Property developer Cityland Development Corp. has named former Prime Minister Cesar E.A. Virata as independent director, filling a board vacancy as the company moves to strengthen governance and streamline its corporate structure.

Virata, 94, will serve the remaining term left by Eduardo C. Villanueva, who resigned in December citing personal reasons. The appointment brings back a familiar figure with longstanding ties to the Cityland group.

Villanueva, founder of the Jesus Is Lord Church and a sitting party-list congressman, had been an independent director since 2021.

Beyond the boardroom, Virata carries extensive experience in both public service and finance, having played key roles in shaping economic policy and representing the Philippines in global financial institutions such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. He also remains active in the private sector as vice chairman of RCBC.

His connection to the company is not new. He has been serving as chairman of City & Land Developers Inc., a Cityland subsidiary, since 2022—giving him direct insight into the group’s operations and strategic direction.

The appointment comes as Cityland advances plans to merge with City & Land Developers Inc., a move seen to simplify its corporate structure and enhance efficiency. Virata’s familiarity with both entities is expected to support a smoother transition as the integration progresses.

Cityland, led by businessman Andrew Liuson, is expected to benefit from Virata’s experience as it navigates both internal restructuring and a more complex business environment.