With his business acumen and management expertise in transforming a private construction firm into one of the Philippines' biggest and most resilient conglomerates, DMCI Holdings Inc. chairperson and president Isidro Consunji Jr. was chosen by the Management Association of the Philippines as this year's Man of the Year.

According to the MAP, Consunji was also chosen for his leadership role in his group's substantial contributions to national development, job creation, and income generation through huge investments in construction, real estate, mining, energy, and water distribution.

The DMCI top honcho was extolled for his unparalleled commitment to developing, training, and sustaining a Filipino management team and staff; his generous contribution to education, especially in the field of Engineering and Science; and his significant contribution in the form of innovative solutions to the housing problem of the Philippines.

Turnaround guru

He was also cited for his expertise in turning problematic assets and distressed companies under seemingly insurmountable situations into very productive investments; for being an exemplar of the Filipino entrepreneurial spirit without public display and self-promotion; and for his contributions to shaping national values and inspiring others through his track record of integrity, managerial competence and professional leadership.

The MAP Management Man of the Year award is conferred by the MAP on an individual in business or government — whether or not he or she is a member of the MAP, who has attained unquestioned distinction in the practice of management, and has made valuable contributions to the progress of the country and in re-shaping national values.

It is bestowed on exceptional persons who have posted a record of achievement and distinction as leaders and managers of organizations, and who are exemplary models who deserve to be emulated by their peers and by the younger leaders and managers.

The conferment of the award follows a thorough, stringent selection process.  The distinction of "MAP Management Man of the Year" has only been conferred 46 times in the five-decade history of the award.

Criteria for the award include integrity, leadership, and management qualities; contribution to nation-building and values formation; effective stewardship within the confines of the highest standard of business and management practice; among others.