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  • Writer's pictureKeng

Shattering Glass Ceilings: The Top 10 Wealthiest Women in the Philippines

In an era where women are increasingly taking the reins of business and entrepreneurship, the Philippines is no exception. The country boasts a growing number of women at the helm of corporations, guiding conglomerates, and holding influential positions in the business world. As we delve into the realm of wealth and prosperity, we shine a spotlight on the 10 richest women in the Philippines, each with a remarkable story of success and determination.


1. Teresita Sy-Coson

Estimated Net Worth: $2.5 billion

At the helm of the Sy family empire, Teresita Sy-Coson, often referred to as TSC, takes the lead. With a collective family wealth of $16.6 billion, the Sy siblings inherited the legacy of their late father, industrialist Henry Sy Sr. Teresita Sy-Coson, aged 71, is the co-chairman of SM Investments Corp., chairperson of BDO Unibank, advisor to the board of SM Prime Holdings, and chairperson of SM Retail. She graduated from Assumption College with a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in Commerce, majoring in management.


2. Elizabeth Sy

Estimated Net Worth: $2.2 billion

The sister of Teresita Sy-Coson, Elizabeth Sy, takes the second spot with an estimated wealth of $2.2 billion. Aged 69, she serves as an advisor to the boards of SM Investments and SM Prime. Elizabeth is responsible for overseeing the family conglomerate's hotel hospitality and leisure arm, chairing SM Hotels and Conventions, and co-chairing Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club. She holds a degree in Business Administration from Maryknoll College.


3. Soledad Oppen-Cojuangco

Estimated Net Worth: $1.42 billion

At 86, Soledad Oppen-Cojuangco stands as one of the wealthiest women in the Philippines. She is the widow of Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco, the former CEO of San Miguel Corp.


Upon his passing in 2020, Soledad inherited her late husband's $1.42 billion estate alongside their four children (Mark, Carlos, Luisa, and Margarita). At the time of his passing, Cojuangco was the chairman and CEO of San Miguel Corp., Ginebra San Miguel, and Petron Corp.


4. Betty Ang

Estimated Net Worth: $1.4 billion

Betty Ang, a co-founder of Monde Nissin, boasts a net worth of $1.4 billion. Before Monde Nissin went public on the Philippine bourse with the country's largest IPO to date, not much was known about the mysterious Betty Ang. She co-founded Monde Nissin in 1979 alongside Indonesian Hidajat Darmono, who was also her father-in-law.


The family already ran a successful food company in Indonesia, and Monde Nissin became their successful venture in the Philippines. Betty Ang serves as the president of Monde Nissin, while her husband, Hoediono Kweefanus, is the vice chairman. Her brother-in-law Hartono Kweefanus runs the company's day-to-day operations as chairman, and Henry Soesanto, her brother-in-law, is the CEO.


5. Mercedes Gotianun

Estimated Net Worth: $1.25 billion

Mercedes Gotianun, with a net worth of $1.25 billion, is the matriarch of the Gotianun family. She is the chairperson emerita of Filinvest Development Corp., a company she co-founded with her late husband, Andrew Gotianun Sr., in 1955. Filinvest is one of the largest property developers in the Philippines.


At the age of 93, Mercedes entrusts her daughter Josephine to run day-to-day operations as the company's president and CEO. Before her role as chairperson emerita, Mercedes served as the director of FDC from 1980 to 2019 and was the CEO of Filinvest Land Inc from 1997 to 2007. A UP graduate, she also holds director positions at East West Bank, Pacific Sugar Holdings Corp., and FDC Utilities Inc.



6. Maria Grace & Dennis Anthony Uy

Combined Net Worth: $2.8 billion

Maria Grace and Dennis Anthony Uy, the married co-founders of Converge ICT Solutions, share a combined net worth of $2.8 billion. As the CEO, Dennis Anthony often receives the limelight, but Maria Grace currently holds the positions of president, chief resource officer, and executive director of the company. A certified accountant, Maria Grace graduated from De La Salle University with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy.



7. Susan and Lucio Co

Combined Net Worth: $1.7 billion

The Cos, Susan and Lucio, are a married business couple that jointly manage their conglomerate, Puregold Price Club, a nationwide supermarket chain. Their combined wealth is estimated to be $1.7 billion. Susan Co serves as the vice chairman of Cosco Capital, the parent company of Puregold Price Club and S&R Membership Shopping. She is also a director at the Philippine Bank of Communications and holds a degree in Commerce from the University of Santo Tomas.



8. The Gokongwei Sisters

Combined Net Worth: $4 billion

The late industrialist John Gokongwei Jr. left the reins of JG Summit in the capable hands of his six children. While only son Lance Gokongwei serves as the chairman and CEO of the conglomerate, John's five daughters (Robina, Lisa, Faith, Hope, and Marcia Gokongwei) play significant roles in JG Summit's various units, including Universal Robina and the philanthropic Gokongwei Brothers Foundation.



9. The Ty Sisters

Combined Net Worth: $2.2 billion

The Ty siblings run Metrobank and GT Capital after their father, the tycoon George Ty, passed away. Led by Arthur, who serves as the chairman of GT Holdings, the Ty siblings also include Alfred, Alesandra, and Anjanette. Together, they share a wealth worth $2.2 billion. Anjanette is GT Capital's treasurer and holds several executive positions across various companies. Alesandra is currently the assistant treasurer of GT Capital, among other roles.


10. The Consunji Sisters

Combined Net Worth: $1.8 billion

The Consunji siblings share a combined net worth of $1.8 billion. The siblings, including Isidro, Jorge, Josefa, Luz, Maria Cristina, and Maria Edwina, have derived their wealth from construction and coal, primarily through DMCI Holdings and Semirara Mining and Power Corp. Sisters Maria Cristina, Maria Edwina, and Luz serve on the board of directors at DMCI Holdings.


The Que Sisters

Combined Net Worth: $1.65 billion

Led by Vivian Que Azcona, the Que siblings oversee Mercury Drug, a household brand. The eight Que siblings are the children of the late Mariano Que, who founded Mercury Drug in 1945. Despite its massive success, Mercury Drug remains a private company, providing the Que siblings with a degree of privacy. Together, they have a combined net worth of $1.65 billion.


In a world of opportunities, these women have risen to prominence, not only as astute businesswomen but as trailblazers who inspire and pave the way for the generations to come. Their stories are a testament to resilience, determination, and the potential for greatness in the realm of business, irrespective of gender. As they continue to lead and shape industries, their influence and success reverberate, making them true pillars of the Philippine business landscape.


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