Mariano Tan Jr.: Wealth, Business Empire, and Life Outside Work

Mariano Tan Jr. is the Vice Chairman of United Laboratories, more popularly known as Unilab. Despite having a net worth of over $585 million and a ranking of #27 on Forbes’ 2024 Philippines 50 Richest list, it seems Tan has figured out that privacy is the ultimate luxury. Not much can be found online about the heir to the pharmaceutical throne, but one cannot deny Unilab’s impact on Philippine society.

Net Worth: $585M

Age: 63

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In His Youth

In 1945, Tan wasn’t born yet to witness Unilab’s humble beginnings as a small drugstore on Sto. Cristo Street in Binondo, Manila. By the time he was born, 16 years later, the Chinatown pharmacy had already grown into the Philippines’ number 1 pharmaceutical company. At that point, they were already exporting to Hong Kong– their rise against Western competitors was nothing short of remarkable.

Mariano Tan Sr. co-founded Unilab alongside Jose Y. Campos with the aim of providing quality yet affordable medicine to Filipinos. It was this upbringing and vision that Mariano Jr. saw as a young child that undoubtedly shaped his career and mindset.

He attended Xavier School in Manila and pursued further education at the University of the Philippines (UP). A year later, however, he decided to go to Lafayette College in Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Business in 1983. To sharpen his business acumen, Mariano Jr. earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration at the Hult International Business School (formerly Arthur D. Little Institute of Management) in Massachusetts in 1986.

After his studies, Mariano Jr. started his career as a management trainee at Citibank in New York, and this served as a launchpad that laid the groundwork for his future roles at Unilab.

Mariano Tan Jr.'s Business Empire

Mariano Jr. joined Unilab initially as Vice President and Executive Officer, eventually rising to become Vice Chairman of the Board in 2008–a position he still holds today. Under their leadership, Unilab has maintained its dominance in the Philippine pharmaceutical market, commanding a 20% share amidst stiff competition from multinational giants. Today, the company’s portfolio includes over 300 brands – from prescription medicines to over-the-counter remedies and personal care products.

Guided by their mission of providing affordable medicines, Unilab’s RiteMed generics brand has gained the trust of consumers, even penetrating higher-income markets. Beyond local success, the company has also expanded across Southeast Asia, establishing operations and presence in Singapore, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and more.

Aside from pharmaceuticals, Mariano Jr. also has a significant role in real estate as the Vice Chairman of Greenfield Development Corporation. He is also the Chairman and President of Dolmar Real Estate Development Corporation, which aims to provide affordable housing for first-time homebuyers. It appears he has shared his father’s vision of providing quality but affordable necessities to the Filipino people. With over 7,000 homes built across Metro Manila and Central Luzon, Dolmar continues to launch high-quality projects like the Bella Vista and North Grove Hills in Bulacan and Golden Heights in Pasig City.

Unilab's Impact on Philippine Society and Economy

Through Unilab, Mariano Jr. has significantly improved healthcare accessibility in the Philippines. For a country whose society tends to gravitate toward branded products, Unilab’s success in RiteMed is more than laudable. The company’s affordability strategy enables low- and middle-income Filipinos to afford essential medicines, which is a commitment to community welfare that’s upheld the founders’ vision rooted in bayanihan culture.

Furthermore, Unilab has successfully risen in a market whose 70% is dominated by Western, multinational pharmaceutical companies. By offering products priced 20% to 70% lower than imported alternatives, Unilab has stood out without compromising on the quality that people deserve.

Beyond healthcare, Mariano Jr.’s influence in urban development with Greenfield has reshaped neighborhoods in Mandaluyong City, combining modern infrastructure with green spaces. These developments certainly enhance the quality of life not just for the tenants but also for the public, as their green and open spaces also serve as venues for weekend markets.

Outside the Boardroom

Mariano Jr. dedicates significant time to the Fides Foundation, a non-stock, non-profit organization he has been serving as its chairman and president since 1996. The Foundation has championed advocacies in education, elderly care, health, and social development.

Aside from this, he also works with the Bonifacio Art Foundation as its Auditor. This organization is more popularly known for its projects, such as The Mind Museum (a globally recognized science museum that aims to encourage STEM learning among children) and the BGC Arts Center (a vibrant performing arts space). Both initiatives aim to foster literacy and inspire creativity among Filipinos of all ages.

Despite his public endeavors, Mariano Jr. maintains a private personal life, with no further details publicly disclosed about his family or relationships.