Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) is advancing its ambitious P300-billion development pipeline and planned expansion into Metro Manila despite regulatory bottlenecks, geopolitical uncertainties, and broader economic headwinds, as the company prepares for a leadership transition aimed at sustaining long-term growth.
Leadership Transition
CLI founder and executive chairman Jose R. Soberano III formally passed the leadership mantle to his son, Jose Franco B. Soberano, who assumed the roles of president and chief executive officer during the company’s Annual Stockholders Meeting on June 5, 2026. The elder Soberano remains actively involved as executive chairman.
P300-Billion Pipeline
Executive Chairman Jose Soberano III stated that the company’s land bank supports growth over the next seven to eight years, providing confidence to focus on execution, project completion, and strategic expansion rather than aggressive land acquisition. “With the land banks that we have, that’s practically like P300 billion of turnaround projects waiting for us in the next seven to eight years,” he said during a press conference.
Luzon Expansion Plans
CLI is setting its sights on opportunities in Luzon, particularly Metro Manila and nearby growth areas. Priority projects include residential developments in Pasig City and Cavite, which management believes will strengthen CLI’s position as it evolves from a regional player into a national developer.
Franco Soberano noted that the expansion comes at a time when many developers face economic and regulatory challenges, but he views the current environment as an opportunity. “While others slow down, those who stay the course will be rewarded,” he said.
Regulatory Delays
CLI maintains a positive outlook despite delays in issuing Licenses to Sell (LTS), which have slowed new housing project launches across the country. Soberano acknowledged that new regulatory requirements delayed some planned launches but expects approvals to accelerate in the coming months as government agencies and developers adjust. “Hopefully we could still manage and catch up because we still have six to seven months remaining for the year,” he added.
Rather than slowing down, CLI has shifted focus toward selling existing inventory and completing projects already under construction.
Focus on Project Completion
The company is working to dispose of over P20 billion worth of inventory while accelerating project completions tied to approximately P34 billion in unrecognized revenues. Completing projects remains critical to recognize revenues, strengthen cash flow, and fulfill commitments to buyers.
Franco Soberano confirmed that all ongoing projects remain on schedule despite inflation, higher energy costs, and geopolitical risks. “We have not even slowed down any project. All projects are actually proceeding as fast as possible,” he said.
CLI reported a low cancellation rate of three percent, a delinquency rate of 2.6 percent, and a 97 percent resale rate of cancelled units, indicating sustained market demand. Additionally, 92 percent of its residential inventory has been sold.
Recurring-Income Assets
Beyond residential developments, CLI is ramping up investments in recurring-income assets such as retail and hospitality projects. The company has nearly 80,000 square meters of gross leasable area completed or under development, targeting around 200,000 square meters within three years. Several hospitality projects are scheduled to open in Cebu and Davao, expanding CLI’s presence in tourism and leisure sectors.
Future Growth Strategy
Management remains open to forming joint ventures with landowners and pursuing partnerships with local and foreign firms to accelerate future developments without requiring substantial upfront capital. Soberano noted that such arrangements have been key to the company’s expansion in the past.
For Franco Soberano, the succession represents continuity rather than a dramatic shift. “I don’t think a lot will change. My chairman, my father, has taught me everything,” he said. The company’s focus will remain on disciplined growth, operational excellence, and delivering value to homebuyers while executing the next wave of projects in its P300-billion pipeline. “There are seven to eight years of opportunity ahead. We have all the land to make that happen already,” he concluded.
