Gokongwei, Salazar named Management Persons of the Year

MANILA, Philippines — Tycoon Lance Gokongwei and Phinma Corp. president and COO Chito Salazar have been named recipients of the esteemed MAP Management Persons of the Year 2026 award. MAP governor Amando Tetangco Jr. announced at the general membership meeting that this year’s honorees were selected for their exceptional achievements in management.

Gokongwei, CEO of JG Summit Holdings Inc., was praised for his leadership and expertise in transforming his conglomerate into a professionally managed institution and expanding Universal Robina Corp. into a globally competitive consumer goods company. He was also recognized for his efforts in making air travel more accessible through Cebu Pacific and advancing education, financial inclusion, and healthcare.

Joining Gokongwei in this distinguished list is his late father, John Gokongwei Jr. Salazar was honored for his role in nation-building, particularly his commitment to providing affordable higher education to low-income students. Under his leadership, Phinma Education has produced over 104,000 graduates, making it one of Southeast Asia’s largest private education networks.

MAP also acknowledged Salazar as the sole Filipino recipient of the prestigious London-based Education Leaders Forum Fellowship, and commended him for his ability to create businesses that achieve financial success while making a significant social impact. Both recipients will be honored on November 23, as the award recognizes outstanding leaders and managers who have made significant contributions to the nation and set an exemplary standard for others to follow.