To get syntax highlighting for CakePHP ctp files, all you need to do is
- Go to Tools > Options > Miscellaneous > Files
- Add new extension, ctp, add associated it with text/x-php5
source: http://www.davidtan.org/netbeans-enable-syntax-hightlighting-for-cakephp-ctp-view-files/
Netbeans: Enable Syntax Hightlighting For CakePHP .ctp View Files