BRIGIDO R. VALENCIA BE’31
Brigido R. Valencia was a man whose career spanned the spectrum from military service to business and public leadership. As a commissioned officer in the Corps of Engineers in the Philippine Army before and during World War II, he laid the foundation for a life marked by service, resilience, and success. Following the war, Valencia transitioned into the world of business, where he achieved remarkable success, and into public service, where he left a lasting impact as Secretary of Public Works and Communications.
In the post-war era, Valencia relocated to Davao City, where he ventured into the construction industry. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to diversify his business interests, expanding into logging operations, import-export trade, agricultural development, finance and investments, car distribution and sales, deep-sea fishing, and real estate. Valencia’s business acumen was evident in the numerous companies he led, including his roles as President and General Manager of Mindanao Lumber Co., Inc., BR Valencia and Co., Inc., Minda Development Co., Inc., Wise Financing Corporation, Inc., Mindanao Fishing Co., Inc. (MINFISCO, Inc.), Valencia Construction Co., Inc. (VALCONS), Valiant Auto Sales Corporation, and Valiant Motor Service Corporation. Additionally, he served as Chairman of the Board and President of Manila Gas Corporation, Executive Vice President of Munoz Press Inc., and a stakeholder in Manila Banking Corporation.
Valencia’s contributions were not confined to his business ventures. He played a pivotal role in shaping the educational and civic landscape of Mindanao. He was one of the founders of Mindanao Colleges and served as President of the UP Alumni Association (Davao Chapter), Davao Association of Civil Engineers and Contractors, Rotary Club of Davao City, and the Philippine Association of Log Producers and Exporters (PCPE). He was also an active member of the Philippine Society of Civil Engineers, the Rotary Club of Manila, and the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.
Valencia’s relentless pursuit of excellence was recognized through numerous awards, reflecting his outstanding achievements in both business and civic duties. Among his accolades were Lumberman of the Year in 1961 by the Business Writers Association of the Philippines, Most Outstanding Businessman of the Year by Central Luzon Affairs in Baguio City on April 14, 1962, and Most Outstanding Lumber Executive of the Year in 1961 by the National Region Commentators and Announcers Club in Manila on April 29, 1962. He was also honored by the Joint Civic Organization of Mindanao, including the Rotary Club, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Davao Press, and the Regional Association of Davao City, for his pioneering contributions to the economic development of Mindanao.
Brigido R. Valencia’s life was one of significant impact, from his service in the military to his leadership in business and public service. His legacy is a testament to his commitment to excellence and his enduring contributions to the development of both Mindanao and the nation.
