Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI), one of the biggest property developers in Visayas and Mindanao, has announced a major leadership change. Jose Franco Soberano is now the company’s new President and CEO (Chief Executive Officer), taking over from his father, Jose Soberano III, who started the company.

Think of it like this: when a family business grows really big, sometimes the person who started it decides to let the next generation take charge of the day-to-day operations. That’s exactly what’s happening here.

What’s Changing at Cebu Landmasters?

According to the company’s announcement made after their Annual Stockholders Meeting on June 5, 2026, Franco Soberano, who was previously the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, is now stepping up to the top job.

But don’t worry – the founder, Jose Soberano III, isn’t leaving completely. He will stay on as Executive Chairman of the Board and Chair of the Executive Committee. This means he’ll still help guide the company’s big decisions and strategy, just like a wise grandfather still gives advice to the family.

Jose Soberano III explained: “This transition reflects years of deliberate preparation and a shared commitment to ensuring Cebu Landmasters remains strong for generations to come. Franco has played a critical role in shaping the company we are today and is well positioned to lead CLI through its next stage of growth.”

New Board Member Joins the Team

CLI also announced that Leonardo “Jun” D. Cuaresma Jr. has been elected as an Independent Director. He’s replacing Ma. Aurora “Boots” D. Geotina-Garcia, who completed her maximum allowed time in the position according to SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) rules.

Mr. Cuaresma brings lots of experience in checking company finances and making sure businesses are run properly. He used to be the Managing Partner and Chief Operating Officer of Punongbayan & Araullo (a big accounting firm) and even chaired the Philippine Auditing and Assurance Standards Council. Having someone with his experience helps make sure the company is managed well as it grows bigger.

The Company is Doing Really Well

This leadership change comes at a time when Cebu Landmasters is performing incredibly well. In 2025, the company posted record reservation sales of Php24.6 billion – that’s up 45% compared to the year before! To put it simply, this means a lot more people wanted to buy homes and properties from CLI in 2025 than in 2024.

The company also reported consolidated revenues of Php18.5 billion in 2025, which shows the company continues to make strong sales from its various projects.

Expanding Beyond Visayas and Mindanao

Cebu Landmasters started in Cebu (which is in the Visayas region), but now it’s spreading its wings to other parts of the Philippines. The company is preparing to launch its first residential mixed-use development in Pasig (that’s in Metro Manila) and has bought a huge 70-hectare property in Dasmariñas, Cavite, which they plan to turn into a township in the future.

A township is like a mini-city with homes, offices, shops, and parks all in one place – imagine having everything you need within walking distance!

How Big is Cebu Landmasters Now?

Since it was founded in Cebu in 2003, CLI has grown tremendously. The company now has projects in 21 cities and municipalities across the Philippines, with more than 132 projects at various stages of development. These projects include homes, office buildings, hotels, shopping areas, and large planned communities.

One of their landmark projects is the 23-hectare Davao Global Township, which shows how the company builds large-scale developments.

What the New President Says

Franco Soberano expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying: “As our Chairman has expressed his trust in the next generation of leadership, I humbly accept this responsibility with the deepest gratitude and with the highest respect for the legacy that Chairman Joe Soberano has built. As we build the CLI of the future, I call on our 1,500-strong organization to lean on the momentum we’ve built for many years.”

The company now employs about 1,500 people who work together to build homes and communities across the Philippines.

Note: This article is based on a press release from Cebu Landmasters, Inc. The company notes that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ from expectations.

This article is based on the company’s official press release and disclosures filed with the Philippine Stock Exchange’s Electronic Disclosure Generation Technology (PSE EDGE) system. For the complete and official version of the announcement, readers may visit the PSE EDGE website and search for the company’s filing directly.