Doris Magsaysay-Ho, president and CEO of A. Magsaysay Inc., is the 2026 Ramon V. del Rosario Nation Building Award recipient — the first woman to earn the honor.
She was recognized for transforming the Philippine maritime industry and uplifting Filipino seafarers and workers. Judges’ chair former Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban cited her leadership in building a globally respected sector while advancing people’s welfare. Co-chair Ramon R. del Rosario Jr. noted her work embodies the award’s core goal: using business to improve lives.
A Pratt Institute industrial design graduate, Ho expanded the family firm into a top Asian maritime manpower provider and diversified group. She helped launch the MOL Magsaysay Maritime Academy in Cavite in 2018, and drove crew welfare and gender equity initiatives — the group is the first Philippine maritime firm with EDGE gender certification, women holding 45 percent of junior management roles. She also leads Asia Society Philippines and has promoted Philippine culture globally.
