Gokongwei, Salazar named Management Persons of the Year

MANILA, Philippines — Tycoon Lance Gokongwei and Phinma Corp. president and COO Chito Salazar have been selected as recipients of the prestigious MAP Management Persons of the Year 2026 award.

During the Management Association of the Philippines’ general membership meeting yesterday, MAP governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said this year’s awardees were chosen for their outstanding achievements in the practice of management.

Gokongwei, president and CEO of conglomerate JG Summit Holdings Inc., was recognized for his leadership and management expertise in transforming the Gokongwei Group into a professionally managed institution. 

He was also cited for steering Universal Robina Corp. into a Filipino enterprise capable of competing in global markets and building it into one of Southeast Asia’s major consumer goods companies.

The tycoon was likewise recognized for budget airline Cebu Pacific’s efforts to make air travel more accessible to millions of Filipinos.

MAP also honored Gokongwei for advancing education, financial inclusion and health care through the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, GoTyme Bank and the group’s drugstore and health maintenance networks.

Lance joins the distinguished roster of MAP Management Persons of the Year, which includes his late father, John Gokongwei Jr.

Salazar, meanwhile, was chosen for his active role in nation-building, particularly his efforts to make quality and affordable higher education accessible to young people from low-income families.

 Under his leadership, Phinma Education has produced more than 104,000 college graduates, establishing itself as one of Southeast Asia’s largest private education networks serving underserved learners.

 MAP also recognized Salazar as the only Filipino recipient of the prestigious London-based Education Leaders Forum Fellowship, which honors pioneers whose lifetime contributions have transformed education in their respective countries.

 He was likewise honored for his ability to build businesses that combine strong financial performance with meaningful social impact at scale while upholding integrity, empathy and results. 

The MAP Management Persons of the Year honors will be conferred on Gokongwei and Salazar on Nov. 23.

 The award recognizes individuals in business or government who have made valuable contributions to the country and helped shape national values.

 It honors exceptional leaders and managers with a distinguished record of achievement who serve as role models for their peers and younger leaders.

Gokongwei and Salazar