Antonio Ernesto "Anton" Floirendo Lagdameo Jr. (born January 22, 1968) is a Filipino politician and businessman serving as the Special Assistant to the President since June 2022 in President Bongbong Marcos' administration. He was the Representative of Davao del Norte's 2nd district from 2007 to 2016. He is married to actress Dawn Zulueta, and is the son of the current Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations Antonio Manuel Lagdameo, and a member of the wealthy Floirendo clan in Southern Mindanao.
Anton F. Lagdameo | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Special Assistant to the President of the Philippines | |
| Assumed office June 30, 2022 | |
| President | Bongbong Marcos |
| Preceded by | Jesus Melchor Quitain |
| Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Davao del Norte's 2nd district | |
| In office June 30, 2007 – June 30, 2016 | |
| Preceded by | Antonio Floirendo Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Antonio Floirendo Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Antonio Ernesto Floirendo Lagdameo Jr. January 22, 1968 Tagum, Davao del Norte, Philippines |
| Political party | PFP (2018–present) |
| Other political affiliations | NUP (2011–2018) Lakas–CMD (2006–2011) |
| Spouse | |
| Children | Jacobo Antonio and Ayisha Madlen |
| Alma mater | University of Pennsylvania (B.S) University of Asia and the Pacific (M.S.) |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Website | Official website |
As a public servant, Lagdameo's main focus was on rural and agricultural development, social conservatism, education and lifelong learning, tourism and sustainable development. He is the largest individual donor to the 2022 presidential campaign of Bongbong Marcos, contributing more than ₱240 million to the campaign.[1]
Early life and education
editLagdameo was born on January 22, 1968, in the then-municipality of Tagum, Davao del Norte to Antonio Manuel Lagdameo and Linda Floirendo. He is a grandson of "banana king" Antonio Floirendo Sr., one of Ferdinand Marcos' cronies.[2]
Being innately drawn to business, economics and trade, Lagdameo finished his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Pennsylvania in 1989. In 2016, he was included in the prestigious Penn Notables [3] list, a roster of alumni, faculty and trustees of the University of Pennsylvania who served outstandingly in foreign government. He continued his education in 1998 at the University of Asia and the Pacific, earning a master's degree in Business Economics.
Business career
editPrior to his entry to politics as representative of the second district of Davao del Norte, he was a successful businessman. He was a credit analyst for Manufacturers Hanover Trust in Manhattan, New York from 1989 to 1992 and after that, of National Westminster Bank in New York for a year. He then became Director of Cambrick Trading Ltd. in London from 1993 to 1996. He returned to the Philippines and served as the Vice President of Anflo Management & Investment Corp. in Davao from 1996 until 2007.
Political career
editLagdameo was also a member of the Commission on Appointments, an independent body separate and distinct from the Legislature, though composed of members of Congress that acts as a restraint against the abuse of the appointing power of the President by approving only those who are fit and qualified to ensure the efficient and harmonious functioning of the government.
He is the current Special Assistant of President Bongbong Marcos.[4]
Personal life
editLagdameo is married to actress Dawn Zulueta, with whom he has two children, Jacobo Antonio and Ayisha Madlen.[5]
References
edit- ^ Ilagan, Karol; Lopez, Elyssa (August 31, 2022). "Marcos return to Malacañang funded by donors linked to father's 'cronies', gov't contractors". Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism. Retrieved September 17, 2022.
- ^ "Banana king leaves legacy of hard work". Philippine Daily Inquirer. July 20, 2012.
- ^ "Penn's National Administrators: University Archives, University of Pennsylvania". www.archives.upenn.edu. Archived from the original on 2009-12-13.
- ^ Cabanban, Seth (27 May 2022). "The #MarcosCabinet: Anton Lagdameo Jr, Special Assistant to the President". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ "Congressman Anton F. Lagdameo". Archived from the original on 20 February 2015.
External links
edit- "Member Information: Antonio F. Lagdameo Jr". House of Representatives of the Philippines. Retrieved April 10, 2008.