Alfredo Panlilio to lead MAP in propelling PHL’s progress through management excellence
Alfredo “Al” S. Panlilio, chairman of Maya Bank, Inc. and director of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) and Smart Communications (Smart), is stepping up as the 77th president of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), a prestigious organization in the country that recognizes management excellence across different industries.
When it comes to leadership and business excellence, Mr. Panlilio is a familiar name. The MAP’s president for 2025 served as the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of PLDT, Inc. and Smart, as well as one of the founding members under the Digital Infrastructure pillar of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC).
Mr. Panlilio has excelled in different high-level positions, starting with Senior Vice-President and Head of Customer Retail Services and Corporate Communication of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) from 2010 to 2019.
During his service under the Meralco Group, he served as chair for subsidiaries Radius Telecoms, e-Meralco Ventures, Paragon Vertical Corp., Powersource First Bulacan Solar, and Pure Meridian Hydropower Corp. He was also the vice-chair of Aclara Meters Philippines and director of the following companies: CIS Bayad Center, Corporate Information Solutions, Customer Frontline Solutions, Meralco Energy, MRail, Inc., Meralco Industrial Engineering Services Corp., Comstech Integration Alliance, and MSpectrum. Mr. Panlilio also took on roles of a trustee for One Meralco Foundation and Meralco Power Academy. He also served as the associate board member of Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc. (SEIPI).
On top of his current role at Maya Bank, Mr. Panlilio serves as the director of Philippine Veterans Bank, MultiSys Technologies Corp., and MultiPlay.
Mr. Panlilio has been recognized for his outstanding leadership in business communication excellence and customer management, earning him multiple accolades from the industry. He was honored as the CEO Excel Awardee of the International Association of Business Communicators Philippines (2013), CEO of the Year at the 2022 Asia Communication Awards, and one of the finalists in the Rising Star (Individual) category at the PLATTS Global Energy Awards (2015).
Alongside his business ventures, Mr. Panlilio is championing sports to boost both local and global relationships. He is a member of the Federation Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) Central Board and the second vice-president of the FIBA Asia Board. He also serves in the following sports organizations: the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and MVP Sports Foundation as president, the Philippine Olympic Committee as first vice-president, and the National Golf Association of the Philippines as chair. During the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2023, he served as the head of the Philippine local organizing committee.
Beyond sports, Mr. Panlilio also actively contributes to society by focusing on improving education for Filipinos. For instance, he is a trustee at the Ateneo Scholarship Foundation and Kapampangan Development Foundation.
Aside from Mr. Panlilio, the MAP’s Board of Governors this year consist of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) Director of Government and Public Affairs Atty. Michael “Mike” T. Toledo (Vice-President); SGV & Co. Chair and Country Managing Partner and Ernst & Young Global Member Practice Wilson P. Tan (Treasurer); AC Health President and CEO Paolo F. Borromeo (Assistant Treasurer); GT Capital Holdings Independent Director Gil B. Genio (Secretary); Ayala Corp. Consultant and Former Secretary Rene D. Almendras (Governor); KPMG R.G. Manabat & Co. Vice-Chair, COO, and Head of Advisory Atty. Noel P. Bonoan (Governor); Center for Excellence in Governance Vice-Chair Rex C. Drilon II (Governor); and CEO Advisors, Inc. Managing Director Marianne “Maan” B. Hontiveros (Governor).
This year’s board was inducted by MVP Group Chair and MAP Management Person of the Year 2005 Manuel “Manny” V. Pangilinan (MVP), who also served as the guest speaker during the 77th Inaugural Meeting last Jan. 15 at the Shangri-La The Fort in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Leading with more integrity
Carrying the theme “Management Excellence for a Progressive Philippines” this year, the MAP, under Mr. Panlilio’s leadership, is in hopes for sharper impact across the country and the business community.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to serve as the 77th president of the Management Association of the Philippines. It is humbling to be included in the distinguished roster of presidents and leaders who have built MAP to what it is today,” Mr. Panlilio said.
As he begins his term, Mr. Panlilio pointed out the MAP’s clear focus on addressing the top concerns of management executives this year. In the dynamic world of business and management, recognizing the needs and challenges of leaders is paramount towards efficient leadership.
According to a recent MAP survey report, results of which were also shared during the aforementioned meeting, corruption remains a main concern of executives, along with concerns in education, economy, the ease of doing business, cybersecurity, climate change, and dealing with the local government units.
To address such concerns, Mr. Panlilio said, the MAP will focus on its four key areas: member engagement; country competitiveness; environment, social, and governance (ESG) and shared prosperity; and investing in youth. These areas will guide the association in sharpening impact and achieving better management excellence and a more progressive Philippines.
“For 2025, we will once again build on MAP’s legacy and its strengths, while forging forward to a relevant and progressive future. We’ve chosen a theme aligned with MVP’s mission of promoting management excellence for nation-building,” Mr. Panlilio said in his inaugural address.
Furthermore, Mr. Panlilio also shared that one of MAP’s plans is to continue working in addressing corruption through the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), an agency that plays a pivotal role in ensuring the ease of businesses among all agencies in the Philippine government.
Leveraging his experience at PLDT, Mr. Panlilio saw that ARTA opens a great opportunity to strengthen business management among companies, bringing about real positive changes within them.
“You know, when I was in PLDT, Inc. during the pandemic, we had some issues also; but ARTA came in a big way to help us. Actually, there was a directive by the President then to improve connectivity, and one of the hindrances at that time was the licensing and business permits,” the MAP president added.
With Mr. Panlilio’s enthusiasm about further developing and supporting MAP and its initiatives, the MAP is committed to strive forward to be a steady force in promoting management excellence for nation-building and for the betterment of the lives of Filipinos.
“In general, we will build on MAP’s ongoing activities that benefit our members and other stakeholders. While focusing on the four main thrusts, we will continue to pursue other advocacies and programs to adapt to the developments in the domestic global landscape,” he said. — Angela Kiara S. Brillantes
