Filinvest Development Corp. is maintaining its aggressive growth targets and ₱27.6 billion capital expenditure program for this year, betting that internal efficiencies and expansion in power and digital banking will offset volatility stemming from the Middle East crisis.

In a briefing, Rhoda A. Huang, Filinvest president and chief executive officer, said the Gotianun family's investment vehicle is sticking to its goal of at least 20 percent earnings growth for 2026, which is the conglomerate’s annual goal set in 2024.

Huang signaled a refusal to dial back ambitions despite the darkening macroeconomic backdrop, urging the group’s business units to remain focused on operational execution rather than succumbing to a "self-fulfilling" outlook of decline.

Huang, a veteran investment banker, noted that while the regional conflict creates headwinds, such environments historically surface opportunities for well-capitalized firms.

To insulate the bottom line, Filinvest has initiated a group-wide review of expenses, implementing austerity measures and energy conservation protocols to preserve margins. The group’s strategy revolves around “critical capex”—investments specifically designed to “move the needle” on revenue and efficiency.

The conglomerate’s ₱27.6 billion spending plan represents an 11 percent increase over the ₱24.8 billion deployed in 2025, according to Ven Christian S. Guce, Filinvest chief finance officer.

Of that amount, the power segment will receive the largest share at 40 percent, followed by real estate at 38 percent. Approximately 10 percent, or ₱2.67 billion, is earmarked for banking, with the majority directed toward digital transformation.

Guce detailed that 48 percent of the total budget is dedicated to expansion. However, the real estate strategy is shifting toward consolidation.

Filinvest Land Inc. is focusing on liquefying existing inventory and completing current builds, such as a new hotel in Baguio City, rather than launching new condominium projects. In Filinvest City, Alabang, the group is investing in a wastewater sewage treatment plant, a move aimed at capturing utility demand in the growing commercial district.

The conglomerate is also betting heavily on technology to drive future profitability. Beyond the ₱2.7 billion digital budget for its banking arm, EastWest Bank, the parent firm is rolling out artificial intelligence competency training and upgrading enterprise resource planning and project management systems. By integrating AI tools into construction and business performance management, the group aims to streamline operations across its diverse portfolio.