Sustaining the country’s momentum for a green and modern economy, the Board of Investments (BOI) has approved the application for registration of Grand City Hotels, Inc. for its project, the modernization of the New Dawn Pensionne House, in Cagayan De Oro City.
The modernization project, which has an estimated investment cost of Php36.89 million, qualified as a tourism project for complying with the requirements under Special Laws (R.A. 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009) – Tourism Related Facilities of the 2022 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) of R.A. 11534 (CREATE Act).
The facility will revitalize its features with efficient technologies that will reduce carbon footprints, and is expected to start its operations by June 2022. The renovated inn is a modern, comfortable, yet highly-affordable home that was conceptualized for the convenience, comfort, and safety of its guests from business executives to families and tourists.
“This project is a testament to what we are doing to make the Philippine economy modern and greener. I am optimistic about what else will come for the country this year and beyond, as we have already made inroads to attract more investments. We will make it happen in the Philippines,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.
Existing for the past 12 years, the facility will turn into a seven-story inn accommodation with 77 rooms, upgrading its features with the installation of technology to fully comply with the health and safety protocols for tourism accommodation to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and reduce carbon emission.
Reducing human contact has been a key part of suppressing the coronavirus, which enthused the said facility operator to introduce and implement crucial changes, aiming to modernize its facilities within the hotel with technology upgrades and equipment. Specifically, the project will upgrade its booking, check-in/out, and payment system through the use of the Hotel Property Management System (PMS) of OPTIMA.
With the enhancement of the Optima Hotel Management System, the initiative also envisions integrating the system’s Go Green Strategy with less printed paper and ink usage. Further, its server network allows the hotel to process prepayments online and channel management of online reservations, resulting in cashless transactions and overall smoother process.
In particular, the modernization efforts include a digital payment system, self-check-in kiosk, installation of fresh air and new mechanical exhausts, upgrade of room furniture and fixtures, structural improvements, and enhancement of other major IT and operations equipment.
Additionally, one major goal of such a modernization project is to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and diminish environmental footprint, as it is redesigned to coherently integrate with the local environment through sustainable operational practices and energy-efficient build and water economical fitting.
Each room is fitted with a key fob electricity controller, where all the room’s amenities are shut off once the guest removes the key card of the room from its slot. Another feature is the sustainable operations practice to reduce water usage by encouraging guests to reuse linens and towels in the room. Also, greenery and plants are placed on the rooftop to reduce rain runoff and add insulation to the building.
To increase its natural air purification and ambiance, plants are also placed around public areas, while room and public area light fit-outs are replaced with LED models. Other features of the renovated facility are a centralized heater, hotel signage, and generator set with designated power-up hours; natural fresh air build-ups with windows and doorways to encourage air flow with less electricity use, and the use of new elevator models with energy-efficient fit-out and build up.
Significantly, the modernization project will support the demand for accommodation in Cagayan de Oro, as the city is recognized as the third most popular destination among local tourists next to Cebu and Davao.
On the economic aspect, the project is seen to contribute a total of Php86.07 million to the economy. For the next ten years of operation, the project is seen to significantly inject Php3.45 million contributions to household income and is projected to generate 84 jobs during its operation.
Moreover, the Grand City Hotels group has been engaged in the business of establishing and operating hotels, inns, dormitories, and pension houses, and the said project is the firm’s dedication to providing budget-friendly, comfortable accommodations in Cagayan de Oro, Valencia, and Cebu (Grand City Hotel, New Dawn Pensionne, New Dawn Hotel Plus, Nature’s Pensionne House, Winmin Transient Inn, USDA Dormitory Hotel, Hotel Valencia)
