Family business forum in Cebu highlights succession planning

CEBU, Philippines — Against a backdrop of generational transition challenges and mounting demand for structured succession planning in Philippine family enterprises, Premier Family Business Consulting founder Jon Ramos launched his debut book “Legacy in Action,” at a high-level forum in Cebu.

Held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, the launch preceded the inaugural session of “Legacy in Action: A Family Forum on Leadership, Succession, & Strategic Renewal,” a series aimed at equipping both founding leaders and next-generation executives with governance frameworks to sustain enterprise longevity.

The event, attended by business families and advisors, reflects a growing urgency among Philippine family firms—estimated to comprise over 80 percent of the private sector—to institutionalize succession processes and prepare for leadership turnover.

The same forum will also be held in Manila, signaling Premier’s strategic engagement across the country’s key economic hubs.

Ramos, who has advised over 150 business families across Asia, introduces in his book the “Two Systems, One Legacy” model—a dual-structure approach that distinguishes between the family and business domains while aligning both toward a unified long-term vision.

“Succession is no longer a ‘later’ issue—it is now a business continuity imperative,” Ramos said.

“We are seeing a clear shift: Gen X founders are facing retirement timelines, while Millennials and Gen Z are entering boardrooms. This generational overlap demands shared language, structured governance, and vision alignment,” Ramos explained in a press conference.

The forum featured cross-generational business leaders including Engr. Wilfredo and Engr. Johnlerry Decena of WDA & Associates, and Ronnie and Elijah Gabalda of NIG Marketing, alongside transformation strategist Tim Wieringa of Hive17 Singapore.

Case-based panels and peer dialogues enabled families to benchmark succession experiences and consult directly with senior advisors.

Premier’s consulting approach goes beyond succession, encompassing asset consolidation, holding company formation, and pre-listing preparedness—all framed within a family values lens.

The firm is currently in talks with academic institutions to develop curricular programs that embed family enterprise governance in Philippine business education.

Industry analysts note that the Philippine economy’s composition—highly dependent on family-run SMEs—makes succession planning a critical macroeconomic issue.

Western economies have long integrated governance education into business curricula, a gap that Ramos and his firm are now actively addressing locally.

In an added layer of purpose, proceeds from the first 200 copies of “Legacy in Action,” will support community and faith-based programs focused on underprivileged families, underscoring Ramos’ belief that legacy extends beyond boardrooms.

“At the core of every enduring enterprise is not just a business model—but a family that agrees on what legacy truly means,” Ramos concluded.