MANILA, Philippines - A premiere residential and leisure project that boasts of a mountain suburban lifestyle is Timberland Heights – a tropical Asian-inspired community of themed residential communities and farm estates. So close to nature yet designed for everyday living, Timberland Heights is a realization of Filinvest’s vision of prime resort living with the complete amenities of a high-end township. Within this 677-hectare township, members can relish the ultimate country club experience at the exclusive Timberland Sports & Nature Club.
But way before FLI was able to start introducing this pioneering vision to the property market, a plan was already set in motion to be an active partner in the lives of the people who call home the mountainous expanse where Timberland Heights was to be built – endeavoring to do so without necessarily affecting the livelihood of the local folks residing in the area while still being able to preserve the environment in its pristine condition.
“The company has a continuing commitment to make opportunities available to the people in the community we are in. These people know the terrain more than anyone and their help would truly be invaluable,” says Albert G. Morales, project group head of FLI. “More than the usual corporate donations, in-kind contributions and sponsorships, we have also provided holistic and practical approaches to improving the lives of the local community and its families.”
Hand-in-hand with the improvement of the local quality of life is Timberland Heights’ efforts in maintaining an ecologically stable natural environment within its communities. Through the support of national and local government units and agencies, as well as from the residents living in the surrounding areas, the estate administrators of Timberland Heights were able to implement viable forest conservation programs and rehabilitation measures to further enhance the quality of life within the community. As proof of this commitment, indigenous species of plants and trees are routinely planted in the greenways and surrounding areas.
“Responsible intervention of man actually does a whole lot more for environmental protection in the long run. And with our green design concept, we were able to set aside several hectares of open space and greenbelts. This design concept allows for strict utilization of natural lighting and ventilation, water conservation and better construction materials usage,” adds Morales.
Thus, true to the advocacy of Filinvest Land, Timberland Heights was created without disturbing the natural greenways of the mountains of San Mateo.
Promises kept, lives improved
On top of maintaining an ecologically stable natural environment, Timberland Heights takes an active part in the improvement of the local quality of life of its community dwellers.
Julio Gabrinao is the Lead Man of Timberland Heights’ Maintenance Group. Under him is a team responsible for keeping the entire property clean, with all fixtures in order. He was part of the first batch of original settlers employed by FLI.
“I have been living in these mountains for thirty years and farming is all I’ve known until now,” shares the 45-year-old Mang Julio. He recounts the days when the seasonal crops he’d harvest from his small-scale farming activities would have to be hauled all the way down to the town proper to be sold. He says that before, it took up to three months before his labors bore financial fruit. Nowadays he enjoys the stability of sustained income.
“We held on to the word of Filinvest that opportunities would open up for us, and I’m glad we believed,” says Mang Julio.
Personal Uplift
25-year old Dianito Gabrinao Jr., Timberland Heights’ Farm In-Charge, was born in these very mountains and he has been tilling it for as long as he can remember. He still does. However, his present circumstance has brought with it a healthy dose of excitement, a greater sense of responsibility, and an unbounded room for self-improvement.
We propagate fruits, vegetables, herbs and other plants all throughout the property,” says Dianito. “We also help oversee the farms of private lot owners who have decided to try their hand at backyard farming.”
His familiarity with the locale is only part of the reason he holds the important post at a relatively young age. He has also participated and done well in the various training programs and seminars Timberland Heights’ employees are made to undergo.
During one seminar, Dianito and his co-workers spent more than a week in UP Los Banos to learn about integrated farming, mushroom production, organic farming, and composting among other related subjects. He claims that the knowledge he has gained has helped him beyond ways he’s ever imagined. Unassuming yet confident, he beams, “I can even tell you my recipe for pesto pasta.”
Parallel Progress
As expected, it is not only the original settlers of the mountains who are reaping the benefits of Timberland Heights continued growth. The Timberland Sports and Nature Club, a nine-hectare private membership country club within the development, employs over a hundred and of this number, around 70% are residents of different San Mateo lowland communities.