Isabel Sagun
Chief Human Resources Officer of Ayala Land, Inc.
“Real estate isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people. It’s about creating spaces where communities can grow, where businesses can thrive, and where families feel at home. Women bring a unique perspective to this work, balancing strategy with empathy, function with experience. In an industry that shapes the way people live, that perspective matters.
At Ayala Land, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) aren’t just policies on paper. They guide how we develop talent, build teams, and lead. The best ideas come from diverse voices, and ensuring that women have access to leadership roles and growth opportunities isn’t just about fairness—it’s about making our industry stronger.
A big part of my role is shaping the next generation of leaders by fostering an environment where talent can thrive. Through mentorship, leadership programs, and skills training, we provide women with the support and opportunities they need to step into key roles—whether as project heads, architects, engineers, or decision-makers. The goal isn’t just to open doors but to create a culture where growth is nurtured, leadership is earned, and success is defined by talent—not gender.
This industry is changing, and women are a big part of that change. By challenging old norms and stepping into leadership, we’re not just building better developments—we’re
shaping a future where more women in real estate have the platform to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact.”
Carissa Feria-Darre
Head of Project Development
Premium Residential Business Group of Ayala Land
“Stepping into the dynamic world of real estate, I find myself filled with both excitement and humility. Real estate is not merely about constructing buildings; it is about crafting homes and vibrant communities. As professionals in real estate, we bring an approach rooted in empathy, collaboration, and a deep commitment to ensuring that our projects contribute positively to the social fabric of our cities.
Success in real estate goes beyond gender; it is about connecting with people, listening to their needs, and finding creative solutions that align with their aspirations. We need to be able to empathize and understand the perspectives of others. Diversity certainly goes beyond gender – personally, I am a newcomer to this industry, and bring with me a diverse background in finance, corporate strategy and transformation, and social impact. Together with my industry veteran colleagues, our collective experiences inform how we think about the spaces we design, and the organization we nurture.
My own philosophy around leadership is that we should believe in the full potential of people, and give the right guidance, opportunities, and support. This principle resonates deeply with us at Ayala Land. We are passionate about empowering individuals and teams, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and can thrive.
I am honored to be part of a firm with a rich legacy, where I have the privilege of learning from the experiences of seasoned professionals. Together, we hope to shape the future of real estate and create spaces that enrich lives and build places that people love.”
Carol T. Mills
Head of Ayala Land Offices
“Real estate is a platform for economic growth, enabling businesses, attracting investments, and generating jobs. At Ayala Land, we don’t just build office spaces—we create environments that drive progress.
One major shift has been the rise of sustainable and well-being-centric workspaces. Companies today seek environments that enhance productivity and efficiency at the same time promote balance and wellness. Our new developments, such as Ayala Triangle Tower Two and One Ayala Avenue, provide employees with premium and engaging workspaces, thereby attracting top local and global enterprises in Makati’s evolving CBD.
Leading AREIT, the country’s first Real Estate Investment Trust, was a milestone in my journey. AREIT paved the way for a more inclusive investment landscape, allowing more Filipinos to participate in real estate growth while generating capital for future developments. It was an industry game-changer, demonstrating how real estate can create wealth and economic resilience beyond traditional frameworks.
Successful real estate translates business plans and models to real-life advancement, where enterprises are supported, jobs are generated, and people’s lives and cities are uplifted. The challenge is to continuously innovate, upskill talent while ensuring that our developments not only meet today’s needs but also anticipate the future of businesses and work.”
Robert S. Lao
Ayala Land Chief Sustainability Officer and Group Head of Strategic Growth
and New Ventures
“Sustainability and the pursuit of adaptive solutions drive Ayala Land’s growth. We embed sustainability across all aspects of our business—from planning and development to operations. Beyond optimizing energy, water, and material use, our sustainability programs focus on climate mitigation, supply chain decarbonization, and promoting a circular economy. More than reducing our environmental footprint, we are committed to creating lasting value for our customers, communities, and stakeholders.
The rise of domestic consumption and e-commerce in recent years has transformed our industrial parks, warehouses, and distribution centers into vital hubs of economic activity. To support the country’s expanding manufacturing and logistics sector, Ayala Land has significantly grown its warehousing and logistics portfolio. Through AyalaLand Logistics Holdings Corp., we provide businesses with industrial hubs designed to streamline supply chains, improve distribution, and create jobs. Our industrial parks in Batangas, Cavite, Pampanga, and Laguna house key manufacturing firms and logistics companies that fuel local and national economic growth. Logistics now plays a crucial role in efficiently connecting businesses to markets.
Ayala Land remains focused on creating spaces that strengthen the country’s economic foundation. What makes my work meaningful is the opportunity to shape industries and communities. From residential projects and estates to industrial parks and new ventures, I’ve seen how real estate drives real progress over my 24 years at Ayala Land. The challenge is to keep pushing boundaries, delivering value, and ensuring that our work supports businesses today while building a more sustainable future.”
Christopher B. Maglanoc
Group Head of Ayala Land Estates
“Real estate in the Philippines has experienced remarkable growth over the past few decades. A key transformation has been the rise of integrated mixed-use estates. This growth isn’t limited to Metro Manila but extends to various regional centers in the country.
Take Makati CBD, BGC, and Cebu Business Park as examples—three of our estates that have set the standard for business and lifestyle districts. Today, we have new regional estates such as Nuvali, Vermosa, Evo City, and Alviera, which are making a similar impact in their respective regions.
At Ayala Land, our is goal to create masterplanned and integrated mixed-use estates at scale. Every component—residences, offices, retail hubs, and green spaces—is master-planned to work together, fostering livable communities where people can live, work, and thrive.
Having the privilege of leading three different Ayala Land businesses units—Avida Land, AyalaMalls, and now Ayala Land Estates—I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative and lasting impact of our developments in surrounding communities. Watching once-empty spaces evolve into a thriving community is deeply fulfilling and keeps me engaged.”
