An avenue in Bridgetowne is named after the late businessman and philanthropist John Gokongwei Jr. this Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
This milestone comes just days before what would have been the late business tycoon’s 100th birthday on August 11.
More than the naming of an avenue, his family sees this as a fitting tribute—an enduring recognition of his life’s work and contributions to society.
In his speech, Lance Yu Gokongwei, current president and chief executive officer of JG Summit Holdings Inc, says: “As we unveil John Gokongwei, Jr. Boulevard today here in Bridgetowne, our family is deeply humbled.
“This avenue is more than a physical tribute or a name on a sign. It is a living reminder of the path my father paved for all of us.
“It represents the foundation upon which the entire Gokongwei Group stands, and the benchmark of integrity and purpose that continues to guide our journey forward.”
Lance also takes a moment to reflect on the past: “Standing here today, just days ahead of what would have been my father’s 100th birth anniversary on August 11, brings back so many vivid memories of who Mr. John was—not just as a leader, but as a father.”
John was born on August 11, 1926, in Xiamen, China.
He passed away on November 9, 2019, at the age of 93.
Read: John Gokongwei Jr.: The billionaire who once sold peanuts
JOHN GOKONGWEI JR. AND HIS LEGACY
He then speaks about the late patriarch on a more personal level, offering a glimpse of who he is beyond his reputation as one of the country’s most successful entrepreneurs.
“Many people know my dad as a bold entrepreneur, a visionary who built businesses from the ground up, and a man of relentless drive. But to us, his family, and to those who worked closely alongside him, he was first and foremost a teacher.
“My father lived his life by a set of very simple, non-negotiable principles: relentless hard work, absolute integrity, prudence in managing what we are blessed with, and an unwavering belief in the potential of the Filipino.
“He didn't just teach us these values in words; he demonstrated them every single day in the way he lived, the way he treated people, and the way he made decisions.
“He showed us that true vision isn't just about dreaming big—it's about having the grit and discipline to turn those dreams into reality for the service of others.”
Lance then extends his gratitude to everyone who continues to uphold his father’s legacy.
“On behalf of the Gokongwei family, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped make this meaningful tribute possible, and to all of you who continue to keep my father’s values alive in the work you do every day.
“May this boulevard serve as an enduring symbol of his spirit—a reminder that with vision, discipline, and a heart for our nation, there are no limits to what we can build together.
“Maraming salamat and on behalf of the Gokongwei family, I welcome you to the JOHN GOKONGWEI JR. BOULEVARD.”
THE SUCCESS STORY OF JOHN GOKONGWEI
At the age of 13, John lost his father. As the eldest child, he assumed the responsibility of supporting his family.
While still a minor, he experienced hardships but overcame obstacles through his resourcefulness.
The lessons and experience he gained from working at a young age became valuable assets in his later ventures.
At the unveiling, executives and family members pose with a bicycle, a traditional mode of transportation that holds great significance in Mr. John’s life.
As a teenager, he used it to sell items he considered essential—soap, candles, sewing supplies, and fabrics.
And though the work was physically demanding, every turn of the pedal allowed him to earn and provide for his family.
These early experiences later proved instrumental in shaping his success in business.
He never stopped learning and even returned to school to equip himself with the knowledge needed to succeed: to better understand how business works, to gauge the pulse of customers, and to have the capacity to come up with innovative ideas.
Today, Mr. John’s success lives on through the conglomerates he worked so hard to build, the JG Summit Holdings, Inc.
Over time, his businesses—spanning various industries across products and services—expanded and created jobs for countless Filipinos.
The group’s diversified portfolio includes food manufacturing (Universal Robina Corporation), air transportation (Cebu Pacific), real estate (Robinsons Land Corporation), petrochemicals, banking (GoTyme Bank), and other strategic investments.
Of course, his name is also tied to renowned mall brand in the country, Robinsons, and the conglomerate's socio-civic arm, Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, which provides scholarship and academic support to deserving students.
