Get to know about Gil Puyat
GIL PUYAT – Here are some details about the late former senator, particularly regarding his background, career, and death.
A recent Facebook post by Tom Berenguer drew attention when he shared a photo of a street sign in Makati that had changed from “Gil Puyat Avenue” to “Gil Tulog.” Berenguer was surprised and sought confirmation on whether a new law had altered the street name.
Although a commenter suggested the sign might have been digitally altered, Berenguer insisted he took the photo himself and planned to revisit the location for verification. It was later revealed that the name change was part of a marketing campaign for a sleeping aid company, which drew criticism from netizens. The signs were restored to their original form on July 26.
Mayor Abby Binay, who was unaware of the campaign, apologized for the incident and expressed regret to Gil Puyat’s family. She criticized the city officials who issued the permit for not considering the disruption and lack of respect for Puyat’s legacy. Binay has reprimanded the officials for their oversight.
But who is Gil Puyat?
Gil Juco Puyat was a prominent Filipino politician and businessman. Born in Quiapo, Manila, Puyat pursued his higher education at the University of the Philippines, where he excelled in commerce and emerged as a distinguished student. His early career saw him as a professor of economics and later as the Dean of the College of Business Administration, appointed by President Manuel L. Quezon. Puyat gained recognition as a business leader, being honored as “Business Leader of the Year” in 1948 and “Civic Leader of the Year” in 1949.
In politics, Puyat served as a Senator from December 30, 1951, until the closure of Congress by Martial Law in 1972. He was also the Senate President from January 26, 1967, to September 23, 1972. His tenure was marked by significant reforms and contributions to public works. Alongside his political career, Puyat made notable strides in business. He founded several companies, including Manila Banking Corporation (now Chinabank Savings), Manila Bankers Life Insurance Corporation, and the Loyola Group of Companies, which includes Loyola Plans Consolidated Inc., Group Developers Inc., and Loyola Memorial Chapels and Crematorium Inc.
Puyat’s family background is rooted in industrial business, as he assisted in managing the family business, Gonzalo Puyat & Sons. He was married to Eugenia Guidote, with whom he had seven children. Puyat passed away due to cardiac arrest on March 23, 1980, and was buried at Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina.