OTHER than converting properties into residential projects, which Mactan Island already has a lot of, the Rizon family is putting their own into the development of a memorial park.
Homegrown firm Rizon Property Holdings Corp. (RPHC) is earmarking P200 million for the development of the eight-hectare Haven of Peace Memorial Garden in the family’s 11-hectare property in Sitio Soon, Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City.
This is the family’s first foray into memorial park development after seeing an unserved demand in death care services in Mactan Island.
“We noticed that a lot of developers in Mactan are busy building residential homes. They forgot to also produce a project like this, which is also part of our lives,” said RPHC president and CEO Mario Rizon yesterday. He added they initially thought of joining the real estate bandwagon.
RPHC started out as a furniture maker in 1986. In 2008, the family ventured into apartment rentals, the Lorenz Executive Apartelle, and in 2015, the family entered the hotel industry through Sebastien Hotel.
The family’s latest venture is envisioned to provide the highest standards in full service perpetual care in Cebu.
“What sets us apart is that we are changing the way people see memorial parks by incorporating a theme park and nature-inspired ambiance,” said Marc Angelo Rizon, general manager of Haven of Peace Memorial Garden.
Haven of Peace broke ground in January 2015. The project is slated for turnover in 2019.
It sells lawn lots, garden lots (12.5 square meters to 20 sq.m), family lots (37.59 sq.m to 53 sq.m), wall niche, bone ossuary, and cinerarium.
Among the amenities are a natural cave, playground, lagoon, and a chapel. The remaining three hectares will be developed into a recreational facility.
The Rizons said it is important to plan ahead and secure positions at the current prices of the memorial park project. “Consider this as a good investment, since land prices appreciate,” said Rizon.
“We are also looking at adding tourism attractions that would further beautify the island of Mactan,” said Frederick Rizon, the company’s corporate secretary.