ARCHITECTURE and urban planning firm Palafox Associates said it remains optimistic about advancing its smart cities initiative despite governance and economic challengesARCHITECTURE and urban planning firm Palafox Associates said it remains optimistic about advancing its smart cities initiative despite governance and economic challenges

Palafox pushes smart cities plan, partners with Elsal Ventures

2026/03/03 00:02
3 min read
For feedback or concerns regarding this content, please contact us at crypto.news@mexc.com

ARCHITECTURE and urban planning firm Palafox Associates said it remains optimistic about advancing its smart cities initiative despite governance and economic challenges.

“We’re busier this year than before the pandemic at the Palafox Associates and Palafox Architecture, which is a very pleasant surprise, despite all this negative news about our country,” Palafox Associates Founder and Managing Partner Felino A. Palafox, Jr. said in an interview with BusinessWorld.

“To me, if we address corruption in our economy, climate change, inequality, investments, and infrastructure incompetence, we should be in the top 10 economies of the world,” he added.

In an earlier statement, Mr. Palafox stressed the need to address inefficient land use, strengthen urban planning, and establish smart cities in the countryside as part of a long-term vision for national development by 2050.

He cited a previous projection by Goldman Sachs that the Philippines could become the world’s 16th largest economy by 2050.

The outlook aligns with Palafox Associates’ “Philippines 2050: A First-World Country, A First-World Economy” campaign, which envisions the country attaining first-world status by mid-century.

“Despite all our challenges, we have three foreign investors, and then maybe without the challenges, we can probably have more,” he said, adding that foreign investors are increasingly selective in choosing Filipino partners they consider trustworthy.

Details of the agreements with the three foreign investors were not disclosed due to non-disclosure arrangements.

Mr. Palafox said one project is advancing, while the other two are in the master planning stage.

Palafox Associates and real estate and land investment facilitation firm Elsal Ventures signed a memorandum of agreement on Feb. 2 to collaborate on integrated development projects across the Philippines.

Under the partnership, Palafox Associates will contribute its expertise in master planning, sustainable design, and resilient urban development, while Elsal Ventures will provide support in land aggregation, investment facilitation, and real estate sourcing.

The companies said the collaboration aims to advance responsible and future-ready projects.

Mr. Palafox highlighted the role of strategic collaboration in city-building initiatives.

“Partnerships like this allow us to align design excellence with smart land development, ensuring projects are not only profitable, but sustainable, inclusive, and resilient,” he said.

Elsal Ventures Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ernesto L. Salas also expressed optimism about the agreement.

“This will be the first formal partnership, because it is a perfect fit. He can provide the land, design the land, and provide investors from the Middle East or even locals. Then, we can provide the land on the scale he wants,” Mr. Salas told BusinessWorld. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno

Market Opportunity
Smart Blockchain Logo
Smart Blockchain Price(SMART)
$0.004179
$0.004179$0.004179
-1.29%
USD
Smart Blockchain (SMART) Live Price Chart
Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact crypto.news@mexc.com for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.

You May Also Like

Solana (SOL) Positions for Breakout as Market Sentiment Turns Bullish

Solana (SOL) Positions for Breakout as Market Sentiment Turns Bullish

The post Solana (SOL) Positions for Breakout as Market Sentiment Turns Bullish appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Aayush Jindal, a luminary in the world of financial
Share
BitcoinEthereumNews2026/03/03 13:31
South Africa port reform accelerates investment

South Africa port reform accelerates investment

South Africa port reform is entering a decisive phase as structural changes at Transnet aim to unlock investment and strengthen trade competitiveness. Transnet
Share
Furtherafrica2026/03/03 13:00
BlockDAG’s $0.0013 Entry Draws Market Attention Ahead of Deadline

BlockDAG’s $0.0013 Entry Draws Market Attention Ahead of Deadline

The post BlockDAG’s $0.0013 Entry Draws Market Attention Ahead of Deadline appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Crypto News 20 September 2025 | 00:00 Discover why BlockDAG’s $0.0013 entry is making headlines with nearly $410M raised, 26.3B coins sold, and the limited-time entry closing on Oct 1st. Occasionally, a single figure captures attention across crypto. This time, it isn’t a projection or a chart setup; it is a presale entry point. The $0.0013 price lock from BlockDAG (BDAG) has become more than a presale detail. It represents a marker of timing, reliability, and measurable progress. With more than 26.3 billion coins sold and nearly $410 million already secured, this price is not a teaser. It is a structured offer that continues to attract participants in large numbers. Once October 1st passes, the $0.0013 entry will close, and its significance could be remembered as one of those rare early-stage milestones. The $0.0013 Window Reflects More Than a Temporary Offer Many presales are defined by uncertainty, often shifting timelines and unclear goals. By fixing its presale price at $0.0013 until October 1st, BlockDAG has created a point of clarity in a crowded market. It is less about a discount and more about a defined statement: the project is setting a clear cut-off for early access. This approach has shown results. Over 26.3 billion BDAG coins have already been purchased. That momentum stems from demonstrated progress, not just speculation. A live Testnet, close to 20,000 miners distributed, and more than 3 million daily users of the X1 mobile miner all point to activity happening now rather than deferred promises. On top of this, the return profile is notable. The current batch price is $0.03, while the $0.0013 entry remains open for a limited time. That gap means an ROI of about 2,900% compared with batch 1. Even so, the project is keeping the entry level steady until October 1st, providing…
Share
BitcoinEthereumNews2025/09/20 06:25