The Yulos acquired the estate in 1948 and improved its financial and social status within two years through progressive reforms. His wife, Doña Cecilia Araneta Yulo of Iloilo, was instrumental in the construction of a school (now Rizal Institute), the church of St. Joseph, civic and recreational centers, and the first outdoor drive-in cinema. Sports facilities such as a baseball field, swimming pools, tennis courts, bowling lanes, and a golf course were also built. The company was also expanded into a pulp facility known as Canlubang Pulp which purchased more than 80% of the total abaca produced in the country.