BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Former Senate President Manny Villar is currently the richest person in the entire Philippines, ranking 190th as the “richest billionaire in the world” in 2024, the only Filipino to make it to the top 200, according to Forbes’ 38th Billionaire’s List?

Villar has risen by 42 spots as one of the wealthiest billionaires globally, climbing from 232nd place in 2023. His net worth has surged to $11 billion or ₱619.2 billion, marking a $2.4 billion (₱135.1 billion) increase from his recorded net worth of $8.6 billion in 2023.

Currently serving as the chairperson of property developer Vista Land & Lifescapes, VistaREIT, AllHome Corporation, AllDay Marts Inc., Golden MV Holdings Inc., and the newly established ALLTV, which occupies the former frequency of ABS-CBN.

But did you know that Villar isn’t just wealthy or a ‘Villionaire,’ but he also has a good heart for the less fortunate because he also came from poverty before taking risks in business and becoming wealthy?

He was previously recognized as one of Forbes Asia’s “Heroes of Philanthropy” in 2020, where he was among the distinguished 15 individuals celebrated for their selfless contributions in the Asia-Pacific area.

According to Forbes Asia, he donated over two hectares of land to Saint Jude Catholic School in Manila in 2019. Additionally, he completed the donation of five hectares of land to his alma mater, the University of the Philippines (UP), for an innovation campus.

In addition to his land donations, Forbes Asia reported that the 70-year-old entrepreneur also contributed smaller sums to churches, poverty alleviation efforts, and the battle against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). These contributions included providing protective equipment and repurposing buildings into quarantine facilities.

Aside from those, he also established a foundation called “SIPAG Foundation.”

With the slogan “Saving one more Filipino from poverty,” Villar’s SIPAG Foundation endeavors to rescue Filipinos from hunger and inadequate assistance. Founded in 1992 by Senator Cynthia Villar, his spouse, the foundation aids Filipino families in their entrepreneurial endeavors, aiming to cultivate and empower the minds of aspiring businesspeople who can bring about positive change in society.

The foundation has facilitated skills training and technical education for entrepreneurs, with the hope that program beneficiaries will serve as inspirations for other aspiring entrepreneurs to glean from their success narratives.

Villar’s widely recognized journey from poverty to wealth is familiar: Raised in poverty in Tondo, Manila, he assisted his mother in selling fish in Divisoria and even experienced a period where he dropped out of elementary school. It’s likely due to his humble beginnings that he attributes education as crucial to his present success. Villar’s determination and achievements have bestowed upon him the moniker “Mr. Sipag at Tiyaga.”

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo: Facebook/Manny Villar