David M. Consunji (October 18, 1921 – September 4, 2017) was a prominent Filipino engineer, businessman and former government minister. Trained as a civil engineer, he built a career in construction and infrastructure before establishing a diversified holding group that became publicly listed as DMCI Holdings. Consunji combined private-sector entrepreneurship with a period of public service, and for decades was counted among the wealthiest individuals in the Philippines.

Career and business activities

Consunji began his professional life in engineering and construction and in the mid-20th century founded his own construction enterprise, which over time expanded into related fields. Under the DMCI umbrella the group developed businesses in engineering and construction, real estate development, mining, power generation and utilities. DMCI Holdings grew to be a major conglomerate on the Philippine stock exchange, undertaking large infrastructure and private-sector projects across the country.

Public service

In government, Consunji served as Secretary of the Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communications from 1970 to 1975 during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos. In that role he oversaw public infrastructure planning and execution at a time of significant state-led investment in roads, bridges, transportation and communication facilities.

Recognition and wealth

Over the years Consunji received public recognition for his role in Philippine industry and infrastructure. Business publications tracked his personal wealth; for example, in 2014 Forbes listed him among the country’s wealthiest individuals with an estimated net worth reported at US$3.9 billion. He retained a leadership position in his companies well into old age and was widely regarded as a senior figure in Philippine business circles.

Legacy and later life

Consunji’s business enterprises influenced construction standards, resource development and urban projects in the Philippines. His companies provided many large-scale civil and commercial projects and helped expand local capabilities in engineering and project management. David Consunji died on September 4, 2017; the family announced his passing but did not publicly disclose a cause of death.

Key facts

  • Born: October 18, 1921.
  • Public office: Secretary, Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communications, 1970–1975.
  • Main business: Founder and long-time leader of the group known as DMCI Holdings (construction, real estate, mining, power, utilities).
  • Noted wealth: Listed by business media among the Philippines’ richest; Forbes reported an estimated net worth in 2014.

Consunji is remembered both for his contributions to Philippine infrastructure and for building a family-controlled business that became a major corporate group. His career illustrates the close links between engineering expertise, large-scale construction enterprise and national development in the postwar Philippines.