Noemi Lirag Saludo is a trailblazing business leader, civic advocate, and faithful servant of the Church. She made history in 2004 as the first woman President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), a position she held until 2005. Her leadership during this critical time helped shape national economic policy and empowered women in business, particularly through her lifelong advocacy of developing small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Ms. Saludo’s efforts in growing the Philippine SME and export sectors have been widely recognized. She received the Agora Award from the Marketing Association of the Philippines for her work in developing export opportunities for SMEs. Additionally, she was honored by the Technological University of the Philippinesfor her contributions to SME development.
In 2024, during the Golden Year of the Philippine Business Conference and Expo, PCCI conferred on her the Golden Legacy Award, one of its highest honors, recognizing her lasting impact on the organization and her advocacy for inclusive business growth.
Her influence extends beyond Philippine shores. In celebration of its centennial anniversary, Georgian Court University in Lakewood, New Jersey, awarded her for Outstanding Leadership, affirming her global standing as a respected leader and role model.
Over the years, she has also been honored by the Department of Labor and Employment, recognizing her unwavering dedication to commerce, national development, and humanitarian causes.
Following her corporate achievements, Ms. Saludo deepened her commitment to faith and service. In 2006, she founded Bahay ng Diyos Foundation, Inc., which has since built or restored over 70 churches, shrines, and mission areas throughout the Philippines. The foundation’s mission is to build sacred spaces that bring communities together and strengthen spiritual life.
For her exceptional work in Church service and lay leadership, she has received two of the highest ecclesiastical honors:
- The Papal Honor Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal, conferred by the Holy See through the Apostolic Nunciature in the Philippines, in recognition of her distinguished service to the Church and the Holy Father (Vatican, 2022).
- The Bishop Jorge Barlin Golden Cross Service Award, the highest distinction granted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), for her outstanding leadership in preserving and restoring sacred spaces (CBCP, 2025).
Today, she continues to serve both faith and enterprise. As President of Blessed Earth Enterprises, Inc., she is engaged in sustainable farming and green business initiatives. She also holds leadership positions as Chairperson of CBWOCI and Chairperson Emeritus of PUCP, where she continues to advocate for improved logistics, port operations, and trade facilitation.
Noemi Lirag Saludo stands as a remarkable example of how business acumen and faith can be harmonized for the greater good, a true builder of both communities and churches.