Lo took his oath at Malacañang Palace on July 8, succeeding Terence Calatrava, who stepped down in June 2025 as part of the Cabinet's courtesy resignations during the administration's reorganization.
In a statement, Lo thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the opportunity to serve and pledged to act as a bridge between the people of the Visayas and the Office of the President.
He also committed to working closely with national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and other stakeholders to streamline the delivery of government programs and services across the Visayas.
Bridge
As the executive branch's coordinating arm in the Visayas, the OPAV plays a key role in aligning national government programs and policies across the region.
Lo's primary mandate is to strengthen coordination among national government agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders to advance the administration's development agenda, including improving public services, accelerating infrastructure projects, attracting investments, and promoting economic growth across Western, Central, and Eastern Visayas.
DBP, Pagcor stints
Before his appointment, Lo served as chair of Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), a position he assumed in 2024 after joining the bank's board of directors in 2022.
Lo also served as a director of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) from 2002 to 2010 during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
According to a report by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), Lo was the third-largest donor to Marcos Jr.'s 2022 presidential campaign, contributing P25 million.
Private sector profile
Based on his profile at Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Lo is a respected business executive with decades of experience across diverse industries.
He served as chair of Coast Pacific Group of Companies (CPGC) and Toyota Mabolo Cebu Inc. (TMCI).
His business interests span hospitality, furniture manufacturing, real estate development, construction, warehouse leasing, stone tile and furnishings manufacturing, food and restaurant operations, motorcycle assembly, and automotive dealerships.
Lo has also been involved in community mall and housing development, shipping, trading, exports, logistics, public transportation, financing, insurance, industrial refrigeration, powder coating, and agricultural products. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
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