ART TUGADE

President Dutertes ambitious Build, Build, Build program will modernize the countrys infrastructure backbone with 75 flagship projects spending at least $36 billion. Responsibility for much of these fall on the broad (but overloaded) shoulders of Arthur Tugade, Secretary of Transportation. Six airports, nine railways, three bus rapid transits, 32 roads and bridges, four seaports and many more will help bring down the costs of production, improve rural incomes, encourage countryside investments and create millions of jobs. Hear Art Tugade, describe his progress and incredible challenges managing the largest transportation investments in the history of the nation. If he is successful, Philippines will set the economy on the road of middle-income status as early 2022. Art Tugade is not only one of the most powerful men in the nation, he is also one of the most likable and a fantastic speaker. He is among many in the current administration who are sacrificing their careers (and personal health) to move the nation ahead in the face of incredible opposition and unfair criticism. Art Tugade grew up in the slums and worked his way to being a lawyer and successful business owner. A scholar of San Beda College from Elementary to Law School, Tugade believes in giving back and paying forward. He founded Perrys Group of Companies, with interests in trucking, logistics, shipping, fuel distribution, travel, and fashion. Perrys is a testament to Tugades brand of leadership and his high regard to what he says is every business greatest asset: the employees. Apart from bonuses, the companys employees are entitled to free lunch, monthly grocery allowance, transportation allowance, and free use of amenities such as fitness gym and nursing room. Art started as an Executive Assistant of the Delgado familys Transnational Diversified Group Inc. in 1973 and climbed up the ladder to become President and Chief Operating Officer. In 2012, Tugade was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Clark Development Corporation; a state-owned corporation tasked to manage the Clark Freeport and Clark Special Economic Zone. Under his leadership, CDC reported a record-breaking P1.49 billion ($32.10 million) worth of revenues. The company was winner of the Executive Leadership Team of the Year at Asia CEO Awards. As Secretary of the Department of Transportation, he vowed to fight corruption and institute a sustainable process leading to a modern transport system that will address traffic congestion and provide a consolidated nationwide transportation system.