FILRT appoints Joseph Yap as president

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October 6, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Filinvest REIT Corp., the real estate investment trust arm of the Gotianun family’s Filinvest Land Inc., will undergo a leadership transition as its president and CEO, Maricel Brion-Lirio, retires.

FILRT’s incumbent chairman, Joseph Yap, has been appointed as the company’s new president and CEO, effective Oct. 15, 2026, concurrent with his role as chairman.

He will succeed Brion-Lirio, whose retirement as president and CEO and resignation as director will take effect on the same date.

Brion-Lirio has served as FILRT president and CEO since February 2021 and previously held senior leadership positions across the Filinvest group.

She helped lead FILRT through its establishment as a publicly listed REIT and the diversification of its portfolio.

Yap, for his part, brings more than 40 years of private-sector experience spanning real estate, banking and finance, alongside his experience in public service.

He has chaired FILRT since April 2024 and previously served as president and CEO of FLI from 2007 to 2012.

Yap also served as Philippine ambassador to Singapore from January 2018 to June 2022.

Outside the Filinvest group, he served as first vice president of Family Bank & Trust Co. and held various financial management positions with Nestlé in New York, Switzerland and Manila.

“His appointment provides leadership continuity as FILRT maintains its focus on operating performance, portfolio growth and long-term shareholder value,” the company said.

FILRT said it remains focused on strengthening occupancy, deepening tenant relationships, enhancing asset performance and pursuing disciplined opportunities that support sustainable, long-term shareholder value.

The company recently welcomed MIT International School (MITIS) to Northgate Cyberzone as the district’s first international school.

MITIS, an American-curriculum K-12 institution established in 2007, has secured nearly 900 square meters of prime ground-floor space at the iHub 2 building.

The addition of MITIS supports FILRT’s commitment to diversifying its tenant portfolio beyond multinational BPOs and traditional office occupiers and further enhances Northgate Cyberzone as a dynamic and evolving business district.

“MIT International School’s decision to locate Northgate Cyberzone reflects the district’s continued appeal as a strategic business address. As we continue to strengthen our office portfolio, we also see opportunities to welcome complementary institutions that contribute to a more dynamic and well-rounded community,” Brion-Lirio said.