Antonio Lagdameo Jr.

Antonio Ernesto "Anton" Floirendo Lagdameo Jr. (born January 22, 1968) is a Filipino politician and businessman serving as the Special Assistant to the President since June 2022 in President Bongbong Marcos' administration. He was the Representative of Davao del Norte's 2nd district from 2007 to 2016. He is the son of the current Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations Antonio Manuel Lagdameo, is a member of the wealthy Floirendo clan in Southern Mindanao, and is married to actress Dawn Zulueta.

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Floirendo and the surname or paternal family name is Lagdameo.

Antonio Lagdameo Jr.
Special Assistant to the President of the Philippines
Incumbent
Assumed office June 30, 2022
President	Bongbong Marcos
Preceded by	Jesus Melchor Quitain (OIC)
Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Davao del Norte's 2nd district
In office June 30, 2007 – June 30, 2016
Preceded by	Antonio Floirendo Jr.
Succeeded by	Antonio Floirendo Jr.
Personal details
Born	Antonio Ernesto Floirendo Lagdameo Jr. (1968-01-22) January 22, 1968 (age 57) Tagum, Davao del Norte, Philippines
Political party	PFP (2018–present)
Other political affiliations	NUP (2011–2018) Lakas–CMD (2006–2011)
Spouse	Dawn Zulueta ​ (m. 1997)​
Children	Jacobo Antonio and Ayisha Madlen
Alma mater	University of Pennsylvania (B.S) University of Asia and the Pacific (M.S.)
Occupation	Politician
Website	Official website

As a public servant, Lagdameo's main focus was on rural and agricultural development, social conservatism, education and lifelong learning, tourism and sustainable development. He is the largest individual donor to the 2022 presidential campaign of Bongbong Marcos, contributing more than ₱240 million to the campaign.^[1]

Early life and education

Lagdameo was born on January 22, 1968, in the then-municipality of Tagum, Davao del Norte to Antonio Manuel Lagdameo and Linda Floirendo. He is a grandson of "banana king" Antonio Floirendo Sr., one of Ferdinand Marcos' cronies.^[2]

Being innately drawn to business, economics and trade, Lagdameo finished his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Pennsylvania in 1989. In 2016, he was included in the prestigious Penn Notables ^[3] list, a roster of alumni, faculty and trustees of the University of Pennsylvania who served outstandingly in foreign government. He continued his education in 1998 at the University of Asia and the Pacific, earning a master's degree in Business Economics.

Business career

Prior to his entry to politics as representative of the second district of Davao del Norte, he was a successful businessman. He was a credit analyst for Manufacturers Hanover Trust in Manhattan, New York from 1989 to 1992 and after that, of National Westminster Bank in New York for a year. He then became Director of Cambrick Trading Ltd. in London from 1993 to 1996. He returned to the Philippines and served as the Vice President of Anflo Management & Investment Corp. in Davao from 1996 until 2007.

Political career

Lagdameo was also a member of the Commission on Appointments, an independent body separate and distinct from the Legislature, though composed of members of Congress that acts as a restraint against the abuse of the appointing power of the President by approving only those who are fit and qualified to ensure the efficient and harmonious functioning of the government.

He is the current Special Assistant of President Bongbong Marcos.^[4]

Personal life

Lagdameo is married to actress Dawn Zulueta, with whom he has two children, Jacobo Antonio and Ayisha Madlen.^[5]