MANILA — First Philippine Holdings Corp. (FPH), the Lopez Group’s pioneering energy and infrastructure company, has elected respected economist and former National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director-General Dr. Cielito Habito as an independent director, signaling the group’s intent to further deepen its strategic governance amid the evolving business and policy landscape.
Habito, who served as socioeconomic planning secretary under President Fidel V. Ramos from 1992 to 1998, brings decades of experience in development economics, policymaking, and sustainability. He is currently Professor of Economics at Ateneo de Manila University, Chairman of Brain Trust Inc. and Operation Compassion Philippines, and a columnist for the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
His appointment to the FPH board is seen as a move to infuse public-sector perspective into the group’s long-standing focus on clean energy, inclusive growth, and environmental stewardship.
Habito also holds key advisory and trustee roles in organizations such as Sun Life Financial, Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, JICA Philippines, and World Bank’s CSO Advisory Group. He earned his economics doctorate from Harvard University and has been recognized with the Philippine Legion of Honor and The Outstanding Young Men Award for Economics.
His addition bolsters First Holding’s board with expertise in development policy, economic strategy, and governance.
