From Breadwinner To Billionaire: John Gokongwei Jr.'s Legacy

Would you give a man a fish to feed him for a day or teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime?

This proverb is often rhetorical—a stylish expression of an idea that serves as a thought to ponder. But for John Gokongwei, Jr., the Filipino billionaire businessman and philanthropist who founded JG Summit Holdings, one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines, it was a guiding principle.

Unlike many, Gokongwei, Jr. began his career without a college diploma. All he had was a bicycle and a purpose: to provide for his family in a post-war world. Despite tremendous difficulties, his lack of formal education never lessened his love for learning. He eventually completed a Master's degree while already running a successful company.

On his 80th birthday, Gokongwei, Jr. announced that he would donate half of his own holdings from JG Summit to establish the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation.

Why? Simply because he believed that to improve a man's life, you should teach him how to fish.

The documentary film, A Boy, A Bicycle, and a Legacy: Remembering John Gokongwei Jr. shines a light on the steadfast values of one of the country's pioneering tycoons as seen from the touching perspective of his family. From his passion for education to his deep affection for his family and country, Mr. John's wisdom grows more evident when the Gokongwei family pays tribute to the life of an exceptional man who walked his talk.

John Gokongwei, Jr.: A life's purpose is the source of resilience

At the young age of 13, Gokongwei Jr. dealt with the loss of his father with one resolve in mind: to fend for his family as the breadwinner. This purpose and promise to his mother that propelled him to pick up his bike and peddle in the market and neighboring towns from their home in Cebu.

He served as a leader of the family, a compass toward a better direction as they navigated through challenges and uncertainties brought about by the impact of war. The support of his mother and siblings was ever-present, yet his tireless drive became an imprint of his resilience in business amidst economic turbulence and market collapse.

As one of the country's most admired businessmen, Gokongwei Jr. knew things wouldn't always go as planned. Bad things would happen. When these situations arose, he had one bold response in mind: What's the next step?

“I think he’s always had that desire to make a difference,” said Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng, Summit Media President and and GBF Managing Director, about her father. “He doesn’t have to say it. You can see it the way he lived his life. He was always not afraid to be different.” 

The success of one is the success of all

When Gokongwei Jr. saw that he could support his family, they all came together to serve the business he had established. In turn, they wanted to grow the business to help society, and, ultimately, to create something good for the country.

Their goal was to bring the comforts of life to all Filipinos, not just the select few. This aligned with his purpose of improving the lives of families through budget airlines, affordable communications, and delicious beverages and snacks. His determination to go head-to-head with established names showed his fearlessness because his vision was for the good of the people and the country. He constantly asked: What else can be done?

“You feel quite sweet, quite proud, quite gratified that your father and mother, obviously, who were willing to contribute to a cause greater than themselves.” —Lance Gokongwei, son of Gokongwei Jr. and President and CEO of JG Summit

Education is key to nation-building

As the breadwinner of the family, Gokongwei Jr. had to sacrifice time away from school, yet his passion for learning never waned. He read as much as his time allowed and consumed as many books and newspapers as he could find. He kept up with current events and sought to understand world history with the same thirst for new knowledge.

“All the brothers like education, especially Mr. John because he is a self learner, he loves education,” described James Go, brother of Gokongwei Jr. “And so, we thought the best way to help the country is through education.”

Although he had already established household brands and products, he chose to return to school and finish his Master's Degree in Business Administration at De La Salle University—balancing this with a hectic schedule and a growing family.

It wasn't until his 80th birthday that Gokongwei Jr. revealed just how much he valued education by establishing the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation in 1992, together with his brothers Henry, Johnson, and James. In a bittersweet moment, he generously announced that he would give half of his stake in the company to the foundation, amounting to hundreds of millions.

“We were caught by surprise, but we were so happy when he announced it,” recalled Robina Gokongwei-Pe, daughter of Gokongwei Jr. and Director of JG Summit Holdings, Inc. and Trustee and Secretary of GBF. “You feel quite sweet, quite proud, quite gratified that your father and mother, obviously, who were willing to contribute to a cause greater than themselves,” added Lance Gokongwei, son of Gokongwei Jr. and President and CEO of JG Summit.

A legacy of the brothers for future generations

Currently, over 10,000 graduates, active scholars, beneficiaries, and trained teachers are part of the programs of the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF).

In Gokongwei Jr.’s view, the Philippines will advance on the global scale when it industrializes. That's why the GBF focuses on honing students in STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through grants, training, and development. Many beneficiaries of the foundation have moved on to work as professionals working for JG Summit companies and its partners.

Ann Corrine Saguin, a teacher scholar described her experience at the TeachSTEM scholarship program as an opportunity for her to share her knowledge with students who really deserve to learn. “If it weren’t for GBF, if it weren’t for Gokongwei, I cannot afford my education,” she said. “Because if I don’t know anything, how will my students know?”

Gokongwei Jr. and his brothers view the foundation and the holdings company as symbiotic. When the company grows, so does the foundation, benefiting the country in a win-win situation. This incredible foresight epitomizes the life purpose of Gokongwei Jr.—from initially helping his family to providing for the society, and finally, shaping the country for generations to come.

From a fearless boy on a bike who once dreamed of a better life for his family, to a philanthropic billionaire who has changed and continues to change the lives of thousands of Filipino families, John Gokongwei, Jr. never forgot his purpose of providing opportunities for his family and his country.

Watch his touching documentary film A Boy, A Bicycle, and a Legacy: Remembering John Gokongwei Jr. for free on YouTube: