When my officers informed me that Vista Land—the company I built from the ground up—had been named among TIME and Statista’s Best Companies Asia-Pacific 2026, I felt an immense sense of gratitude—not just for the recognition itself, but for what it represents. For nearly five decades, our journey has been guided by one simple belief: that progress must be built on integrity, good governance, and a singular, almost obsessive focus on what will benefit the Filipino people most.

This award, presented by TIME in collaboration with global data platform Statista, recognizes enterprises that demonstrate excellence in performance, environmental responsibility, and corporate governance. To be counted among the best in the region—alongside some of Asia-Pacific’s most respected organizations—reaffirms that the values we have held since day one remain relevant and strong.

From the very beginning, when I first built a house for an OFW family, I understood that real success is not measured by the number of houses we complete or the revenue we record. It is measured by the trust of the families who choose to build their lives with us. Trust, after all, cannot be bought; it must be earned through transparency, accountability, and fairness.

These principles form the bedrock of Vista Land. We have always run this company with disciplined management and sound governance because we know that responsible leadership creates lasting value. In business, as in life, strong foundations endure. That is why every decision we make—from how we design our communities to how we treat our employees—is guided by integrity.

Being included on this distinguished list tells me that governance done right is recognized, valued, and necessary. It reminds us that in today’s world, the companies that thrive are not simply those that grow quickly, but those that grow responsibly.

Whenever I think about our achievements, I think of the people of Vista Land who make them possible. Every engineer, architect, broker, partner, and employee has played a part in shaping who we are today. I often say that our company’s greatest asset is not the land we develop, but the people who build and nurture these communities.

My son, Paolo, our president and CEO, often shares with me his vision for continuing this legacy through innovation—harnessing digital tools and sustainable solutions to ensure that Vista Land remains future-ready. I am proud of how our younger leaders carry forward our long-standing promise to create real, long-term value for all our stakeholders—our homeowners, employees, partners, and investors alike.

Their hard work and dedication are the reason we stand among Asia-Pacific’s best today. This recognition belongs to every person in our organization who wakes up each day determined to make a difference.

Over the years, we have grown far beyond what I imagined when we first started. Today, Vista Land has a presence across 49 provinces and 147 cities and municipalities in the Philippines. Each of these communities reflects not only careful planning and design but also an understanding of the unique identities of the places where we build.

I have always said that a home is more than walls and roofs. It is a place where dreams take root, where children grow, and where families find comfort and belonging. It is where ordinary moments become cherished memories — a child’s first steps, a family’s laughter over dinner, the quiet peace of knowing you have a place that is truly yours. A home shapes not only lives but also values; it nurtures pride, resilience, and the sense of community that lies at the heart of being Filipino.

Each Vista Land community reflects our pride in being Filipino while meeting international standards of quality, design, and sustainability. We want every homeowner to feel that their investment is not just in property, but in a future built on stability, dignity, and hope. That is what makes our projects special — they are globally competitive yet deeply Filipino at heart, grounded in warmth, togetherness, and the unshakable belief that every Filipino deserves a beautiful place to call home.

To everyone who has trusted Vista Land through the years—from our employees to our homeowners—thank you. This recognition belongs to all of you. Together, we will keep building not just houses, but hope. Not just communities, but a nation we can all be proud of.

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