Sec. Rogelio “Babes” L. Singson

A big part of connectivity is infrastructure, connecting people and places to different parts of the country. Expressways and bridges have undeniably shaped the daily lives of Filipinos, playing vital roles in transportation, tourism, trade and commerce.

Leading the charge in Philippine infrastructure is Sec. Rogelio “Babes” L. Singson, president and CEO of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), a prominent leader in the sector. Recently, he was awarded the title “MAP Management Person of the Year 2024” by the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP).

This prestigious award recognizes Mr. Singson’s leadership in infrastructure and significant contributions to both the public and private sectors — all are crucial to nation-building and economic development.

He was chosen for his contribution to reshaping national values by being a model of humility, ethical conduct, and spiritual uprightness, for good governance, and his “active role in the MVP group’s substantial contribution to national development in terms of job creation and income opportunities for various sectors of the economy,” in the words of Lilia B. de Lima, the award’s judging committee chairperson.

Every year, MAP awards the title for “MAP Management Person of the Year” to those individuals in the business or government who have demonstrated remarkable leadership and contributed to the growth of the country. This award recognizes leaders who have excelled in their respective fields and serves as an inspiration for young leaders.

“Allow me to briefly share my life in public service, both in the public and private sectors, and its contribution to nation-building as I thank individuals and institutions that played essential roles for my being here today as the 48th ‘MAP Management Person of the Year’, which happens to be my birth year 1948. These individuals and institutions have shaped my values and principles on good governance, providing guidance and support along the way,” Mr. Singson said during his acceptance speech.

This feat is even more remarkable, as Mr. Singson has not only led the infrastructure sector, but has also completely transformed the landscape of public infrastructure and governance in the Philippines. He has led key infrastructure projects in the country that benefit Filipinos to this day.

Under his leadership, the Philippines received its highest rating ever in the Germany-based watchdog Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index 2014. More remarkably, in lieu of his many achievements serving the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), including the implementation of Good Governance and Anti-Corruption program, he transformed the government body into one of the most acknowledged and efficient line agencies in the country.

“I made it very clear in our first DPWH ManCom meeting that we had to change the culture of DPWH and, with the help of some members of the DPWH ManCom, draw up our good governance and anti-corruption measures. We developed our management mantra and strategic objectives of the 3Rs — Right projects, Right cost and Right quality. Eventually, P-Noy added the 2 Rs — Right on time and by the Right people,” Mr. Singson said.

“This award is not just a recognition of my efforts, but a testament to the commitment of the late P-Noy to his Daang Matuwid (Straight Path) way of governance in serving the country. Let me quote, [former President Benigno “Noynoy” S. Aquino] said — “no wangwang (sirens), no entitlements; kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap (if there are no corrupt people, there will be no poor people). Kayo ang boss ko (You are my boss).”

A luminary in both the public and private sectors
MAP also recognized Mr. Singson’s exemplary role in leadership management, both in public and private sectors. According to MAP, he serves as a shining example for Filipino managers exemplifying “integrity, managerial competence, and professional leadership.”

In his venture to the private sector, he became the president of MVP Group’s subsidiaries, where he dedicated himself to ensuring that they will consistently serve the Filipino people and contribute to national development. MAP acknowledged his well-regarded leadership role in the MVP Group, specifically leading in public-private partnerships, tollway management, water and power utilities privatization, airports, seaports, and resorts.

“I made sure that we focused on the public service aspect of our plans and programs, and our contribution to nation-building. I emphasized that we are in public service operating under a private entity. We made sure that we addressed the needs and pain points of our customers and communities that we served,” Mr. Singson said.

Prior to his position in MPTC and MVP Group, he also played a key role in the Bases Conversion and Development Authority’s public-private partnership (PPP) projects in the country. Among these projects are the privatization and development of Fort Bonifacio and Villamor Air Base, where Bonifacio Global City and Newport City now stand.

During his service in the public sector, he was the Executive Director of the Coordinating Council of the Philippine Assistance Program (CCPAP); senior vice-president of the Fort Bonifacio Development Corp.; chair and president of BCDA; president and CEO of Maynilad Water Services; and the secretary of the DPWH.

Recently, he also became the president of the Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRT-1), Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen), and Metro Pacific Water Investments.

Certainly, Mr. Singson’s lifelong work and achievements have truly made a mark on the country. But there is still much to be done. Over the years, even as Mr. Singson enjoys a fulfilling and thriving lifestyle, he continues to stay passionate on his advocacy for good governance and anti-corruption, striving to elevate the Philippines even further.

“At my age of 76, I have been blessed with good health and able to live a balanced life — spiritually, mentally, physically, and in my social life. I still have my daily exercises, play golf on weekends whenever possible, go serious ballroom dancing, and I will continue my advocacy for good governance and anti-corruption measures, particularly in addressing the country’s water crisis,” he said.

“I wish and hope that some of my experiences and principles in good governance and anti-corruption measures based on hard work, political will, transparency, accountability, and citizen and stakeholder participation will inspire our NextGen and Gen Z future leaders for a better future for all Filipinos.”

Indeed, when it comes to the development of infrastructure in the Philippines, Mr. Singson is a name that will leave a lasting legacy. — Angela Kiara S. Brillantes

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