STAR Rtn. Sebastian Lacson: Prime Metro BMD's Man of Steel

STAR Rtn. Sebastian “Basti” Lacson has always been a man of steel. No, not in the sense that he is unyielding or emotionless—quite the contrary, in fact. He is a man of steel because he has always been driven by a strong sense of purpose and a desire to serve and build, whether through his work in the energy sector or now in infrastructure. This passion was evident early on in his career when he worked on various power projects in the Philippines and then in Spain and Panama. In 2013, he began running companies as CEO, starting with a power distribution company, an agglomeration of thermal power plants, and now PrimeBMD, one of the leading players in the Philippines’ infrastructure industry. Through Prime BMD, he helps provide much-needed infrastructure improvements that benefit many Filipinos.

On a lighter note, STAR Rtn. Basti is an avid sportsman who, at age 51, runs every morning, plays tennis and basketball a few times a week, and is a yoga fanatic. When he was 25, STAR Rtn. Basti swam from Spain to Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar—one of the world’s most dangerous bodies of water for swimming—and thus far the only Filipino to do a transcontinental swim.

We caught up with STAR Rtn. Basti to learn more about his professional journey, how he’s been able to achieve great success, and what drives him to accomplish so much. He also offers advice for those who wish to get into the infrastructure industry. In addition, he also shares what he does when he is not at work, and how he relaxes and recharges.

Rhea Vitto Tabora (RVT): Can you share a little bit about your professional background?

Sebastian Lacson (SL): My professional career was focused on energy and now infrastructure. It took me from the Philippines to Spain in 2001, to Panama in 2006, back to the country, in Cebu, in 2008, and to Manila in 2015. I started running companies as CEO in 2013, beginning with a power distribution company, an agglomeration of thermal power plants, and now a construction company. My employers have all had some element of Spain in them—Union Fenosa/Gas Natural of Spain, AboitizPower, AC Energy, and now PrimeBMD (Razon Group).

RVT: What led you to pursue a career in the construction and infrastructure sector?

SL: This business builds the infrastructure that is essential in our nation’s march towards a better standard of life for all who reside within our borders. I am motivated by participating in that effort. When I was given the chance to lead PrimeBMD, I knew this was a good fit. Work is meaningful when it appeals to a higher purpose than just leading a team.

RVT: What is your greatest challenge as President & CEO of Prime Metro BMD Corporation?

SL: It could be very tempting to grow exponentially given that, on the surface, more revenues are always welcome. This, however, needs to be tempered by constraints on execution that could be convenient to overlook. The challenge is to find this growth and have the discipline to know which projects to take on without over-straining the organization. On top of all this is the primordial challenge every leader confronts: how to enable the team to aim high and remain enthused in their pursuit of that objective.

RVT: What has been the most successful project or initiative that PrimeBMD has undertaken?

SL: We’re proud of the recent port expansion project we built at Manila International Container Terminal, which essentially enhances the logistical capability and competitiveness of our country. We are likewise pleased to be an integral part of the comprehensive bulk water supply infrastructure being built for Metro Manila in the Antipolo area. We like to work in water (ports and reclamation) and on water (bulk water, water treatment, and pump stations) and so it is where we do our best work. We also built the vaccination center in Paranaque, which is of use to this day. Our projects enable and amplify the progress of communities and make life better for many Filipinos.

RVT: What are some of the biggest challenges that you see the construction and infrastructure industry is currently facing?

SL: The same issues as other industries —inflation and the consequent rise in interest rates. Working in unison, this two-headed monster brings on tremors in the trigger fingers of decision-makers. Many of the bigger and necessary infra projects are on “wait muna” status but we hope that they will be decided on soon as inflationary pressures ease. Specific to our industry is the inadequate supply of skilled labor, perplexing given our demographics.

RVT: Do you have any advice for those who are looking to get into the industry?

SL: Check out other industries first. Absent better options, explore construction but talk to industry players first before jumping in.

RVT: What inspired you to join the Rotary Club of Manila?

SL: Back in 1997, I joined RCM at the age of 26. I believe I was the youngest member at that time. I guess nostalgia led me back.

RVT: What do you like to do when you're not working?

SL: The first priority is to spend time with the remaining family. My wife passed recently and I understand, more than ever, the value of spending time with our very dearest. My college-age daughter, Amaya, lives with me while Mateo, in high school, studies and lives in Madrid and only comes home for the summer and Christmas break. Whatever time I get with them, I treat it as a blessing, so we eat out a lot, go away on weekends, and hang out and work out together.

Aside from that, I allocate a daily time slot for a run with my two dogs and may complement that with tennis, yoga, basketball, or, from November to February, nine holes of golf. I also set aside time for reading (I keep a stash of unread books by my reading corner) and recently have started to entertain more at home and do some cooking myself. I have recently started seeing Riza Joseph, daughter of Past President Bobby Joseph, niece of Rtn. Ralph Joseph and sister to Rtn. Robi Joseph. Life has to start over again, even for widowers like myself.

RVT: What is your personal mantra?

SL: Love is the most pervasive and powerful force in the universe. It is infused in everything I do. Love today, not tomorrow.

RVT: What do you believe is your mission in life?

SL: Outside my family, I believe that my mission is to help teams deliver optimal output by sharing what I have learned in this area over the years. Helping management teams execute better is a passion.