BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Forbes has unveiled its highly anticipated annual list of the richest individuals in the Philippines, and 2024 has spotlighted 26 women who have not only shattered glass ceilings but have also amassed fortunes that position them among the nation’s wealthiest.

While some of these women inherited their wealth from family empires, others have built their fortunes from the ground up, demonstrating resilience, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to their respective industries.

The Sy sisters, Teresita and Elizabeth, top the list with an astounding combined net worth of $13 billion (P745 billion). The Sy family’s wealth is primarily diversified, rooted in their significant stakes in the publicly traded SM Investments and SM Prime. As integral figures in the SM Group, the sisters continue to solidify their father’s legacy, navigating the conglomerate’s growth across various sectors, from retail and real estate to banking and tourism.

Not far behind are the Consunji sisters—Josefa, Luz, Maria, and Cristina—who share a collective net worth of $3.4 billion (P195 billion). Their wealth stems from DMCI Holdings, one of the largest construction and property development firms in the Philippines. These sisters have proven that the construction industry, traditionally dominated by men, can also be a domain where women excel and thrive.

Susan Co, another remarkable name on the list, has a net worth of $2.3 billion (P132 billion). As the chairman of Puregold Price Club, Susan Co has expanded her supermarket chain into one of the leading retail giants in the country, making shopping more accessible and affordable to millions of Filipinos.

The Gokongwei siblings—Robina, Lisa, Faith, Hope, and Marcia—are also featured prominently with a combined net worth of $1.9 billion (P108 billion). Their wealth is largely derived from JG Summit, a conglomerate with interests in airlines, telecommunications, banking, food, power, and property. Robina, the chief executive of Robinsons Retail, has particularly made her mark by steering the retail arm to new heights.

Vivian Que Azcona, president of Mercury Drug, holds a net worth of $1.7 billion (P97 billion). Mercury Drug is a household name in the Philippines, synonymous with accessible healthcare and pharmaceutical products. Under Vivian’s leadership, the drugstore chain has maintained its status as the leading pharmacy in the country, with branches nationwide.

Soledad Oppen-Cojuangco, with a net worth of $1 billion (P57 billion), inherited her wealth from her late husband, Eduardo Cojuangco, who was a towering figure in the San Miguel Corporation. Despite inheriting her fortune, Soledad has managed to keep her family’s diversified empire thriving in the years since her husband’s passing.

Jocelyn Campos, with a net worth of $940 million (P53 billion), is one of the heirs to Unilab, a leading pharmaceutical company in the Philippines. Her family’s legacy in healthcare continues to grow under her guidance, with Unilab now boasting over 350 brands of prescription and over-the-counter products.

Maria Grace Uy, co-founder of Converge ICT Solutions, has a net worth of $920 million (P52 billion). She has played a pivotal role in transforming Converge into one of the largest high-speed internet providers in the Philippines, making significant strides in the country’s telecommunications industry.

Josephine Gotianun, vice chairman of Filinvest Development, possesses a net worth of $805 million (P46 billion). Her leadership in one of the Philippines’ top conglomerates, with interests spanning property, banking, sugar, and power, underscores her formidable presence in the business world.

Betty Ang, president and co-founder of Monde Nissin, is worth $720 million (P41 billion). Monde Nissin, one of the country’s largest food manufacturers, has brought beloved brands like Lucky Me! and SkyFlakes to countless Filipino households, solidifying Betty’s status as a key player in the food and beverage industry.

These women, among others on the Forbes list, are a testament to the dynamic and evolving landscape of wealth in the Philippines. Their stories of inheritance, hard work, and perseverance continue to inspire and demonstrate that the country’s economy is as diverse as it is vibrant. As they lead their respective industries, these power women of wealth are redefining what it means to be successful in the Philippines today.

For a complete overview of the Philippines’ 50 richest individuals, visit the Forbes website. The list was compiled using detailed shareholding and financial information from families and individuals, stock exchanges, analysts, and various other sources, with net worths based on stock prices and exchange rates as of the close of markets on July 19, 2024.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Facebook Page Teresita Sy- Coson