The FIABCI Philippines 2026 Property & Real Estate Excellence Awards gathered some of the country’s leading developers, entrepreneurs, and industry figures on April 29 at Solaire Resort North, recognizing outstanding projects and the individuals shaping the future of Philippine real estate.
The gala honored achievements across categories including Outstanding Projects, Fellows, Diplomates, Developer of the Year, and Property Man of the Year, highlighting both established industry leaders and a new generation of builders driving innovation and long-term growth in the sector.
Among those recognized and cited during the evening were leaders from Filinvest Development Corporation, represented by Josephine Gotianun-Yap, Ambassador Joseph Yap, and President and CEO Tristan Las Marias; Aboitiz Land through fifth-generation leader Rafael de Mesa; Robinsons Land Corporation through Lance Gokongwei and CEO Maidel Gobio; and the Vista Land group through Manuel Paolo Villar and Estellita Tan of Golden Haven.
The event also highlighted emerging innovators and entrepreneurs, including Rey Carpio of Montana Homes, Tomas Lorenzo of Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation, Orlando and Cristina Bongat of Duraville Realty, and the founders of Havitas Developments Corporation—Jonathan Caro, Edwin de Pedro, David Rafael, and Alejandro Mañalac.
Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo served as keynote guest of honor during the awards night and was conferred the title “Diplomate in Real Estate Management.” In her speech, Arroyo emphasized the role of housing and real estate development as one of the country’s most resilient economic drivers amid global uncertainty. She drew parallels between today’s economic challenges and the post-9/11 recession, recalling how housing became a critical economic multiplier that helped sustain jobs and growth through collaboration between government and the private sector.
“We couldn’t wait for external recovery. We had to generate our own momentum,” Arroyo said, citing housing as a sector that helped shield the country from negative growth during her administration. She also recalled working closely with developers to streamline permits, strengthen low-cost housing, and expand financing access through Pag-IBIG.
Arroyo likewise commended FIABCI Philippines President Ar. Nestor S. Mangio, Chairman Dr. Reghis M. Romero II, and Past FIABCI World President Florentino S. Dulalia Jr. for advancing professional excellence and guiding the organization through changing industry conditions.
“Tonight’s recognition of Outstanding Projects is about leadership… managing risk and thinking in decades, not fiscal quarters,” Arroyo said, as she encouraged developers to continue building with excellence, sustainability, and long-term value in mind.
She concluded by praising the industry’s ability to adapt amid tighter financing conditions and growing investor scrutiny, noting that developers were becoming “smarter, greener, more collaborative,” while FIABCI Philippines continues to uphold professional excellence across the sector.
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