeing the impact first-hand is what makes it all worth it.”

    A long-time participant in Brigada Eskwela since 2012, Pru Life UK’s commitment to education goes far beyond paintbrushes. Through its flagship Cha-Ching Financial Literacy Programme, the company has empowered over 1.5 million students across the Philippines with essential money management skills. Read recent story on expanding and fully integrating it in Bicol region here. The Pleasant Hills Elementary School is also a partner school for Cha-Ching.

    Complementing this is the Adopt-a-Madrasah initiative, which supports Islamic schools in Mindanao with learning resources, teacher training, and tailored content on Takaful (Islamic insurance), digital skills, and sustainability. In 2025, the programme aims to reach over 1,500 learners across nine madaris.

    These efforts reflect Pru Life UK’s broader mission: to foster inclusion, champion financial education, and empower communities—one classroom at a time.

    Pru Life UK volunteers painted pots and classroom walls in support of Pleasant Hills Elementary School in Mandaluyong City’s Brigada Eskwela programme.

    Pru Life UK volunteers also helped prepare the classrooms of Pleasant Hills Elementary Schoolin Mandaluyong City for the new academic year.

    Reference & Media Contact:

    Lariza Garcia