In a landmark moment for the Philippine real estate sector, Lance Y. Gokongwei, President & CEO of JG Summit Holdings and Chairman of Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), was presented with the inaugural Life Achievement Award during the prestigious 13th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards Gala, held on August 15, 2025, at Shangri-La the Fort, Manila. 

The award, the first of its kind in the history of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series, "acknowledges Gokongwei's exceptional contributions to the Philippine real estate industry over a career that has consistently shaped and influenced the sector.” 

Gokongwei is one of the country’s most respected business leaders and the current steward of the Gokongwei Group, one of the Philippines’ largest and most diversified 

conglomerates. He has guided the group’s continued growth across real estate, retail, aviation, food, banking, and logistics. With his visionary leadership and steady guidance as former President and CEO and long-serving board member, he was instrumental in transforming RLC into one of the country’s most trusted and forward-looking developers. 

Gokongwei isn't just focused on throwing the company, he is also a strong advocate of sustainable and inclusive progress, championing RLC’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) agenda through investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and green building.  

PropertyGuru called him a “true pioneer” and said that Gokongwei's "remarkable leadership, commitment to innovation, and significant impact on the Philippines property market have set the bar for excellence." 

"Thank you to the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards for this generous recognition. I’m honored and humbled to be the first recipient of your Life Achievement Award. To be acknowledged in this way among so many respected peers in the industry is something I’m truly grateful for," Gokongwei said in a video message that was played at the gala.  

The award came at an opportune time, with Robinsons Land celebrating its 45th anniversary. The timing made the accolade even more meaningful, said Gokongwei. “For the past four and a half decades, Robinsons Land has always stayed true to its mission: to build better lives. Whether in helping first-time home-owners have a place they can call their own, building malls that bring jobs and services closer to communities, putting up offices that support global talent, opening hotels in emerging cities, developing estates that shape the future of our cities, or growing logistics hubs to support businesses, we’ve always seen real estate as more than just a business. For us, it is about creating spaces that make everyday life better for the people we serve.” 

He shared, "From landmark projects like Robinsons Galleria in our earlier years to now having a presence in nearly every region in the country. It’s been a journey of building—quietly, steadily and with purpose." 

He paid tribute to the employees of RLC. "I’ve always believed that success is never the work of just one person. Thus, this award belongs not just to me but to all the men and women of Robinsons Land who have been quietly building day by day everything that we have achieved." 

Under Gokongwei's leadership, RLC has also been named one of the Philippines’ Best Employers for two years running—testament to the people-first culture cultivated in the company.  

Gokongwei also thanked Robinsons' customers, communities, and business partners.  

In a touching moment, he also took the time to honor his father, the late John Gokongwei Jr., who had laid the foundation for this achievement. "His vision, values, and sense of purpose continue to guide everything we do, not just in business but in how we serve others." 

The Life Achievement Award honors not only Gokongwei’s contributions to real estate but also the principles that define his leadership and are rooted in a desire to help shape a better future for generations to come. 

He ended his speech with a powerful call to action. “This award is also a reminder that there is still much to be done. I hope it inspires all of us in the industry to keep building, not just more but better, with integrity, with imagination, and always, with people in mind. Because we’ve always believed that when we build well, we help build the nation too.”