Cover Maria and Diosdado ‘Dado’ Banatao have been synonymous with innovation, philanthropy and education. While Dado is recognised for his pioneering contributions to the semiconductor industry, their most enduring legacy may well be PhilDev, the foundation they established to drive progress in the Philippines. (Photo: Maria Banatao. Illustration: Raphael Quaison)
Maria and Diosdado ‘Dado’ Banatao have been synonymous with innovation, philanthropy and education. While Dado is recognised for his pioneering contributions to the semiconductor industry, their most enduring legacy may well be PhilDev, the foundation they established to drive progress in the Philippines. (Photo: Maria Banatao. Illustration: Raphael Quaison)
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PhilDev co-founder Maria Banatao reflects on a life built alongside tech visionary and philanthropist Dado Banatao
For decades, Maria and Diosdado “Dado” Banatao have been synonymous with innovation, philanthropy, and education. While Dado is widely recognised for his pioneering contributions to the semiconductor industry, their most enduring legacy may well be PhilDev, the foundation they established to drive progress in the Philippines through technology, entrepreneurship and education.
Founded in 2011, the Philippine Development Foundation (PhilDev) was born out of a desire to harness science and technology to fuel economic growth in the country. Dado’s experience as an engineer, investor and entrepreneur—tempered by Maria’s background in psychology and counselling—helped the couple build an organisation dedicated to equipping young Filipinos with the tools they need to excel in an increasingly competitive global landscape. “We knew that for the Philippines to advance, we needed to invest in education and technology,” Maria says. “That’s what PhilDev is about—creating opportunities for Filipinos through knowledge and innovation.”
Also read: Dado Banatao’s profile on Asia’s Most Influential
Building an ecosystem for innovation
Above Dado and Maria Banatao
Dado and Maria Banatao
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One of PhilDev’s key initiatives is its scholarship programme, which focuses on supporting students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. Since its inception, the foundation has provided financial assistance and mentorship opportunities to promising Filipino students, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in their respective fields.
Beyond scholarships, PhilDev has also played a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship in the Philippines. The foundation introduced a technopreneurship curriculum in universities, developed mentorship programmes, and sent Filipino professors to train at institutions such as UC Berkeley. These efforts have helped create a new generation of Filipino entrepreneurs who are not just building businesses but driving technological advancements within the country.
“At first, the professors were shy, but by the end of their training, they were excited to implement what they had learned,” Maria shares. “We’ve seen that impact ripple through many universities now.”
Through collaborations with the private sector, government agencies and academic institutions, the foundation has been instrumental in fostering a culture of research and development in the Philippines. “We wanted to give Filipinos the same opportunities that Dado had,” Maria explains. “Talent is everywhere, but opportunities are not. That’s why we work to bridge that gap.”
Lifetime commitment
Above Maria and Dado Banatao on their wedding day
Maria and Dado Banatao on their wedding day
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While their philanthropic work has taken centre stage in recent years, Maria and Dado’s personal journey remains an important part of their story. Their shared vision for uplifting others stems from a deep understanding of sacrifice, perseverance and ambition.
Maria (then surnamed Cariaga) met Dado in the late 1960s when he was an engineer at Boeing working on aircraft design, and she was pursuing graduate studies in psychology. She recalls an early date, where she waited in Dado’s car while he stepped out to get something from his dormitory. “I was expecting to be treated to a nice dinner or something,” Maria laughs. Instead, Dado returned with Twinkies and orange juice. “That was our meal.”
It was, perhaps, a foreshadowing of their relationship and the life they would share, built on the shared values of humility and determination. “I saw the potential,” Maria says. “He was ambitious, smart but not cocky. Very down to earth. Just the kind of person you feel comfortable with.”
After three years of dating, they were married on August 26, 1972 in Los Angeles, California. They have gone on to have three children: sons Rey and Desi, and a daughter, Tala.
Dado’s career led him to the forefront of the semiconductor industry, where he played a pivotal role in developing groundbreaking technologies that shaped modern computing. But as his professional life flourished, Maria took on the responsibility of ensuring stability at home. “There were a lot of sacrifices,” she admits. “I had to be both mother and father at times, but we always understood that what we were building was for the family.”
Raising tomorrow
The Banatao children grew up watching their parents work tirelessly—not just for their family, but for a greater cause. “Both Dado and I are very down to earth,” Maria explains. “We like helping people, and our kids saw that in us.”
Their children’s commitment to giving back extends to their involvement in the Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund, which provides scholarships for Filipino Americans in STEM since 2002. “We decided to focus on scholarships because Dado didn't see many Filipino engineers in the design world. We needed to grow our own,” she says.
Their eldest son, Rey, is the most involved in their philanthropic efforts. “He really spends time with the scholars and helps manage the program,” she says.
Dado, Maria and two of their children
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While the education fund focused on Filipino Americans, Maria and Dado also wanted to make a difference back home in the Philippines. This led to the establishment of PhilDev in 2011, an organisation that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship and education. “Dado felt we needed to focus on technology. That’s what would help our country succeed.”
Read more: PhilDev honours leaders of science, technology and change
A legacy of impact
Now, the Banataos are facing a different kind of challenge. Due to health challenges, Dado has stepped back from his work completely. “It’s tough,” Maria admits. “Here’s this brilliant guy who now can’t remember much… So now, we just try to live day by day. We hold onto the moments of clarity, the small joys and the comfort of family.”
Maria remains grateful. “We’ve accomplished quite a bit, and it’s humbling to hear people acknowledge that,” she says. “Dado had a huge impact on the industry. Even Jensen Huang of Nvidia once publicly credited him as an inspiration.”
Above Maria and Dado Banatao
Maria and Dado Banatao
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Maria continues to drive PhilDev forward, ensuring that the foundation remains a beacon for aspiring Filipino innovators. She also remains active in other philanthropic efforts, including the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health, supporting paediatric research and healthcare initiatives, as well as the Ayala Foundation USA, where she helps drive programs focused on education, leadership and community development for Filipinos in the Philippines and abroad.
But when all is said and done, Maria’s measure of success has never been in accolades but in the lives touched, the family built, and the kindness passed forward. “Dream big. Never give up. There will always be ups and downs, but if you keep going, it will happen.”
And the most important lesson she hopes to pass on is simple: “Be a good person. That’s the most important thing. If you’re a good person, everything else follows.”
Credits
Images: Courtesy of Maria Banatao
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Syrah is Tatler Philippines’ Power & Purpose editor, where she spotlights extraordinary journeys shaping the Philippines and Asia. She covers business, innovation, impact, and culture—chasing the people, ideas and forces shaping how we live and think today.
