The Filinvest Group sustained its record of strong corporate governance as four of its publicly listed companies were once again honored at the 2026 Golden Arrow Awards, an annual recognition program organized by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD).

Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC) received two Golden Arrows, while Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) and Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT) each earned one Golden Arrow. EastWest Banking Corporation (EastWest) took home three Golden Arrows, an increase from its two-arrow recognition in 2025.

The latest distinctions build on the Group's consistent presence at the annual awards, reflecting its continuing efforts to maintain sound governance practices across its businesses.

“Being recognized year after year reflects the importance we place on good governance across the Filinvest Group,” said Rhoda A. Huang, President and CEO of FDC. “For us, governance is a responsibility we carry every day through the decisions we make, the way we manage our businesses, and the trust we build with our stakeholders.”

The Golden Arrow Awards honor publicly listed companies that achieve high ratings under the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS), an internationally benchmarked framework that evaluates corporate governance practices, including shareholder rights, transparency, accountability, and board responsibilities. Developed under the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum, the scorecard draws on publicly available disclosures such as annual reports to produce comparable governance assessments for listed companies across the region. Under the ICD program, publicly listed companies that obtain a score of at least 80 points in the ACGS receive the Golden Arrow distinction, with a higher number of arrows denoting a higher score. Because the assessment rests on what companies disclose publicly, the arrow ratings serve as an externally benchmarked reading of how transparently listed firms communicate their shareholder protections, board oversight, and accountability practices to the market.

Strengthening Governance Across the Group

For EastWest, which collected three Golden Arrows this year, sound governance remains central to maintaining customer confidence and supporting responsible growth in the banking sector.

“Trust is especially important in banking, and it is something we must earn through responsible decisions and consistent accountability,” said Jerry Ngo, CEO of EastWest. “Receiving three Golden Arrows is a meaningful recognition for our team and encourages us to keep strengthening the practices that protect our customers, make banking easier for them, and support the bank's long-term growth.”

In real estate, FLI and FILRT continue to uphold strong governance standards as they work to create long-term value for homeowners, investors, and other stakeholders.

“At Filinvest Land, good governance begins within. It is deeply ingrained in our people and reflected in how we conduct business, make decisions, and fulfill our commitments to our stakeholders,” said Tristan Las Marias, President and CEO of Filinvest Land, Inc.

“It is humbling to be recognized year after year, and each recognition strengthens our resolve to uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability, transparency, and responsiveness to the evolving needs of our stakeholders. Above all, it reminds us that trust must be earned every day through our actions and the commitments we fulfill as we continue building Filipino dreams.”

“Good governance is at the core of how we manage our sustainability-focused REIT business and create value for our stakeholders,” said Joseph M. Yap, President and CEO of Filinvest REIT Corp. “This recognition encourages us to continue upholding high standards of accountability and transparency as we grow our portfolio and deliver sustainable returns for our investors.”

Sustaining a Tradition of Good Governance

The latest Golden Arrow recognitions extend the Filinvest Group's multiyear track record at the ICD awards, with FDC and FLI earning Golden Arrow distinctions since 2021 and EastWest and FILRT since 2022.

With the ICD administering the program annually, each new ACGS assessment cycle gives the Group's four listed companies a recurring, externally benchmarked reference point for how their governance disclosures measure up against regional standards. As the Group continues to grow its businesses across real estate, banking, power, hospitality, and other industries, it remains focused on responsible management, transparency, and accountability in creating long-term value for its stakeholders.

Source: BusinessWorld