Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of Davao City, the presumptive president of the Republic of the Philippines revealed during an interview with the media that his choice for DOTC Secretary is a squatter-turned-millionaire. Mayor Duterte’s choice is no other than Arthur “Art” Tugade, his classmate from San Beda College of Law, to head the Department of Transporation and Communications.
Watch Art Tugade’s Interview with Mareng Winnie Monsod:
Art Tugade is the founder of Perry’s Group of Companies, he is a renowned personality in the business circle whose story has captured the imagination of business watchers because of its dramatic turns. He also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the government agency Clark Development Corporation since December 2012.
The future cabinet member of Mayor Rody Duterte under his administration started rising from poverty after San Beda awarded him a scholarship grant, which allowed him to study at the school from Grade 1 until he finished Law, where he graduated cum laude.
According to Art Tugade his basic principles as an employer is: “The greatest asset of a company are the employees.” “If they are the greatest asset, like any other asset, you should take care of them,” he said.
As a testament to Tugade’s commitment with his employees, the company Perry’s Gropu of Companies also enjoy quarterly bonus, monthly grocery allowance, free lunch with unlimited rice, unlimited coffee or tea, transportation allowance, gym facilities, and nursing rooms for the employees’ children. The employees also enjoy a wide range of opportunities, including the chance to become a board member and stock holder of the company.
During the term of Pres. Aquino, the 69-year-old Art Tugade was appointed as the president and chief executive officer of Clark Development Corporation starting on the year 2012. Aside from the said post, Art Tugade also served as chairman of notable firms, including Yusen Air & Sea Services, Transnational Diversified Group, Inc., TDG Asia Corporation and Harmony Organic Farms Inc., among others.
