Don Francisco 'Paquito' Ortigas Jr.

Bio-data & Awards

Francisco-Ortigas-Jr-v4

Don Francisco 'Paquito' Oritgas Jr.

Francisco Ortigas, Jr. was a prominent Filipino lawyer, corporate leader, and civic figure who played key roles in various sectors, including real estate, manufacturing, finance, and public service. 

His leadership in Ortigas & Company and numerous other companies shaped major developments in Metro Manila and beyond. He was also actively involved in civic organizations like the Lions Club, where he became the first Filipino to hold a directorial position in its International Board. 

In addition to his corporate and civic contributions, he provided vital advisory roles to the Philippine government in post-war economic development and policy reforms. His numerous awards and recognitions reflect his lasting impact on both the private and public sectors.

Personal Information

Parents

  • Francisco Ortigas, Sr. 
  • Julia Vargas

Date of Birth

  • November 10, 1906

Place of Birth

  • City of Manila, Philippines

Death

  • February 2, 2003

Spouse

  • Remedios Miranda y Mendoza

Children

  • Six (2 daughters, 4 sons)

Education

High School

  •  De La Salle College (now De La Salle University), 1925

Associate of Arts (AA)

  • De La Salle College, 1927

Law Degree

  • University of the Philippines, Passed Bar in 1931

Master of Laws (LLM)

  • University of Santo Tomas, 1937

Professional Career

Law Practice

  • Partner, Ortigas & Ortigas Law Firm (1931-1977)
  • Bar Examiner in Commercial Law (1952 and 1953)

Real Estate & Business Leadership

  • President of Ortigas & Company, Limited Partnership (1936-1998)
  • Chairman of multiple corporations including:
    • Atlantic Gulf & Pacific Industrial Corporation
    • Philippine Explosives Corporation
    • Bayer (Philippines) Inc.
    • Delta Manufacturing Corporation
    • Trans-Philippines Investment Corporation
    • Binalbagan-Isabela Sugar Co. (BISCOM)
  • Director in various corporations including:
    • Philippine Banking Corporation
    • Cassella Philippines, Inc.
    • Filipinas Compañia de Seguros
    • Philippine Guaranty
    • Philippine Iron Mines
    • Commonwealth Foods, Inc.

Philanthropic and Civic Involvement

  • Trustee of Operation Brotherhood (1960)
  • First President of the Manila Lions Club (1949)
  • Special Consultant for Lions International, District 301-A (1961-1982)
  • Involved in civic movements like Operation Quickcount for ensuring free elections (1961)
  • Chairman of fundraising campaigns for various national projects

Major Awards & Honors

Ozanam Award

  • Ateneo de Manila (1961)

De La Salle College Award for Law

  • Golden Jubilee (1961)

Gold Medal Award & Citation

  • Confederation of Filipino Veterans (1962)

Most Outstanding Business Executive and Industry Leader

  • (1965)

Recipient of St. John Baptist de La Salle Medal

  • Christian leadership (1965)

Doctor of Agricultural Business (Honoris Causa)

  • Xavier University (1967)

Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa)

  • Central Philippine University (1983)

Knight Grand Cross of Rizal (KGCR)

  • (1982)

Government Appointments & Contributions

Appointed to several government missions and panels by Presidents Ramon Magsaysay, Carlos P. Garcia, and Elpidio Quirino, such as:

  • Philippine Reparation Mission to Japan (1954)
  • Philippine National Bank Director (1954)
  • Import Control Commission (1950)
  • Member of National Rice & Corn Corporation (NARIC) (1951)
  • Joint Philippine-Indonesia Bilateral Agreements Committee (1968)

Organizational Memberships

Member of prestigious clubs and associations including:

  • La Salle Alumni Association
  • Philippine Society of International Law
  • Knights of St. Sylvester (Papal Award)
  • Philippine Cancer Society
  • Board of Governors, Manila Stock Exchange
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