In 1998, Lapus was conferred a doctorate in public administration (honoris causa) by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP).

This earned for him the title, “Management Whiz Kid in the ASEAN,” given by Asian Finance international magazine.

From 1979 to 1986, Lapus worked as managing director and chief operating officer (COO) of Triumph International (Philippines), Inc.

From 1987 to 1989, he served as undersecretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) under the administration of President Corazon C. Aquino.

He established the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) Fund and the Support Services Sector of DAR.