Brigada Group of Companies President and CEO Elmer V. Catulpos has built one of the Philippines’ fastest-growing conglomerates after rising from poverty with little more than perseverance and vision.
Born into a family that struggled to put food on the table, Catulpos reflects on how those early challenges shaped his mission to serve others through business. He said witnessing children go hungry pushed him to work harder, turning a small enterprise into a nationwide brand.
Now a leading force in media, healthcare, and security services, Brigada operates more than 50 FM radio stations under Brigada News FM, a national TV network, and several pharmacies and security agencies. The group’s bold expansion model combines journalism, commerce, and public service under one unified mission: to change lives.
Media powerhouse with purpose
Brigada Mass Media Corporation, the flagship of the group, began with a local newspaper and a single radio station. Since then, it has expanded to dominate news-formatted FM radio across the country. Brigada News FM is now the largest network of its kind in the Philippines, operating in over 50 cities.
Unlike most media companies, Brigada funds its operations independently. Its radio and TV content double as platforms for Brigada Healthline, the group’s in-house brand of herbal supplements and wellness products.
In 2019, the group was named one of Asia’s Leading SMEs at the Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability Awards in Bangkok, a first for any Philippine company in that category.
An empire built on shared strength
Catulpos credits the company’s success to its self-sustaining ecosystem. The group includes entities in construction, training academies, hardware, hotel management, aggregates, and business solutions. These divisions operate synergistically to support and promote each other, making the company resilient without outside advertising dependence.
He said their business model thrives because each arm of the group serves a deeper purpose. The company’s goal is not just to profit, but to ignite hope and opportunity among Filipinos.
Brigada’s story has also drawn international and local recognition. Catulpos served as president of the General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and held key roles in the Philippine Red Cross and Rotary International. He was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the 9th Yaman Awards and received the Rotary International Avenues of Service Citation.
Despite his achievements, Catulpos remains grounded in the mission that started it all. He emphasized that the real measure of Brigada’s success is its ability to inspire heroism and compassion in others.
He believes every Filipino deserves a chance to rise—and insists Brigada will keep creating that spark.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.