Welcome to Ateneo Family Business Development Center (AFBDC)
Ateneo Family Business Development Center envisions itself as the leading resource for the strengthening of business families and the development of family businesses in the ASEAN region.
News and Events
Ongoing Program
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16 March 2026
Ateneo Family Business Development Center and LAS130.40 class welcome faculty members and students of the University of San Francisco and Javeriana University for a week-long learning sessions and immersion in family business management and leadership.
23-24 February 2026
A glimpse into BUILT FOR LEGACY: Family and Business Continuity Through Generations at Bai Hotel, Mandaue City, Cebu—from inspiring talks to meaningful discussions, see how family business leaders and the next generation came together to learn, connect, and shape the future.
Thank you to all the family business leaders and next-generation owners who joined us to learn, share, and shape the future of family enterprises.
A glimpse into BUILT FOR LEGACY: Family and Business Continuity Through Generations at Bai Hotel, Mandaue City, Cebu—from inspiring talks to meaningful discussions, see how family business leaders and the next generation came together to learn, connect, and shape the future.
Thank you to all the family business leaders and next-generation owners who joined us to learn, share, and shape the future of family enterprises.
21 February 2026
Dr. Pilar U. Tolentino of the Ateneo Family Business Development Center was invited by the Ateneo de Davao University School of Business and Governance to share insights on family business in her talk, “Not Your Business as Usual.”
Dr. Pilar U. Tolentino of the Ateneo Family Business Development Center was invited by the Ateneo de Davao University School of Business and Governance to share insights on family business in her talk, “Not Your Business as Usual.”
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23 January 2026
The Ateneo Family Business Development Center was honored to be part of the Columbia International Food Products, Inc. Annual Convention on January 23, 2026. Dr. Pilar Tolentino shared insights on Family Business Dynamics, and Dr. Mike Tan presented on Operations Strategy.
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8 November 2025
The Ateneo Family Business Development Center was invited by the Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. to give a talk on Family Business: Not Your ‘Business as Usual’ on November 8, 2025, presented by Dr. Pilar Tolentino.
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23 October 2025
The Ateneo Family Business Development Center took part in Quezon City Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (LEDIPO) Investor Summit to give a talk on Family Business: Not Your ‘Business as Usual’ on October 23, 2025, presented by Dr. Pilar Tolentino.
Photo source: Invest with QC facebook page
Photo source: Invest with QC facebook page
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4 October 2025
The Ateneo Family Business Development Center joined Ayala Land Premier to give a talk on Family Business Succession & A New Address for Growth on October 4, 2025, presented by Dr. Pilar Tolentino.
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27 August 2025
Ateneo FBDC Director, Dr. Pilar U. Tolentino was invited to a learning session on Family Business: Not Your ‘Business as Usual’ for the members of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO)- Philippines South Chapter, last August 15, 2025. The session, attended by family business members, explored the unique challenges and opportunities that come with running a family-owned enterprise.
About the Session:
Family Business: Not Your ‘Business as Usual’ is a practical exploration of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with running a family-owned enterprise. Unlike traditional businesses, family firms must navigate the complex intersection of personal and professional relationships, family expectations, and business requirements. The dynamics within a family can deeply influence decision-making, communication, and the long-term direction of the business. This session will provide an overview of how family businesses can manage internal relationships, maintain commitment across generations, forge sustainable business growth, and prepare for smooth leadership transitions. Participants will explore the structures and processes that serve as key foundations to support and sustain both family unity and business continuity. Topics such as family governance, succession planning, and leadership development will be discussed through a practical and culturally grounded lens. Ultimately, the session aims to equip business families with insights on building not only fulfilling relationships and strong enterprises, but also meaningful, lasting legacies.
