DMCI Holdings Founding Chairman David M. “DM” Consunji was recently recognized as the Grandfather of the Construction Industry by the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines, an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). 

Engr. David M. Consunji was hailed as the Grandfather of the Construction Industry by the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP). DTI Sec. Ramon M. Lopez (second from left) presented the award to DMCI Holdings Chairman and President Isidro A. Consunji (third from left) and D.M. Consunji, Inc. President and CEO Jorge A. Consunji (fourth from left). Also present during the awarding ceremony were CIAP Executive Director Arch. Ramon Abiera (leftmost), DTI Usec. Atty. Ruth B. Castelo (second from right) and DTI Usec. Rowel Barba (rightmost).

The posthumous award was conferred by DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez during the annual Philippine Construction Congress at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). The annual event was held to ‘formulate the overall strategic direction of the country’s construction industry.’ 

DMCI Holdings Chairman and President Isidro A. Consunji and D.M. Consunji, Inc. President and CEO Jorge A. Consunji accepted the award on behalf of their father. 

DM founded the DMCI group of companies on the belief that an honest contractor can make a reasonable profit. His passion to build was equaled only by his commitment to serve. 

While DM was known for constructing iconic buildings, luxury hotels and public infrastructure, his most treasured project is the UP Chapel, which was built with the combined efforts of four National Artists. 

Aside from his storied career in the private sector, DM also served as Secretary of the Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communications from 1970 to 1975. 

He was a papal awardee of the Knighthood of Saint Sylvester in 1988, Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) Man of the Year in 1996 and one of the 4 awardees of The Outstanding Filipino of 2002. 

DM also received multiple recognitions from his alma mater, including the 2016 Most Distinguished Alumnus from the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA).