THE first township in the Island Garden City of Samal is set to be completed in three years, as its entry statement sculpture was unveiled on February 18, 2025.
Samal Shores Residenza, a sprawling 40-hectare township, will be the new addition to Igacos' landmarks with its welcome structure, sculpted by international and acclaimed artist Jinggoy Buensuces, opened to the public.
Beatrice Gonzalez-Magallanes, PJ Tri-Gon Realty Corporation Group Senior EVP for Finance and Treasury, revealed that the date of completion of the township was synched in time with the opening of the Davao-Samal Bridge to the public in 2028.
About the township
Samal Shores Residenza will have nine hectares for commercial purposes, and Magallanes said that 2.5 hectares of it is committed for a regional mall.
"There will be retail spaces, but of course, it would depend on the demand of the area already. But as an activator, a small retail will be established in the coming years," Magallanes revealed.
She said the township has already completed 40 percent of its clubhouse, which comprises 700 square meters, with spacious parking.
"We'll also have a community center here, a police station, a fire station, and a chapel," Magallanes said.
Aside from that, 3,000 square meters will also be allotted for the heart of the subdivision -- the park. A multipurpose hall, which can accommodate 100 to 150 guests, will also be built, and overlooking it will be the development’s 300-sqm infinity pool.
Other amenities include a gym and a multifunction area for smaller meetings.
Magallanes bared that as of the moment, 35 percent of the residential component of the township is already sold, as they are still building the internal roads, comprising 40 percent of the total development.
“We’re still building internal roads for the residential component of the township… we’re still on the road clearing and the grading and the pavement works are set to be completed this year,” Magallanes added.
Unveiling of iconic sculpture
Meanwhile, the Samal Shores Residenza ‘Welcome’ structure, designed by renowned artist Jinggoy Buensuceso, serves as a symbolic gateway to the first-ever township on Samal Island, embodying the modern tropical elegance of the community.
“The entry statement sculpture represents the identity and vision of Samal Shores Residenza. Designed by acclaimed artist Jinggoy Buensuceso, the sculpture reflects the harmony between nature and modern tropical living,” the township stated in its press kit.
Buensuceso is known for his bold explorations of form, texture, and
material. His work bridges the natural and artificial worlds, transforming heavy metals into fluid abstractions that evoke movement, mythology, and the duality of chaos and order.
The sculpture ‘Language of Water’ is a masterpiece crafted using 316 stainless steel, standing at 5 meters in height and 7.1 meters in width, and symbolizing the language of water.
“Inspired by the water surrounding the beautiful island of Samal. This piece is the epitome of solid texture and movement of water that curbs the soul and culture of the people of Samal. There’s no greater inspiration than water. The sea is the way of life of the people of this island,” the Buensuceso said of the art.
“For the people of Samal, this piece will be their constant reminder that they are molded by the movement and blessing from the sea. This sculpture is a lifetime gift of Samal Shores Residenza to the people of Samal and to the people visiting the island,” the artist ended. CEA
