PNB Holdings shapes a more inclusive real estate industry
The firm promotes women in leadership and inclusive workplace practices
Published Mar 26, 2026 03:22 pm
PNB Holdings Corporation has women comprising roughly 40 percent of its total workforce.
At PNB Holdings Corporation (PHC), women hold five of nine seats on the board of directors. They comprise 40 percent of the management committee, or six of 15 positions, and roughly 40 percent of the company’s total workforce. In a sector where executive leadership has long observed persistent gender gaps, this distribution places PHC above reported global averages in commercial real estate.
Gladys K. Uy, PHC Vice President for Human Resources and Administration, acknowledges that the firm’s policies and work environment have long supported women’s representation. “We have strengthened our equal opportunity and anti-discrimination standards and institutionalized a clear grievance mechanism to ensure a safe and respectful workplace. At the same time, our leadership composition reflects this commitment, with women having a strong presence in the board and management committee."
In a space where women are empowered to lead and grow, research has shown that gender-diverse executive teams are associated with stronger financial performance. In 2025, the PNB Makati Center and the PNB Financial Center posted a combined 90 percent occupancy rate, outperforming industry expectations for commercial leasing despite prevailing market headwinds.
Uy attributes this performance to “diversity and inclusivity that bring broader perspectives into the way decisions are made at PHC, from capital allocation and land use to governance and long-term strategy.” She adds, "That range of viewpoints strengthens problem-solving and has been allowing the organization to respond more effectively to market challenges. We have observed that it fosters a culture of accountability and collaboration, which in turn helps attract and retain top talent. PHC has become a more resilient organization with strong operational outcomes.”
At PNB Holdings Corporation, women hold five of nine seats on the board of directors and account for 40 percent of its management committee.
That period also included structural developments within the organization. Last year, PHC reinforced its governance framework to strengthen compliance, transparency, and accountability across operations as it advanced long-term growth plans.
Within that landscape, the firm’s commitment to women's leadership and workplace inclusion has also been evident with programs and services.
“PHC support for women’s well-being is reflected in both policy and everyday practice. We have been rolling out programs such as the PHC Academy mindfulness initiatives, which promote mental wellness and resilience, as well as a breastfeeding program that supports working mothers as they return to the workplace. These are complemented by a strengthened anti-sexual harassment framework with a committee that has strong female representation to ensure that concerns are addressed with transparency and accountability,” said Uy.
All these developments position the Tan-led company as a stable and forward-moving force in the real estate industry.