The Philippine Star
November 2, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan is pushing for purpose-driven leadership, reminding the next generation leaders about the importance of integrity, perseverance and service.
“Applause has a short echo. What lasts longer is our obligation to keep contributing – to keep our institutions sound, and to keep our next generation of leaders engaged, prepared, and dreaming,” Pangilinan said in his message delivered by Meralco PowerGen Corp. president and CEO Emmanuel Rubio during the Asia CEO Awards 2025.
Pangilinan, chairman of the MVP Group, was honored with the Lifetime Contribution Award for his enduring leadership and impact on Philippine business and nation-building.
He shared that after a lifetime in business, what endures are not the titles or milestones, but the people who continue to believe that “hard work – rendered with integrity and tenacity – still matters.”
Pangilinan urged the youth to find fulfillment not only in success, but in service, emphasizing that the nation’s progress depends on the next generation doing even better than those who came before them.
At the same event, PLDT and Smart, were recognized among the Circle of Excellence awardees for CSR Company of the Year, underscoring the PLDT Group’s commitment to uplifting Filipino communities through technology-enabled programs.
Through PLDT and Smart Communities, the companies continue to advance digital wellness, disaster resilience, education, inclusion and livelihood programs that empower Filipinos and promote sustainable progress.
Now on its 16th year, the Asia CEO Awards stands as the largest business awards event in the Philippines – and the biggest of its kind in Southeast Asia. With over 600 nominations from top organizations, the event celebrates leaders and enterprises whose vision, passion and purpose continue to shape the nation’s future.