John Gokongwei Jr. dies at 93

Industrialist John Gokongwei, Jr., founder and chairman emeritus of JG Summit Holdings, Inc., passed away Saturday night at the age of 93.

The news was confirmed by his son, Lance, in a text message sent out on Sunday.

"Our beloved husband, father and grandfather John Gokongwei Jr. passed away peacefully 1141pm, November 9th at the Manila Doctor's Hospital surrounded by his loved ones. Please pray for the repose of his soul. Details of his wake to follow. Rest in Peace, Mr John," the text message read.

Gokongwei is also chairman of the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, Inc.

His business interests were in various industries—airline, manufacturing, petroleum, among others.

Gokongwei was deputy chairman and director of United Industrial Corporation Limited, and director of Cebu Air, Inc., Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. and Oriental Petroleum and Minerals Corporation.

"We, the 75,000-strong employees of JG Summit Holdings and Robinsons Retail Holdings, join the nation in paying tribute to the founder of the first Philippine multinational conglomerate, a philanthropist with a passion for education," the group's employees said in a statement.

"Mr. John, as we fondly called him, was a visionary. He was an inspiration to entrepreneurs and businessmen around the nation, with his pioneering ideas, his strong work ethic, his passion, and perseverance," the statement read.

He placed third on the 2019 Forbes Philippines Rich List with a net worth of $5.3 billion.

In 2017, the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) named him "Management Man of the Year."

The MAP said Gokongwei was selected as the recipient of the award given to "individuals in the business community or government for attaining unquestioned distinction in the practice of management and for contributing to the country’s progress."

Gokongwei had a master's degree in business administration from De La Salle University and attended Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program, according to JG Summit Holdings Inc.

De La Salle University deeply mourns the passing of an exemplary industry leader, selfless philanthropist, and outstanding Lasallian John Gokongwei, Jr. (Master of Business Administration ‘77). pic.twitter.com/8pZqa5PF3v

— DLSU (@DLSUManila) November 10, 2019

Malacañang on Sunday expressed its deep condolences to Gokongwei's family.

"Mr. Gokongwei, considered as one of the leading Taipans, was a visionary and pillar of the Philippine economy. Our people recognize [his] amazing journey as a self-made industrialist, respected business leader, and generous philanthropist. A grateful nation respects the man for the indelible legacy he made in the fields of business, entrepreneurship and philanthropy," Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

Vice President Leni Robredo likewise conveyed her condolences to the relatives of Gokongwei.

"Our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. John Gokongwei Jr. We will remember his many contributions not only to the business community, but to helping our fellow Filipinos in need," she wrote on Twitter.

Lawmakers, politicians and members of the business community on Sunday also mourned his passing.

The wake will take place from Monday, November 11 to Thursday, November 14 at the Heritage Park in Taguig from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Daily masses are scheduled at 7 p.m., with the funeral mass to be held 8:00 a.m. on Friday, November 8.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be instead made to charity. —with a report from Jon Viktor Cabuenas/KG/LBG, GMA News