Oscar M. Lopez - Leaving A Legacy Of Social Responsibility And Entrepreneurship

Former Chairman Emeritus Oscar M. Lopez of First Philippine Holdings (FPH) Group passed away at the age of 93, leaving the company and the Philippine business community in mourning.

Photo Insert: Lopez was a visionary leader who oversaw FPH's expansion into power generation, industrial estates, construction, and other fields, while championing corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of Filipinos.

OML, as he was known, was a visionary leader who oversaw FPH's expansion into power generation, industrial estates, construction, and other fields.

He was also a firm believer in the importance of corporate social responsibility, well ahead of his time, and his legacy will endure through the company's ongoing commitment to its core values of entrepreneurship, excellence, unity, nationalism, and social justice.

Lopez was a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude in 1951. He also completed his Masters of Public Administration at the Littauer School of Public Administration, also at Harvard, in 1955.

In recognition of his many contributions to the Philippines and beyond, Lopez was conferred with numerous honorary degrees, including Doctor of Humanities honoris causa by the De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University in 2010, and Doctor of Laws honoris causa by the Philippine Women’s University (2009), as well as the University of the Philippines (2012).

During his time as FPH chairman emeritus from May 2010 to October 2020, and as chief strategic officer of FPH, Lopez also held the position of chairman emeritus of various companies such as Lopez Holdings Corporation, First Gen Corporation, Energy Development Corporation, First Balfour, First Philippine Industrial Park, Inc., First Philippine Electric Corporation, and Rockwell Land.

He was also involved in other Lopez Group companies in directorship and/or executive capacities for more than 20 years.

OML will be remembered as a shining example of a leader who embodied the values of integrity, excellence, and compassion. His contributions to the business community, as well as his commitment to the environment and social justice, will continue to inspire generations of Filipinos.

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