Harnessing the power of community during Covid-19

May 27, 2020 – It is hard to imagine how mundane things people have taken for granted in the past are now accompanied by a long list of dos and don’ts. Riding a bus to work, taking a stroll in the park, or even the simple act of going out for groceries are now tasks that need careful consideration.

These unprecedented times have revealed the importance of living in an integrated community with all the necessary amenities and facilities within reach, as well as having a dedicated team to ensure that the community continues to flow harmoniously in the face of adversity.

At Nuvali, Ayala Land Inc.’s 2,290-hectare eco-city development spanning the cities of Sta. Rosa, Cabuyao and Calamba in Laguna, people live in relative comfort and order thanks to a complete development and the strong foundation its managers have laid out in the past.

“Being in a mixed-use community has definitely been advantage to both the community and the people serving their needs during this time since all the essential facilities are within reach. What has also been noteworthy amidst the uncertainty is that the community and its stakeholders have come together to ensure that the estate got back to its rhythm,” said Cris Zuluaga, Head of Project Development and Commercial Lot Sales.

Property management is key

Nuvali’s team of estate and property managers have taken it upon themselves to serve as frontliners in the community to protect residents, workers, and business locators from the spread of the virus.

Since the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine, Nuvali’s estate and property managers have implemented health and safety measures such as the periodic sanitation and disinfection of all access points, in addition to strict protocols in these areas.

The Nuvali Operation Center is always alert to provide assistance to people in the estate, while the Emergency Response Team is well-equipped to handle any emergency that may arise.

To increase the healthcare capacity in the estate, the estate management team worked with Qualimed in Sta. Rosa, Laguna and AC Health for the conversion of a vacant property adjacent to the hospital into a COVID-19 triage facility.

Through comprehensive community planning, the estate has given residents direct access to several supermarkets and drugstores including Landmark, Robinsons, S&R, Mercury Drug, and Watsons. This allowed residents to buy essentials without the trouble of going through the usual checkpoints.

Ensuring the general upkeep of the estate are the security personnel, firemen, groundskeepers, and maintenance and housekeeping staff who continue to work for the estate despite the risks they face.

In return for their service, Nuvali has provided accommodation and provision to the workers so they may remain healthy and safe while performing their duties.

A community united

Seeing the concern Nuvali has dedicated for the welfare of the estate, residents have also stepped up to help the frontliners. Donations like food, face masks, and disinfectants have continued to flow for healthcare workers, specifically in Qualimed, showing that the residents are united in the fight against COVID-19.

A special initiative shown by residents of Treveia, one of the residential areas in Nuvali, is to organize the Treveia Market Place. Here, a food committee collates all food orders and makes them in bulk, providing customers with savings and convenience in having their purchases delivered to their homes.

While protocols on social distancing may be in place, the care neighbors show for each other shine brightly through these efforts.

“The pandemic has shown us that the spirit of bayanihan will remain in a place nurtured by a strong sense of community. We are humbled by the generosity and cooperation of our community and we are always happy to serve them,” said Zuluaga.

All these should be at the top of mind of property seekers who are thinking of looking for a new place to live or do business in once the crisis tides over.

With Ayala Land’s track record of operating vast developments, not only in Nuvali but also across its 28 other sustainable estates, the company shows its ability to overcome the challenges that may continue to arise during the pandemic.