DMCI Homes Enhances Water Management with Retention Ponds, Rain Gardens in Key Developments

The Water Garden at Kalea Heights in Cebu City incorporates a retention pond as part of its landscape design. (Artist's illustration)

Quadruple A developer DMCI Homes is incorporating retention ponds, rain gardens, and other nature-based water management solutions in new developments as part of its efforts to manage water more efficiently, reduce flood risks, and support more sustainable communities.

The initiative includes the construction of a rain garden in Acacia Estates in Taguig City and the planned integration of retention ponds in upcoming developments such as Moncello Crest in Tuba, Benguet and Kalea Heights in Cebu City.

As part of its commitment to sustainable development, DMCI Homes is adopting an integrated approach to water management that works with the natural landscape to capture, store, slow down, and reuse water within its communities.

Nature-Based Solutions

A rain garden will be among the landscape features of Acacia Park Central, one of the biggest additions planned under the ongoing redevelopment of Acacia Estates in Taguig. (Artist's illustration)

Unlike conventional drainage systems that are designed primarily to move water away from a site as quickly as possible, DMCI Homes' nature-based solutions perform different but complementary functions.

Retention ponds serve as long-term water storage areas that collect and hold runoff, while rain gardens, bioswales, and natural drainage channels help slow water flow, filter runoff, and encourage water absorption into the ground.

Working together, these features help regulate water movement across a development, reduce pressure on drainage infrastructure, and support more efficient use of water resources.

The company said the approach is particularly well-suited for large-scale developments such as the Acacia Estates township, where open spaces can be designed to serve both environmental and community functions.

Similar features are being incorporated into Moncello Crest, a GantimPALA 2025 Merit Awardee for landscape design, as well as Kalea Heights, taking into account each property's terrain, drainage conditions, and overall site characteristics.

Part of the landscape design recognized with a GantimPALA 2025 Merit Award, the Water Garden at Moncello Crest in Tuba, Benguet integrates a retention pond within a scenic natural setting. (Artist's illustration)

From Water Management to Water Conservation

Beyond managing stormwater, DMCI Homes has also been implementing water conservation measures across its condominium communities through water recycling and rainwater harvesting systems.

At Rosewood Pointe in Acacia Estates, approximately 2,401 gallons of treated water are used daily to irrigate 2.46 hectares of landscaped areas, according to a study conducted by DMCI Homes' Design and Engineering Department. This translates to annual water savings of around 874,082 gallons.

Meanwhile, beginning with Asteria Residences in Parañaque City in 2017, DMCI Homes started incorporating detention tanks designed to temporarily hold and slowly release rainwater, helping reduce the volume of runoff entering public drainage systems during heavy rains.

This approach was further enhanced in Anissa Heights in Pasay City, where detention tanks were integrated with a rainwater harvesting system, allowing collected rainwater to be reused for landscape irrigation and reducing reliance on potable water sources.

Anissa Heights in Pasay City features an integrated rainwater harvesting system and detention tanks that help conserve water for landscape use. (Artist's illustration)

Comprehensive Approach to Water Management

These initiatives complement the company's broader water management strategy by maximizing the value of water resources throughout a development, from rainfall capture and storage to treatment, reuse, and irrigation.

According to Engr. Rosan Tolentino, Assistant MEPF Manager, DMCI Homes takes a multi-layered approach to water management by integrating retention ponds, rain gardens, bioswales, natural drainage systems, detention tanks, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling systems, rather than relying on a single solution.

“Our approach is to treat water management as an integrated system. Retention ponds, rain gardens, natural drainage channels, rainwater harvesting facilities, and water recycling systems work together to help us manage water responsibly, make better use of available resources, and enhance the long-term sustainability of our communities,” Engr. Tolentino said.

DMCI Homes is the country’s first Quadruple A real estate developer, with projects in Mega Manila, Baguio City, Tuba in Benguet, San Juan in Batangas, Boracay, Cebu City, and Davao City. Each of its properties is built with world-standard craftsmanship borne from D.M. Consunji Inc.’s over 70 years of expertise in the construction and development industry.  

To learn more about DMCI Homes’ pre-selling and ready for occupancy projects, units for lease, and special promos, call (632) 5324-8888. You can also visit leasing.dmcihomes.com to know more about opportunities in leasing and rent-to-own programs of DMCI Homes. News and other updates are also posted on the company’s official website and social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.