Ongpin graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce from De La Salle University in Manila and obtained his Master of Business Administration from the Harvard Business School in 1969. He began his career as an investment banker with First National City Bank in New York and later worked as a management consultant with McKinsey & Company in London and New York.
In the 1970s, Ongpin returned to the Philippines and became involved in various business ventures. He founded and served as the chairman of several companies, including San Miguel Corporation, which is one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines.
In 2009, Ongpin established Alphaland Corporation, which focuses on developing and managing high-end real estate properties, including luxury residential communities, hotels, and resorts. The company's flagship project is the Alphaland Makati Place, a mixed-use development located in the central business district of Makati City.
Alphaland Corporation also owns and operates several luxury resorts in the Philippines, including the Balesin Island Club, an exclusive island resort off the coast of Luzon, and the Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges, a mountain resort in Baguio City.
In addition to his business ventures, Ongpin has also been involved in politics and public service. He served as the Minister of Trade and Industry during the administration of President Corazon Aquino and later as the Chairman of the Philippine Stock Exchange.
However, Ongpin's business and political career has not been without controversy. In 2011, he was accused of insider trading and faced a case filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the Philippines. He denied any wrongdoing and eventually settled the case with the SEC.
Despite the controversies, Ongpin remains a significant figure in the Philippine business community, known for his expertise in finance and management.
Roberto Ongpin is also known for his philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare. He has donated to several universities and educational institutions in the Philippines, including De La Salle University and the Asian Institute of Management.
Ongpin has also supported various healthcare initiatives in the Philippines, such as providing funding for medical missions and donating medical equipment to hospitals. He founded the Ongpin Medical Clinic, which provides healthcare services to underserved communities in the Philippines.
Aside from his business and philanthropic endeavors, Ongpin is also known for his passion for art. He has an extensive art collection that includes works by Filipino artists and international artists such as Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall.
In 2019, Ongpin was named one of the Philippines' 50 richest people by Forbes, with an estimated net worth of $750 million. He is married to Jeanette Ongpin, with whom he has three children.
Overall, Roberto Ongpin is a well-known and respected figure in the Philippine business community, with a reputation for being a shrewd and successful businessman, as well as a philanthropist and patron of the arts.