Once a male-dominated industry, the Philippine real estate sector has seen the increasing participation of women in different roles, from dominant consumers to key leaders, redefining the sector as a whole. While the growing representation of women in sales, marketing, construction, and design, and top-level executive positions is not just in numbers, their impact breaks social norms and cultural attitudes while bringing inclusivity and strategic leadership. 

For this exclusive feature for Women’s Month, we have lined up women leaders from the property sector for their perspectives, insights, and hopes for the industry. 

“One can see the changing of the guards in the boardrooms, with many women involved in top positions,” shares award-winning architect Cathy Saldaña, president of PDP Architects and Projects Design Plus. “Quite a lot have returned from studies abroad, and many have been honed already by their parents for the second or third round of generational stewardship.” And in creating a culture of success for women, she encourages women leaders to be visible in meetings, in the design process, on-site, and after project completion activities in order to be seen by decision-makers and end-users. 

As women leaders take on heavier roles, Saldaña notes that “they are innovating on aspects of property technology, project management, construction, and real estate sales and taking steps to show the next generations how to harness their talents locally and internationally.”

"When organizations value competence and collaboration, women executives are able to step forward not only as contributors but as leaders shaping the direction of the industry," says Jessica Sy, president and head of Design, Innovation, and Strategy of SMDC and SM Prime.

For the executive, empowerment begins with credibility. "In real estate, influence grows from consistent performance, sound judgment, and the ability to deliver results that create long-term value."

Tanya Peralta-Yu, Dot Property Philippines country manager, observes how women are gaining access to executive roles, boardrooms, and decision-making platforms previously dominated by men. “They bring fresh perspectives and inclusive leadership styles that enhance organizational performance and stakeholder engagement.”

Not just breaking barriers, she also anticipates Filipino women influencing policies and practices related to workplace equity, flexible work structures, and inclusive hiring that would further embed gender inclusion into the industry’s fabric.

For Peralta-Yu, gender-inclusive leadership goes beyond increasing the number of women in leadership roles. “It intentionally creates equitable opportunities, influence, and representation for all genders while recognizing and actively addressing the systemic barriers that have historically limited women’s advancement. The approach reshapes workplace cultures, decision-making processes, and power structures so that diverse perspectives are genuinely valued and integrated,” she adds.

She goes further by underscoring that “gender-inclusive leadership acknowledges that equity is not about lowering standards or favoring one group over another, but about creating fair access to opportunity and removing obstacles that prevent talent from thriving. It also involves sponsorship and advocacy, particularly for women and underrepresented genders, so that leadership pipelines become more balanced and sustainable over time.”

In practical terms, Saldaña believes that biases, limitations, traditional definitions of genders, and a lack of acceptance are not relevant anymore in today’s world. Thus, as part of their work culture, their company is very well-known and respected for inclusivity in gender, clearly emphasized in team leadership and composition.

In SMDC, mentorship also plays an important role. Sy shares, "Women leaders who have built their careers in the industry can help expand opportunities for the next generation by sharing experience and opening doors. Over the years, I have worked with many capable women who bring strong discipline, collaboration, and thoughtful perspectives to the industry. Supporting their growth is important because diverse leadership ultimately leads to better decisions and stronger communities. When leaders create opportunities for others to succeed, the entire industry benefits."

As barriers fall, the future of Filipino women leaders in the real estate industry is bright and transformative, shaped by a growing recognition of the unique strengths women bring to leadership and decision-making. “Looking ahead, the future will see Filipino women not only achieving parity in leadership representation but also shaping the very culture of real estate—inspiring innovation, fostering ethical development, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. In this way, Filipino women will play a pivotal role in creating a real estate industry that is more dynamic, equitable, and impactful for all," says Peralta-Yu. 

As for Sy, she sees the industry continuing to evolve. "I believe we will see even more women leading major developments and shaping how Philippine cities grow in the years," she concludes.