Carrying sustainability forward: IDC’s triple win in Bangkok

Winning three major awards at the 2026 International Property Awards (IPA) in Bangkok recently is both an honor and a reminder of why we do what we do at Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC). These recognitions affirm our mission to create sustainable, beautifully designed communities across the Philippines.  

One of the projects, Moena Mountain Estates in Bukidnon, earned a five‑star award — the highest distinction — for its vision of a mountain resort community to be managed by global brand Dusit Princess. The Riviera Residential Resorts will rise along Mitra Road in Puerto Princesa, offering one of the city’s most scenic vantage points. Meanwhile, Baia Verde in Morong, Bataan, is our bet on Central Luzon’s growth: a seaside eco‑community close to Manila yet surrounded by nature. All three are in the permitting stage, and we expect construction to begin within the year.  

I thank the IPA for honoring us again. Italpinas has been fortunate to receive recognition from the body in different years, and each award reminds us to keep striving rather than to rest. In 2023, our Verona Green Residences won Best Mixed‑Use Development, highlighting our focus on energy‑efficient, thoughtfully designed spaces. Earlier, Primavera Residences in 2014 and Primavera City in 2017 were both acclaimed for pioneering green strategies such as passive cooling and solar integration.  

Last year, I returned to Bangkok to accept three awards. Two of them were for Firenze by IDC Prime, Inc., a project developed in partnership with Dusit International that combined elegance, sustainability, and global standards. The third award was for Verona Gusa by IDC Homes, Inc., in Cagayan de Oro City, which received recognition in the Sustainable Residential Development category.  

Architect Romolo Nati (left), chief design and chairman of IDC, with the CEO Engr. Giuseppe Garofalo at the International Property Awards, where IDC earned three prestigious recognitions for Riviera Residential Resort, Baia Verde Green Residences, and Moena Mountain Estates.

These honors encourage us to keep moving forward. What makes them meaningful is the company we keep. IDC competed in the architecture category against global firms like Aedas of Hong Kong and London-based Norman Foster. To be recognized alongside them is motivating and inspiring. It proves that even with our relatively young history, we can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world.  

The award‑winning projects this year were all done in collaboration with another Italian architect I am proud to call my friend —Stefano Tesoni of Rome. His expertise helped bring together Italian‑inspired architecture and sustainable tropical design principles. Together with our Philippine team, we created projects that adapt to the environment and advance sustainable living.  

This year’s event in Bangkok also marked a milestone for our IDC leadership. It was the first time that Engr. Giuseppe Garofalo attended as the new CEO of the company and participated in the panel discussion. I must say he did very well, and I am proud of how smoothly our transition is unfolding. As founder of Italpinas, together with Atty. Jojo Leviste, it is important that we build a leadership structure that can carry our vision forward while giving space for new voices to be heard. Passing the torch to Giuseppe is part of ensuring continuity and resilience for the company.  

As its Chairman and Chief Design Officer, I remain deeply involved in design and visibility, while Giuseppe takes on operations and represents IDC on our behalf. This balance allows me to focus more on engagements as a resource person and subject matter expert, sharing our experience in sustainable development on different platforms. In fact, this month alone I will be present in several events that highlight both our projects and our advocacy.  

On May 14, I will join the mid‑year edition of the PSE STAR (Strengthening Access and Reach): Investor Day 2026. On May 16, we will celebrate the grand opening of our Miramonti in Santo Tomas, Batangas. On May 18, I will join the 3rd Solar Energy Storage Future Philippines 2026 at Hilton Manila in Newport World Resorts, and on May 18 and 19, I will also be at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City for Solar and Storage 2026, the country’s largest energy event. And on May 23, I am set to join the rest of the mentors for the Impact Challenge Finale, a TV reality competition show that focused on startups and social innovation. This will be aired soon on ANC.  

For us, awards are not the end goal. They are a testimony to our commitment and a reminder that sustainability must be embedded in every project, whether in Bukidnon, Palawan, Bataan, Batangas, or Cagayan de Oro. They inspire us to keep building communities that are future‑ready, resilient, and beautifully designed.  

As I look ahead, I see IDC not just as a developer but as a partner in shaping how Filipinos live, invest, and dream. The recognition we receive is not only for us but for the communities we serve. And as long as we stay true to our mission, I believe we will continue to bring home honors that reflect the best of Philippine design and sustainability