Villar City takes shape as sprawling new urban hub near Metro Manila

Villar City takes shape as sprawling new urban hub near Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines – Villar City, a 3,500-hectare mixed-use development spanning Metro Manila and Cavite, is positioning itself as a major new urban center in the Philippines, combining residential, commercial, and environmental design in a single large-scale master plan.

The project, led by Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc., officially launched in 2023 but has been in the making for years, with early developments such as Portofino Heights and Evia Lifestyle Mall laying its foundation. The site covers parts of 13 cities and municipalities and is envisioned as a self-contained “megapolis” structured around interconnected districts with distinct functions.

The city’s “cities within cities” concept includes hubs like Evia, focused on creative industries; University Town, for education and research; SOMO, dedicated to trade and commerce; and NOMO, a blend of residential and green spaces. Other zones, such as Global South and Lakefront, are set to feature leisure and waterfront developments, while Emporia is being built as the central business district.

Sustainability is a key component of the project. Villar City aims to plant 10 million trees, create 100 gardens, and invest heavily in transport infrastructure including the Villar Avenue, the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX) Extension, and proposed LRT and BRT lines.

Features such as bike lanes, pedestrian-friendly zones, and air quality monitoring are also part of the urban plan.

Future facilities include a stadium, an 18-hole golf course, and a new University of the Philippines campus in Dasmariñas, underscoring the city’s commitment to education, sports, and community development.

Residential areas cater to high-end markets, with neighborhoods like Portofino drawing from Italian architectural styles, and Forresta offering low-density housing set in forested surroundings. Emporia’s One Crescent Tower will apply the “15-minute city” model, where essential services are within walking distance.

As development continues, Villar City is expected to emerge as a new economic and cultural hub south of Metro Manila, reflecting broader trends in sustainable urban planning and decentralization.