In a groundbreaking move, Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates convened key leaders from government, industry, and the academe at its pioneering Industrial Summit 2025, held at the New World Makati Hotel on April 25, 2025.

Under the theme, “Masterplanning the Industrial Landscape in the Philippines,” the summit served as a strategic platform to reinforce the country’s readiness for industrial growth—driven by integrated infrastructure, forward-looking policies, and strong public-private collaboration.

Recognizing the shift of global supply chains and intense regional competition, the discussions centered on the merits of the CREATE MORE law, the integration of ecosystems, and the call for cross-sector collaboration as stakeholders position the Philippines as a prime industrial investment destination.

In his welcome address, Rafael Fernandez de Mesa, head of Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates, outlined the Philippines’ strong fundamentals, while emphasizing the need for alignment and execution to unlock long-term potential.

“This summit is about ensuring that the Philippines is not just keeping pace, but setting the direction in the global industrial landscape—offering investors not just space, but a complete and competitive ecosystem for growth,” said De Mesa.

He also emphasized that “the Philippines possesses strong fundamentals, a strong strategic location, a dynamic workforce, a growing domestic market, and an improving policy environment, evidenced by the local passage of the CREATE MORE law. However, we recognized that these strengths must be coupled by decisive action to overcome infrastructure gaps, regulatory hurdles, and talent mismatch. Challenges that demand executions, innovation, and crucially, collaborations.”

A foundation for progress
A cornerstone of the summit was the newly enacted CREATE MORE law, which enhances the country’s fiscal incentive system with greater transparency, consistency, and competitiveness. It was presented as a powerful signal to global investors—and a starting point for broader reform.

In her keynote address, Philippine Economic Zone Authority OIC-Deputy Director General for Policy and Planning Anidelle Joy Alguso discussed salient points of the CREATE MORE law including key amendments and enhancements to the CREATE Act of 2021. These changes aim to improve tax incentives through better and more competitive incentive packages, address ambiguities and expand coverage of VAT and duty availment, improve ease of doing business by enhancing provisions of the Tax Code, strengthen governance and accountability in the grant and administration of incentives, and establish clear rules for transitioning registered business enterprises.

“CREATE MORE provides a strong foundation, but it’s execution that will determine its impact,” De Mesa noted. “We must now connect this policy framework with real infrastructure, reliable utilities, and investor-focused solutions.”

Integrated solutions for long-term growth
Through its flagship estates—LIMA Estate in Batangas, MEZ2 Estate in Lapu-Lapu City, West Cebu Estate in Balamban, and the newly launched TARI Estate in Tarlac—Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates has adopted a solutions-driven approach to development.

Each estate follows a master plan that integrates industrial zones with commercial, residential, and institutional spaces—creating environments that enable operational efficiency, workforce accessibility, and sustainable regional development.

“At Aboitiz Infracapital Economic Estates, we see ourselves as more than developers, we are integrated solutions providers. Crafting dynamic ecosystems empowering businesses to achieve sustainable long-term growth. We don’t just build industrial parks—we build platforms for growth,” De Mesa added. “Our estates are designed as complete ecosystems, combining power, water, construction, logistics, digital infrastructure, and workforce development to support resilient, future-ready industries.”

These services are delivered in synergy with the broader Aboitiz Group ensuring that locators benefit from seamless, end-to-end support.

Collaboration as a catalyst
The summit featured high-level discussions with leaders from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI), Procurement and Supply Institute of Asia (PASIA), the Philippine Green Building Council, and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), along with key executives from the Aboitiz Group.

Panelists explored how the Philippines can solidify its role as a top investment destination and how the country must innovate to remain competitive in an increasingly complex and fast-changing global environment.

The panel discussion underscored collaboration as a necessity in advancing industrial development at a scale that requires tighter alignment across government, education, infrastructure, and private enterprise.

Clifford Academia, head of National Business Operations at Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates, emphasized that the Philippines is no longer simply preparing for growth—it is now positioned to lead. “We’re no longer looking ahead—we’re moving forward with purpose,” Academia said. “The Philippines has the foundations, the reforms, and the partnerships. Now is the time to act—and to act together.”

Standard for future-ready development
As a thought leader in Philippine industrial development, Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates puts forward a model that blends scale, sustainability, and seamless integration.

By delivering end-to-end solutions, the company is helping shape a future-ready industrial economy— one that is built on purpose, resilience, and partnership.

“Today’s conversations made it clear that the challenges we face—supply chain shifts, regulatory hurdles, infrastructure needs—are also our greatest opportunities. With the right alignment, the Philippines can transform these lasting advantages. This is our time. The momentum is here. And with the vision, expertise, and collaboration we’ve seen today, I am confident we will continue to build an industrial landscape that drives inclusive growth for generations to come,” concluded Academia in his closing remarks.

As the program closed with a strong call for continued alignment, the message was clear: the Philippines is no longer just preparing for its industrial future—it is actively shaping it. Through integrated ecosystems, long-term collaboration, and a bold vision for progress, Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates is helping lead the way—turning strategy into action, and potential into lasting impact.