ACM Homes anchors dev’t bid on tie-up with maritime firm

MANILA, Philippines - With the strong backing of its strategic partner, ACM Homes will pursue new projects in other parts of the country while expanding its product lines from pocket residential developments to larger mixed-use communities, including townships and tourism-related initiatives.

ACM managing director Antonette de Guzman said the housing firm is now poised for growth, ready to transport its template of community development to other growth areas in the country.

Drawing from its profitable, 20-year track record, it is set to develop an initial eight-hectare mixed-use community in Jaro, Iloilo and a Silang township development of over 200 hectares.

The company, which has sold over 15,000 homes to low and mid-income earners, notably seafarers and professionals, said its long-term strategic partner Philippine Transmarine Carriers Inc. (PTC) has taken a majority stake in the company.  PTC is a key player in the manpower industry that deploys 42,000 maritime professionals from all over the country annually.

 “The partnership strengthens our offerings to key niche segments particularly the seafarers who are part of the Philippines’ emerging middle class,” said De Guzman. 

She explained that seafarers comprise 30 percent of ACM’s market and have served as a catalyst to attract other homebuyers in many ACM developments featuring affordable homes from P600,000 to up to P5 million.

According to chairman Gerardo Borromeo, PTC partnered with the housing firm initially to serve the needs of maritime workers whose highest aspirations include owning their own home which they consider a badge of achievement. 

“This partnership has helped us effectively serve the needs of the crew members we deploy all over the world and sustain our relationships with them.  We also want to change the mindset of these seafarers who oftentimes think of themselves as mere contractual workers who need to leave home to earn a living,” he said.

Part of ACM’s expansion plans is building communities initially in key cities with high concentrations of seafarers – with these communities offering life-enhancing features that would be helpful to the spouses and the children they leave behind. Programs include livelihood seminars and workshops on backyard farming. These will continue to be available in the new communities and developments of ACM even to non-seafaring families since these programs have served to differentiate ACM from its competitors.