The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has named JG Summit Holdings Inc. President and CEO Lance Y. Gokongwei and PHINMA Corporation President and COO Dr. Chito B. Salazar as its 2026 Management Persons of the Year, recognizing their contributions to corporate transformation, education and inclusive economic growth.
The award highlights two distinct approaches to leadership: building diversified businesses with long-term staying power and expanding access to education through financially sustainable models.
Gokongwei was recognized for steering the Gokongwei Group into one of the Philippines’ largest and most diversified conglomerates while strengthening professional management and long-term sustainability.
MAP cited his leadership in expanding Universal Robina Corporation into a major Southeast Asian consumer goods company and broadening access to air travel through Cebu Pacific. The airline placed the largest aircraft order in Philippine history, underscoring its ambitions for future growth.
His contributions also extend beyond commercial operations through initiatives in education, financial inclusion and healthcare, including the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, GoTyme Bank and the group’s healthcare businesses.
Salazar, meanwhile, was recognized for developing an education model designed to make quality higher education more affordable for students from low-income families without sacrificing financial viability.
Under his leadership, PHINMA Education has produced more than 104,000 college graduates and grown into Southeast Asia’s largest private education network serving underserved learners.
MAP also highlighted Salazar’s distinction as the only Filipino recipient of the London-based Education Leaders Forum Fellowship, citing his ability to build financially successful enterprises with measurable social impact.
The association said the award recognizes exceptional management, integrity, leadership and contributions to nation-building. It has been conferred only 51 times in the organization’s six-decade history, following a stringent selection process.
Previous recipients include John Gokongwei Jr., Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Manuel V. Pangilinan and Teresita Sy-Coson. Hans T. Sy received the distinction in 2025.
This year’s dual recognition underscores the range of leadership approaches MAP honors, from strengthening Philippine conglomerates for long-term competitiveness to using sustainable business models to widen access to essential services.
