The Filinvest Group proudly celebrates a new milestone in strengthening industry-academe collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Ateneo de Manila University on June 24 at Faber Hall, Ateneo de Manila University.

The partnership formalizes a student internship program through Ateneo’s Office of Placement and Career Services (OPCS), providing students with structured, work-based learning opportunities across Filinvest Group’s businesses in real estate, banking, hospitality, power, and utilities.

The program lays out a strong foundation for developing future leaders by equipping students with practical experience, core competencies, and a deeper understanding of the business. It also reflects the shared commitment of Filinvest and Ateneo to nurturing future-ready professionals who combine technical expertise with values-driven leadership.

In a video message, Filinvest Land, Inc. President and CEO Tristan Las Marias expressed his support and emphasized the shared purpose driving the partnership, “We are investing in the same thing—people, their formation, their future, and their capacity to lead with integrity.”

Echoing the same vision, Sheriben Paraguas highlighted the strong alignment between Ateneo’s educational philosophy and Filinvest’s people-centered culture.

“Where these strengths come together, something neither of us could accomplish alone becomes possible: learning enriched by practice, and practice guided by deeper purpose. Together, we help form not only capable professionals, but whole persons—prepared in mind, grounded in values, and ready to serve,” she said in her remarks.

Peachy Pasana emphasized, “Through this collaboration, Filinvest is excited to deepen our ties with the academic community, elevate our brand as a top employer, and create direct pathways for premier talent to lead and innovate with us.”

Meanwhile, Jonathan Urbano said, “This partnership with Ateneo is particularly meaningful because the challenges we address— energy efficiency, sustainability, climate resilience, and responsible urban development—require talented, passionate, and purpose-driven individuals.”

The collaboration traces its roots to Filinvest’s SPARK (Strategic Planning, Analytics, Reporting & Knowledge) Project, which identified the need for highly specialized talent to support Filinvest Land, Inc.’s Corporate Strategy team.

Beyond internship opportunities, the program strengthens Ateneo’s experiential learning programs while supporting Filinvest’s talent acquisition efforts by creating early engagement with high-potential students.

As Filinvest continues to build a future-ready workforce, the partnership represents a long-term investment in developing emerging talent, strengthening campus engagement, and cultivating the next generation of leaders.