David Consunji Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

A Builder’s Birth — Origins of a Filipino Titan

David Mendoza Consunji was born on November 2, 1921, in Samal, Bataan, Philippines.  Raised as one of at least nine children in a modest household, he grew up witnessing both the quiet dignity of simple rural life and the hardships that defined a generation. 

His childhood was marked by early loss — his mother died when he was still young, and wartime upheavals would take a toll on other family members.  Still, these early trials shaped his character: humility, resilience, and a firm belief in hard work — values that would later underpin his extraordinary career. 

He went on to study civil engineering at University of the Philippines, enrolling in 1939. His studies were interrupted by World War II, but after the war he completed his degree and passed the board exam in 1946. 

From Concrete Inspector to Construction Visionary

After graduation, Consunji began his career in humble but foundational roles: first as a teacher in Bataan, then as a concrete inspector for firms like Kuenzle and Streiff. 

In 1954, with just modest capital — and driven by a sense of purpose and craftsmanship — he established D.M. Consunji, Incorporated. What began as a small contracting business would grow into a conglomerate that reshaped skylines and built key infrastructure across the Philippines. 

Over the next decades, Consunji’s company delivered iconic structures — from landmark buildings to major roads and infrastructure — earning a reputation for quality, integrity, and engineering excellence. 

In 1995, seeing the need to consolidate his expanding interests, he formally created DMCI Holdings, Inc., a holding firm that would oversee construction, real estate, mining, power generation, and water utilities. 

Building an Empire — The Rise of DMCI

Under Consunji’s steady hand, DMCI grew into one of the most influential business groups in the Philippines. 

Its portfolio came to include not just construction — via the original D.M. Consunji, Inc. — but also real estate development (through DMCI’s property arm), mining, power generation, and water utilities. 

This diversification reflected both strategic acumen and a long-term vision: by leveraging his engineering background, business sense, and deep understanding of the country’s infrastructure needs, Consunji positioned DMCI to play a central role in national development. 

The Pinnacle of Wealth — Net Worth and Economic Influence

By the time of his passing, David Consunji was widely recognized as one of the Philippines’ wealthiest individuals. According to Forbes, his net worth was estimated at US$3.68 billion in the company’s 2017 ranking of the Philippines’ richest.

Across other sources, his fortune is often cited around US$3.9 billion, reflecting his holdings in construction, mining, real estate, power, and water utilities through DMCI and its subsidiaries.

More than raw wealth, Consunji’s economic influence came from transforming industries and setting corporate standards. With DMCI, he helped professionalize construction practices in the Philippines, championed corporate governance, and charted the course for diversified conglomerates — influencing generations of entrepreneurs after him.

Public Service Meets Private Enterprise

Success in business was only part of Consunji’s story. At the height of his influence, he stepped into public service. From 1970 to 1975, he served as Secretary of the Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communications under the administration of Ferdinand Marcos.

In that role, he contributed to national infrastructure development while maintaining his principles of quality, discipline, and integrity — values that defined both his engineering philosophy and his business ethos.

Family, Values, and the Private Life Behind the Legend

Consunji’s personal life was grounded in family, humility, and discipline. He was married to Fredesvinda Almeda, and together they had eight children. 

Though he amassed great wealth, Consunji remained modest in lifestyle — a testament to the values instilled in him from childhood. The core principles he lived by — hard work, integrity, and responsibility — he also passed on to his children.

His eldest son, Isidro Consunji, took up the reins of DMCI Holdings, continuing the legacy of building, growth, and corporate responsibility.

Closing Chapter — Legacy Beyond Wealth

David Consunji passed away on September 4, 2017. At the time of his death, his fortune was distributed among his eight children, marking the end of an era — but not the end of his influence.

His legacy is etched into city skylines, modern infrastructure, and corporate institutions. Through DMCI, he left a blueprint for how ambition, technical skill, and ethical leadership can converge to build not just buildings — but a business empire with enduring impact.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, engineers, and business leaders, Consunji’s life remains a powerful story: a story of humble beginnings, relentless ambition, planet-scale achievements, and above all — the belief that building well means building for generations.