Board of Directors

Chairman

Eusebio H. Tanco

Mr. Eusebio “Yosi” Tanco is the Chairman of the Board and the current President of Philippines First Insurance. He has been a Director of Philippines First Insurance since 1974. He is #45 in Forbes Magazine’s 2017 Philippines 50 Richest. Mr. Tanco is a financial genius bringing to the Board his high expertise in various fields – financial services, manufacturing, transportation & logistics, energy, properties and construction, enhanced education and services.

He is the Chairman of the Board of STI Education Systems and the Chairman and President of Asian Terminals Inc. Mr. Tanco serves as the President of First Optima Realty Corporation Inc., Mactan Electric Company, Ventures Securities Inc. He serves as Director of PhilPlans First, Inc., PhilCare and PhilLife Financials. He is a member of the Board of Governor of Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. and a member of the Board of Trustees of UAE Business Council Philippines, Inc. Mr. Tanco is the Founding President of Global Resource for Outsourced Workers.

Mr. Tanco is a graduate of BS Economy from the Ateneo de Manila University. He completed his Master’s Degree in Economics & Political Science from the London School of Economics & Political Science.

President/Director

Joseph Augustin L. Tanco

Joseph “Jaeger” Augustin L. Tanco is a dynamic and visionary leader committed to driving innovation and strategic growth across diverse industries, including healthcare, insurance, education, technology, marketing, and public relations.

Since January 2025, Jaeger has served as the President of Philippines First Insurance Company, Inc. (PhilFirst), the country’s pioneering domestic non-life insurance company known for its trusted and reliable service. Under his leadership, PhilFirst continues to advance through innovative product offerings and enhanced operational efficiency, reflecting his strategic foresight in navigating competitive markets.

In addition to PhilFirst, Jaeger holds prominent roles in several leading organizations. He is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Comm&Sense, Inc., an award-winning firm recognized at the Quill Awards, Anvil Awards, and the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards for excellence in thought leadership campaigns. Jaeger is also the President and CEO of Philhealthcare, Inc. (PhilCare), where he spearheads initiatives aimed at revolutionizing healthcare accessibility, including the introduction of prepaid health cards and mental health programs.

Jaeger’s profound impact extends to the educational sector as a Director and Executive Committee member of STI Education Services Group, Inc., Director of STI West Negros University, and Director of iACADEMY, institutions dedicated to pioneering education in business, technology, and design.

His entrepreneurial drive led him to establish Stitch Tech Solutions, a prominent provider of advanced software solutions specializing in cloud services, ERP consulting, and IT services designed to optimize business processes.

Jaeger’s notable contributions in social responsibility are evident through his active roles with the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. (AMCHAM), where he co-chairs the Healthcare and Wellness Committee, and Junior Chamber International Philippines (JCI), where he received a Senatorship in recognition of his impactful service.

Jaeger earned his Master’s in Business Administration from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business and holds a degree in Entrepreneurial Management from the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P). His leadership and excellence were notably recognized with the UA&P Helm Award for Exemplary Service and the Asia CEO Awards.

With a robust portfolio spanning multiple sectors, Jaeger Tanco continues to exemplify innovation, strategic leadership, and a deep commitment to enhancing lives through business excellence and community impact.

SVP/Director

Ester T. Gabaldon

Ms. Ester T. Gabaldon has been a Member of the Board since 1975. She holds the position of Senior Vice President. She brings to the board her expertise in finance, insurance and real estate. She is a Member of the Board and Finance Director of Coats Manila Bay, Inc. and Manila Bay Spinning Mills, Inc. Ms. Gabaldon serves as Member of the Board and Treasurer of Diliman Realty & Development Corp., Malanday Realty & Development Corp., and MBS Realty Development Inc.

A Certified Public Accountant, Ms. Gabaldon graduated Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major in Accounting at St. Theresa’s College.

SVP/Treasurer/Director

Regina T. Gonzales

Ms. Regina T. Gonzales has been a Member of the Board since 1990. She holds the position of Senior Vice President–Treasurer. She serves as Director and Vice President for Finance of Cement Center, Inc., First Optima Realty Corp., and Mar-Bay Homes, Inc. She serves as Director of Philhealth Care, Inc. and International Hardwood & Veneer Corp. She also serves as Assistant Treasurer of Tantivy Holdings, Inc. She brings to the Board varied expertise in finance, insurance, manufacturing, real estate and services.

A Certified Public Accountant, Ms. Gonzales graduated Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major in Accounting at St. Theresa’s College.

Director

William H. Tanco

Mr. William H. Tanco is a Member of the Board and the Managing Director of Philippines First Insurance starting 2016. He brings to the Board his varied expertise in insurance, manufacturing and services. He earned his degree in BS Business Administration from De La Salle University.

SVP/Director

Martin K. Tanco

Mr. Martin K. Tanco is a Member of the Board since 2020. He is also serving as Senior Vice President of Philippines First Insurance Co., Inc. He serves as a Member of the Board of STI Education Services Group, Inc., Coats Manila Bay, Inc. and TechGlobal Data Center Inc. His expertise was shaped from various positions held throughout the years as the President for Phil First Condominium, Vice President for Manila Bay Thread Corporation and Diliman Realty Corp, and Investment Director for Philplans First, Inc. Prior to his work experience in the Philippines, Mr. Tanco held managerial roles in Tootal Thread Indonesia, Jinying Spinning Mill in China, Coats Natal Thread in South Africa, Coats American in USA, Comphania de Linhas Coats y Clark in Portugal.

He earned his undergraduate degree of BS Electrical Engineering, graduate degree of MS Electrical Engineering, and MBA from the University of Southern California.