Family Business: Not Your ‘Business as Usual’ is a practical exploration of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with running a family-owned enterprise. Unlike traditional businesses, family firms must navigate the complex intersection of personal and professional relationships, family expectations, and business requirements. The dynamics within a family can deeply influence decision-making, communication, and the long-term direction of the business. This session will provide an overview of how family businesses can manage internal relationships, maintain commitment across generations, forge sustainable business growth, and prepare for smooth leadership transitions. Participants will explore the structures and processes that serve as key foundations to support and sustain both family unity and business continuity. Topics such as family governance, succession planning, and leadership development will be discussed through a practical and culturally grounded lens. Ultimately, the session aims to equip business families with insights on building not only fulfilling relationships and strong enterprises, but also meaningful, lasting legacies.
23 August 2025
Ateneo Family Business Development Center is pleased to welcome Dr. Erald Ilac and Mr. Van Valdez as the newest members of our team. Their expertise and commitment to the mission infuse fresh perspectives and renewed dynamism into our work. We look forward to the opportunities this brings for Ateneo FBDC, as we expand our reach and continue to advance our role as a leading resource for strengthening and sustaining family businesses.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome as they embark on this new chapter with us.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome as they embark on this new chapter with us.
Congratulations to our latest batch of Family Business Owners Competency Program (FBOCP) graduates!
After 16 weeks of meeting online, Batch 7 of FBOCP gathered onsite for a networking night last July 10, 2025. Together with faculty members, they celebrated their completion of the program. Cheers to all our graduates! We look forward to continue our journey of learning and growth.
We are inviting all interested family business owners to join this incredible journey. Registration for our next batch of FBOCP is still open.
We are excited to meet you soon!
After 16 weeks of meeting online, Batch 7 of FBOCP gathered onsite for a networking night last July 10, 2025. Together with faculty members, they celebrated their completion of the program. Cheers to all our graduates! We look forward to continue our journey of learning and growth.
We are inviting all interested family business owners to join this incredible journey. Registration for our next batch of FBOCP is still open.
We are excited to meet you soon!
January to March 2025
Empowering the Next Generation: The Ateneo Family Business Development Center and Isuzu NextGen Program successfully concluded a comprehensive training on family business management and leadership. From January to March, family members of Isuzu Philippines Corporation dealership honed their skills and deepened their understanding of family business continuity and stewardship.
Empowering the Next Generation: The Ateneo Family Business Development Center and Isuzu NextGen Program successfully concluded a comprehensive training on family business management and leadership. From January to March, family members of Isuzu Philippines Corporation dealership honed their skills and deepened their understanding of family business continuity and stewardship.
School Collaboration
10 to 14 March 2025
Ateneo Family Business Development Center of the John Gokongwei School of Management welcomes students and faculty members of University of San Francisco and Javeriana University of Colombia. For a full semester, the three universities run a joint family business management course, utilizing asynchronous, synchronous online, and in-person teaching and learning methods. The highlight of the program is a week-long visits and interviews with family businesses, student entrepreneurs, and a social enterprise community in Manila.
Ateneo Family Business Development Center of the John Gokongwei School of Management welcomes students and faculty members of University of San Francisco and Javeriana University of Colombia. For a full semester, the three universities run a joint family business management course, utilizing asynchronous, synchronous online, and in-person teaching and learning methods. The highlight of the program is a week-long visits and interviews with family businesses, student entrepreneurs, and a social enterprise community in Manila.
New Program
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Family Business Owners Competency Program (FBOCP) networking dinner, December 10, 2024.
After 16 weeks of online classes, finally a chance to meet in person. Congratulations, FBOCP batch 6
After 16 weeks of online classes, finally a chance to meet in person. Congratulations, FBOCP batch 6
From October 11-12, 2024 the Ateneo Family Business Development Center joined the FAB Final Conference held at Siem Reap, Cambodia, where Dr. Michael Tan, Assistant Director of the Ateneo Family Business Development Center, presented and paneled for FAB Erasmus+ Project.
The project is an Erasmus+ Capacity Building in the field of Higher Education co-funded project of the European Union.
