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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Filinvest Group at 70: A growing legacy of making Filipino dreams a reality

Filinvest Group at 70: A growing legacy of making Filipino dreams a reality

Published May 16, 2025 02:07 pm

At A Glance

  • In 2025, Filinvest Group marks its 70th anniversary, not just celebrating its legacy and longevity but reaffirming its enduring mission: to enable Filipinos to achieve their dreams. 

Seventy years ago, a young couple, with a shared entrepreneurial spirit and vision for progress, made it their life’s mission to create opportunities for everyday Filipinos. What started as a small financing business in a modest shophouse in Quiapo has grown into one of the Philippines' leading conglomerates — Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC). 

In 2025, Filinvest Group marks its 70th anniversary, not just celebrating its legacy and longevity but reaffirming its enduring mission: to enable Filipinos to achieve their dreams. Across generations, the company has been a steadfast partner in turning aspirations into reality and making life’s experiences more meaningful and memorable — whether it’s owning a first home, securing loans or building your savings to make your dream a reality, powering communities to thrive or bringing your family to their first hotel or resort stay.

Filinvest City is the flagship township of Filinvest Group. 
 

A story rooted in the everyday Filipino dream

Filinvest Group’s legacy is one that mirrors the dreams of many Filipinos — starting from humble beginnings, taking bold risks, and continuously innovating for a better future. The company’s founders, Andrew and Mercedes Gotianun, built their business on the principles of hard work, resilience, and trust — values that continue to shape Filinvest today.

"Trust is a core value at Filinvest Group, and we strive to always deserve and preserve it. We've had our ups and downs, but we've grown and prospered together. Our parents taught us to treat shareholders with respect, regardless of their stake. A relationship based on mutual respect and shared benefit fosters success," said Jonathan Gotianun, Chairman of Filinvest Development Corporation and EastWest Bank. 

East West Banking Corp., the banking arm of Filinvest Development Corporation, focuses on providing ease and relevant financial solutions tailored to every Filipino’s life journey. 
Panglao Oasis, a resort-inspired community by Filinvest Land, is designed for ultimate relaxation and recreation. Featured in the photo, the Panglao Oasis Clubhouse boasts an expansive pool and modern amenities, offering a serene retreat within the city. 
Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan, which promises a world-class experience, remains the sole hotel property in Cebu to be included in the Philippine Michelin Guide Hotels for both 2024 and 2025.
 

From financing second-hand cars and appliances to pioneering affordable housing, banking solutions, power, hospitality, sugar, and infrastructure projects, Filinvest Group has remained committed to making quality living more accessible to Filipinos. 

"As we celebrate Filinvest’s 70th anniversary, we take with us the lessons we've learned, staying committed to serving and fulfilling the dreams of many Filipino families. We are building to sustain our growth, staying profitable in a competitive environment while sharing the benefits with all our stakeholders," shared Josephine Gotianun Yap, Vice Chairperson of Filinvest Development Corporation. 

Shaping the future with sustainability in mind

A key driver of Filinvest Group’s longevity has been its well-balanced business portfolio that ensures long-term stability.

While its real estate, banking, and infrastructure segments capitalize on periods of economic growth, its investments in essential services such as power, utilities and sugar provide a steady foundation, making the Group resilient in the face of market fluctuations and positioning it for sustainable expansion.

As Filinvest Group looks ahead to the next decades, it remains focused on building its legacy of progress and innovation. It is focused on shaping and optimizing its portfolio through driving the growth and expansion of its diverse businesses while ensuring a well-balanced mix of cyclical and defensive industries that reinforce long-term stability and resilience.

70 years and counting: A celebration of Filipino resilience 

Filinvest Group’s 70th-anniversary celebration is a tribute to the Filipino spirit — the courage to dream, the resilience to overcome challenges, and the determination to contribute actively to the nation and bring progress to the Filipino people.  As the company steps into its next chapter, it remains committed to creating lasting impact for its customers with the promise of reliable, compassionate service and ensuring that Filipinos always have a trusted partner in their journey toward success.  

The Filinvest Group 70th Anniversary Kick-off marks the beginning of a year-long celebration, with various initiatives to engage its valued stakeholders, set to unfold throughout 2025.   

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