ABOITIZ Land and its president and chief executive officer David Rafael, have been honored as Circle of Excellence Awardees at the 2024 Asia CEO Awards.
Rafael has won the CEO of the Year Circle of Excellence Award, while Aboitiz Land has earned the Technology Company of the Year Circle of Excellence Award for its groundbreaking OneVecino platform. These accolades highlight their leadership, innovation, and significant contributions to the real estate and technology sectors.
Rafael’s leadership has been a driving force behind Aboitiz Land’s success. Under his tenure, the company has achieved significant milestones in customer satisfaction, sustainability, and technological innovation.
Since taking the helm of Aboitiz Land in 2019, Rafael has been a visionary leader, leveraging his 33 years of real estate experience to steer the company through transformative times. Known for his disciplined and energetic approach, Rafael successfully guided Aboitiz Land through the pandemic, driving its “Great Turnaround” in 2021 and laying the groundwork for a thriving, future-ready organization. Under his leadership, Aboitiz Land has fostered a culture of innovation and customer-centricity, creating sustainable communities that reflect the values of convenience, security, and a strong sense of belonging.
A key milestone in Rafael’s leadership is the development of OneVecino, a groundbreaking digital platform that has redefined the homebuying experience for Filipinos, especially overseas Filipinos. This platform streamlines the entire process, from property search to post-purchase management, making property ownership more accessible and secure.
OneVecino has been a cornerstone of Aboitiz Land’s growth, driving revenue, expanding its customer base, and addressing common challenges faced by overseas investors.
Rafael’s hands-on and approachable leadership style has cemented Aboitiz Land’s reputation as a resilient, forward-thinking company committed to innovation and customer satisfaction.
In addition to launching OneVecino, Rafael has spearheaded multiple initiatives that drive both sustainability and business performance. Under his leadership, Aboitiz Land has consistently surpassed sales targets for three consecutive years, supported by the strategic use of technology in customer touchpoints and backend operations. The adoption of high-strength precast concrete panels in construction has not only bolstered the company’s environmental stewardship but also earned numerous project awards.
These efforts, combined with a highly engaged workforce and a focus on digitization, have reinforced Aboitiz Land’s reputation as an industry leader committed to innovation and sustainability.
Aboitiz Land’s nomination for Technology Company of the Year at the Asia CEO Awards reflects the industry-wide recognition of its efforts to innovate and transform the real estate sector. Aboitiz Land’s OneVecino integrates property search, payment processing, customer support, and property management into a single digital ecosystem, setting new benchmarks for customer experience.
“We’re building a legacy at Aboitiz Land, but complacency has no place in our journey,” said Rafael. “Innovation is the engine driving our success, and we are relentless in our pursuit of improvement–not just for our employees and their families, but for the communities we serve, our clients, and investors. Our mission is to help people achieve the lives they aspire to, and that demands an unwavering commitment to delivering value, impact, and results.”
The 2024 Asia CEO Awards recognize leaders and organizations that demonstrate excellence and innovation across various industries.