After the completion of the bridge, what’s
the next project you’re hoping for?
Even now, before the completion of the bridge, my
team is looking at various potential expansion projects
for MPT Vizmin Corporation. There are certain
projects for which the government is already doing
initial feasibility studies. We’re looking for projects like
these, so we should be able to submit for expressions
of interest as soon as we can. The main thing we’re
hoping for is involvement with public–private
partnership projects.
Speaking of public–private partnerships, what’s
your strategy for maintaining healthy working
relationships with public bodies, like the
governments of Cebu and Cordova?
In this case, our grantors for the Cebu-Cordova
Link Expressway project are two local government
units. This is the first major project of Metro Pacific
Tollways Corporation where our partners – our
grantors – are local governments. What we do is,
of course, maintain open communication, and we
engage them throughout the planning of our project.
As a matter of fact, we have a project steering
group composed of select members from my team
and appointed members from Cebu and Cordova.
This group meets, at minimum, once a month, to
discuss the construction process, what to do next
and how we’ll operate the bridge, before eventual
turnover to the grantors. We engage them early on.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
I start and end with prayers. Then I’ll have meetings,
coordinating and cooperating with our colleagues,
partners and stakeholders, working out how to and
learn from and improve on the day before.Which qualities are necessary for succeeding
in a project such as yours?
I have to be trusted. I have to prove to those I work
closely with my probity, honesty and fairness in
dealing with them so that I can get their cooperation.
I also need to show them that I’m bold enough to
undertake this project, to lead the team. At the same
time, I listen to them and analyse what they say.
And be fair to everyone. Whenever I do something,
I always maintain this outward mindset. I look at the
potential impact of what I’m doing and how it might
affect my colleagues. Never being selfish. Be outward-
looking and conscious of your actions and how they
impact your team.What do you enjoy most about your work?
It’s nice to work with people who are so engaged and
passionate, so you can get their cooperation as you
need it. I’m lucky enough to be able to form a team
that shares this common goal, being part of this legacy,
through which our team will deliver this vital
infrastructure. It’s an iconic project which we believe
will contribute to the economic prosperity of Cebu,
and can be an iconic tourist attraction. This is an
infrastructure project that Cebuanos can claim as
our own. That’s what gives us the motivation, the
inspiration and the dedication to deliver this project
on time and with quality.What’s the most important thing you’ve learned
as a leader?
I’m a more of a listener than a talker. I make it
a point to listen more and analyse, but make consistent
decisions. Leaders should show their team and bosses
that they’re operationally efficient and effective. The
bottom line only comes in once you’re efficient.“This is an infrastructure
project that Cebuanos
can claim as our own.”
theceomagazine.com | 149“Designing and building a stay cable bridge of this magnitude in an
earthquake and typhoon zone is challenging. We are honoured to do
this with a thoroughly professional client, together keeping pace towards
the completion of this iconic landmark.” – Tina Vejrum, Vice President,
Major Bridges International, COWI
Interview | INVEST