Did You Know? The Story Behind the DMCI Creed

Engr. David M. Consunji (middle) at one of DMCI’s construction sites with his team.

When Engr. David M. Consunji founded his construction firm D.M. Consunji, Inc. (DMCI) in 1954, he didn’t just set out to build structures—he also laid down a philosophy that would guide his company for generations. 

 

That same year, he wrote the DMCI Creed, a set of principles that captured his vision of what it truly means to be a builder. 

 

The creed highlights his belief in the nobility of construction, seeing it as a vital force for economic development and national progress.  

 

It also emphasizes fair competition, mutual cooperation of labor and capital, and the importance of ethical business practices. 

 

Most importantly, it highlights that the true goal of building is to serve society and humankind. 

 

Guided by this philosophy, Engr. Consunji became known as the “Builder of Landmarks” and eventually recognized as the “Grandfather of the Philippine Construction Industry.” 

 

His true legacy, however, lies in the values he left behind, a moral compass that continues to guide the DMCI Group seventy-one years on. 

 

The DMCI Creed 

 

We Believe: 

 

that construction is a noble profession whose activities are vital to economic development and national progress; 

 

that fair competition is essential to the growth and stability of the construction industry; 

 

that a contractor's primary responsibility to his client is to give his best in faithful compliance with their agreement; 

 

that labor and capital should cooperate with one another so that labor may live with dignity and capital may find its just rewards; 

 

that the ill-gotten violates business ethics and the ill-conceived wreaks havoc on the public good; 

 

that the ultimate objectives are to serve not only man but humankind, and to build not only an enterprise but an institution that will serve society. 

 

Source: A Passion to Build: A Memoir of David M. Consunji