Director

Monico V. Jacob

Atty. Monico “Nick” Jacob, is a Member of the Board of Philippines First Insurance since 2017. He brings to the Board his expertise in insurance, marketing, communication, public relations and services. Mr. Jacob has been the Chief Executive Officer and President of STI Education Systems Holdings Inc., STI Education Services Group, Inc., Insurance Builders, Inc. and Philippine Life Finance Insurance Corporation. He serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of PhilPlans First Inc. He serves as a Special Counsel at the law firm of Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc De Los Angeles, specializing in energy and corporate law. He serves as the President of STI-Universal Workers, Inc. He serves as the President of the Philippine Women’s University, Jose Abad Santos Memorial School, West Negros University (WNU), Information and Communications Technology Academy, Inc. (iACADEMY) and the De Los Santos-STI College of Health Professions (DLS-STI). He acts as an Advisor to clients needing corporate restructuring, energy and general legal advice in his capacity as special counsel to the law firm of Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc De Los Angeles and Chief Executive Officer of ARMC Asset Management Corporation. He serves as a Partner in the law firm Jacob & Jacob.

Atty. Jacob is a graduate of AB Liberal Arts at the Ateneo de Naga University and Post Graduate of Bachelor of Laws at the Ateneo de Manila University.

Director

Alfredo L. Chua

Alfredo L. Chua is an experienced executive and director with a longstanding commitment to the Philippine business community, particularly in finance and investment. Since January 2025, he has served as a member of the Board of Directors of Philippines First Insurance Company, Inc. (PhilFirst), contributing his seasoned leadership and corporate governance expertise to the country’s pioneering non-life insurance provider.

Mr. Chua’s career spans both corporate directorships and executive roles. He is also a director and stockholder at PNB Securities Inc., Grand Holdings Investments (SPV-AMC) Inc., Opal Portfolio Holdings Investments (SPV-AMC) Inc., and Maestro Holdings Inc. In addition, he managed Manila Bay Thread Inc. as Credit & Collection Manager for nearly four decades, underscoring his depth of experience in financial oversight and operations management.

Mr. Chua holds a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies from Ateneo de Manila University (Class of 1973) and is an MBA candidate at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business. Known for his integrity and business acumen, he has developed extensive expertise in investment, credit management, and board governance.

His leadership and commitment to ethical business practice have made him a respected figure in various private enterprises, and his current role on the PhilFirst Board further reflects his dedication to advancing excellence and trust in the Philippine insurance industry.

Director

Jose F. Buenaventura

Atty. Jose F. Buenaventura is a Member of the Board since 2005. He serves as the President of Consolidated Coconut Corporation, La Concha Land Investments Corporation and Ananda Phils. He is a Senior Partner of the Romulo, Mabanta, Buenaventura, Sayoc & De los Angeles Law Firm. He serves as Corporate Secretary of Country Club Development Corp., The Country Club, Inc. and Peter Paul Philippine Corp., and is the Assistant Corporate Secretary of Johnson & Johnson (Phils.), Inc. He also serves as Independent Director at BDO Unibank, Inc. He is a Director of Cebu Air, Inc. He serves as a Director of Agrotex Commodities, Inc., Philippine First Insurance Co., Inc., Philam Plans, Inc. Apo Fruits Corporation, Ballet Philippines, Cargill Seeds, Inc., Euroville Realty Development Corporation, La Concha Land Investment Corporation, San Dionisio Realty Corporation, Sanitary Wares Manufacturing Corporation, Security Risks International, Inc., Turner Entertainment Manila, Inc. and United Technologies Automotive Phils., Inc. He served as Director of Otis Elevator Company (Phils.), Inc.

A graduate from Ateneo de Manila, Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws at Georgetown University Law Center, Washington D.C. He brings to the Board his varied expertise in entertainment and services. He is also the Senior Partner of Romulo, Mabanta, Buenaventura, Sayoc & Delos Angeles Law Firm.

Independent Director

Jane L. Sy

Jane Lim Sy is a distinguished executive and board director with decades of global leadership experience in insurance, risk management, and finance. Since 2024, she has served as an Independent Director of Philippines First Insurance Company, Inc. (PhilFirst), contributing her deep expertise in global insurance and risk oversight to support PhilFirst’s growth and governance.

Ms. Sy’s career is marked by her long tenure with Stolt-Nielsen Ltd., a global leader in shipping and logistics, where she served as Global Risk Manager from 1998 to 2023. In this role, she was responsible for managing insurance and claims across all business units, including tankers, terminals, LNG, and fish farming, with postings in Houston, Rotterdam, and Makati.

She also held the presidency of Stolt-Nielsen Philippines Inc. from 2011 to 2020, overseeing the manning agency of Stolt Tankers B.V. Her risk management expertise further extended to consulting with Acergy BV (Netherlands), and board directorships with leading global marine insurers such as Gard P&I Ltd. (Bermuda), Gard Marine & Energy (Bermuda, Norway, Europe), and Tartaruga Insurance Ltd. (Bermuda).

Earlier in her career, Ms. Sy worked at Central United Life Insurance Company (Houston, Texas), advancing from Statistician to President and Treasurer over more than a decade, and also held financial analysis and staff roles at Surepak Industries and San Miguel Corporation.

A graduate of New York University (MBA, Finance/International Business), and Ateneo de Manila University (BS Management Engineering, Honorable Mention), Ms. Sy is also a Fellow of the Life Management Institute. Her academic achievements include being valedictorian of Uno High School.

As a board leader and executive, Jane Sy brings to PhilFirst a wealth of global perspective, proven risk management acumen, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in insurance and corporate governance.