Businessmen, weekend farmers meet in Lipa

A new community made up of a unique mix of successful Batangas businessmen, OFW families and Manila-based professionals and entrepreneurs is rising in Lipa City. The homeowners belong to an Avida Land development that maximizes the unique location of the project for a diverse range of residents.

Launched in 2002, the 95-hectare development has two residential phases that carry the Avida Residences Sta. Monica brand and which appeal to established business personalities based in the strategic Batangas city. Three other farm lot phases that carry the Hacienda Sta. Monica brand meanwhile appeal to Metro Manila executives and professionals that want to try their hand at farming on weekends in the verdant community

At the Avida Residences Sta. Monica, several families have started building their residences. Around 30 percent of them are OFW families, while the rest are Batangas businessmen who choose to have primary residences in the province, but seek a community with upgraded amenities and features, according to Peter Daniel Lejano, Avida Land project manager for the Sta. Monica development.

Homebuyers in Avida Residences Sta. Monica have a choice of purchasing a lot only or a house-and-lot package. The lots range in size from 150 to 300 sqm. Those who opt for house-and-lot units may choose from five models named after prominent Filipino painters — Amorsolo, Manansala, Luna, Francisco and Hidalgo. The price of the homes range from P2.3 million for a basic unit to P4.5 million for one with a premium finish.

The Hacienda Sta. Monica farm lots range in size from 750 to 1,800 sqm, with an average price of P2,300/sqm, while the larger cut hacienda lots are from 3,000 to 5,000 sqm and sells at an average price of P1,850/sqm.

Since its launch, the Lipa lots have been selling briskly. Between eight to 10 house-and-lots and lots-only units in Avida Residences Sta. Monica are sold every month, while an average of seven to eight farm and hacienda lots are sold monthly, notes George Anthony Uy of Avida Land’s  project development officer.

Hacienda Sta. Monica appeals to residents of the National Capital Region since it is only 84 kms. away from Makati or a mere 90-minute drive. It allows them to keep their city jobs on weekdays and to recharge on weekends without the need to travel too far.

To enhance community life among residents of the five phases, the project has a multipurpose clubhouse, swimming pool, sports facilities and landscaped parks. Moreover, like other Avida Land developments, the place has 24/7 security, perimeter fence, village property management and adequate power and water supply.

An added bonus for the farm and hacienda lot owners is the farm school within the development. The school offer residents assistance and training modules to help them better set up viable agriculture projects. The school’s offerings range from basic agriculture to the produce best suited to the area. Soil analysis of the area disclosed that citrus fruits grow best there.

Farm and hacienda lot owners can use 25 percent of their property for residential purposes while the remaining 75 percent can be devoted to agricultural use such as fruit-bearing trees, flowering plants and vegetables.

For more information about Avida Land, please call 864-5744 or visit its website at www.avidaland.com