Former Vice Chairman of Filinvest Land Inc. Andrew “Bibot” T. Gotianun, Jr., a leader in the Philippine real estate industry, has passed away on May 21, 2021, at the age of 69, shortly after his return from overseas for the treatment of a malignant illness.
In a statement, the Gotianun family-controlled Filinvest Development Corporation said itsformer Member of the Board of Directors passed away on May 21, 2021 surrounded by his loved ones.
He is survived by his mother Mercedes, his siblings Jonathan and Cristina, Josephine and Joseph, and Michael, his children Andrew Gerard, Alfred, Aldrin, Francesca, Andrew Joseph, Adam, Michael Andrew, Rafael, Gabriel, Uriel, and his grandchildren and relatives.
“Bibot was full of life – one who always sought adventure. He loved diving, sailing, and being near the sea. His outgoing personality and humility made him an endearing and approachable presence wherever he went,” the statement said.
Gotianun entered the family enterprise through Filinvest’s property business and started from the bottom, working the field as a Project Manager in 1975 to eventually building the company from the ground up, as he held executive positions for Operations and Land Development throughout the years.
He became Director in 1989 and eventually became Vice Chairman of the Board of Filinvest Land, Inc. until 2020.
“His travels and explorations came handy as he helmed Filinvest Land’s expansion into various segments armed with his vast and deep experience in real estate,” FDC said.
Gotianun also helped lead the hospitality and power generation ventures as Director of Filinvest Hospitality Corporation since 2011 and FDC Utilities, Inc. since 2009.
Together with the late founder Andrew Gotianun, Sr., Mercedes Gotianun, and his siblings Josephine, Jonathan, and Michael – Bibot served as Director of FDC from 1989 to 2020 and was instrumental in growing the Filinvest group to one of the country’s largest conglomerates.
Bibot was an active supporter of charities and foundations to help alleviate those in need. He was a benefactor of the Sandiganan sa Pagpalambo sa Kabataan in Cebu – a pioneering effort at integrated human development for the youth suffering from poverty.
Gotianun was also a founding member and served as Treasurer of Health Futures Foundation, Inc. (HFI) with former Department of Health Secretary Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan and wife Rebecca together with their friends.
HFI is a non-stock, non-profit, non-government organization involved in the management of health and social development programs in marginalized communities in the Philippines.
Amid the pandemic, the foundation has recently gone out to far-flung areas and set up clinics to help remote communities gain access to healthcare.
In lieu of flowers, the Gotianun family said that donations to the Educational Research and Development Assistance (ERDA) Foundation will be appreciated. Donations may be sent through ERDA’s EastWest Bank account below:
Account No: 200016368848
Account Name: ERDA Foundation, Inc.
Branch: East West Bank Festival Mall 1 Branch