The aim of the FAB project is to develop a framework for learning and understanding the nature, importance, and uniqueness of family business in the target countries.
The project is an Erasmus+ Capacity Building in the field of Higher Education co-funded project of the European Union.
The aim of the FAB project is to develop a framework for learning and understanding the nature, importance, and uniqueness of family business in the target countries.
Professional Accomplishments
Ateneo Family Business Development Center (Ateneo FBDC) congratulates Dr. Pilar Unidad-Tolentino,Ph.D. Center Director who was conferred the status of Fellow by the Family Firm Institute (FFI) during its 2024 Global Conference held at the London Business School in UK last October 25, 2024.
FFI is the leading global community of nearly 2000 professional family business advisors, consultants, educators, and researchers who help perpetuate trans-generational family enterprise. FFI Fellow status was established in 2001 to recognize individuals who demonstrate ongoing expertise and commitment to the field of family enterprise.
FFI is the leading global community of nearly 2000 professional family business advisors, consultants, educators, and researchers who help perpetuate trans-generational family enterprise. FFI Fellow status was established in 2001 to recognize individuals who demonstrate ongoing expertise and commitment to the field of family enterprise.
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Networking Activities: Public Seminar/ Talks
The Saint Jude Catholic School Alumni Association invited the Ateneo Family Business Development Center to give a talk on Family Business Governance, Family Constitution, and Succession Planning.
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Executive Powerclass on When Business is A Family Affair
with the Young Entrepreneurs of Pampanga by Mr. Ricky Mercado, 30 August 2024
with the Young Entrepreneurs of Pampanga by Mr. Ricky Mercado, 30 August 2024
FAMILY BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY
A Panel & Workshop for Multi-Generational Culture, Harmony & Growth
10 January 2024, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
The Ateneo Family Business Development Center (AFBDC) has been invited by the Entrepreneurs' Organization
Ms. Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng, Mr. Alvin Lao, Ms. Ann Pastrana, Mr Mikael Anlunez and Mr. Ricky Mercado share family intergenerational harmony and success tips, followed by a family constitution workshop by the Ateneo Family Business Development Center
Ms. Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng, Mr. Alvin Lao, Ms. Ann Pastrana, Mr Mikael Anlunez and Mr. Ricky Mercado share family intergenerational harmony and success tips, followed by a family constitution workshop by the Ateneo Family Business Development Center
Family Business Workshop
Why Governance and an Engaged Family are Important in Running a Family Business: An interactive workshop on Family Business Governance and engaging family members to run the family business for the next generation
August 27-28, 2023, Ateneo de Manila University
Speakers:
Dennis T. Jaffe, PhD - Senior Research Fellow, Banyan Global Family Business Advisors
Hans Latta - Senior Banyan Affiliate, Banyan Global Family Business Advisors
Isabelle Therese Gotianun-Yap - Vice President, Special Projects Officer & Executive Director, East West Banking Corporation
Ricardo Mercado - Founder, Board Member, Ateneo Family Business Development Center
Why Governance and an Engaged Family are Important in Running a Family Business: An interactive workshop on Family Business Governance and engaging family members to run the family business for the next generation
August 27-28, 2023, Ateneo de Manila University
Speakers:
Dennis T. Jaffe, PhD - Senior Research Fellow, Banyan Global Family Business Advisors
Hans Latta - Senior Banyan Affiliate, Banyan Global Family Business Advisors
Isabelle Therese Gotianun-Yap - Vice President, Special Projects Officer & Executive Director, East West Banking Corporation
Ricardo Mercado - Founder, Board Member, Ateneo Family Business Development Center
FBDC Private Engagement Services:Crafting of the Family Constitution
Business Family Relationship & Teambuilding Facilitation Strategy Management Services Human Resource Services Management Systems/ Business Process Improvement |
Family Business Articles:
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Insight: What should family business owners focus on to sustain growth? by ANC 24/7 |
Secrets of Successful Family Businesses
by ANC ABS-CBN News |
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