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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines holds inaugural 'Build to Last' infrastructure and construction conference

The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines holds inaugural 'Build to Last' infrastructure and construction conference

Published Apr 30, 2026 07:08 am
The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines successfully hosted the inaugural “Build to Last: Infrastructure and Construction Conference” on April 16, 2026, at Ascott Bonifacio Global City, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, developers, and engineers to address key challenges in climate resilience, energy transition, and sustainable infrastructure development.
The conference featured high-level discussions on building climate-resilient infrastructure, accelerating the adoption of clean energy technologies, and integrating smart and digital solutions into nationwide infrastructure systems.
The event formally opened with remarks from H.E. Marie Fontanel, Ambassador of France to the Philippines, who highlighted the strong diplomatic ties between France and the Philippines and the opportunities for deeper collaboration in infrastructure and sustainability.
This was followed by keynote addresses from Undersecretary Nicasio Conti (Undersecretary, Department of Public Works and Highways) and Director Marissa Cerezo (Director, Renewable Energy Management Bureau, Department of Energy). Both speakers emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in advancing energy security, clean energy adoption, and sustainable development.
The first panel, “Sustainable Energy: Energizing Construction & Infrastructure,” featured Jean-Baptiste Dreanic (Managing Director, ENGIE Philippines), John Rey Dañgilan Jr. (Head of Business Development, Artelia Philippines), Tony Martin (Head, Ayala Property Management Corporation), Dir. Marissa Cerezo (Director, REMB, DOE), and Guillermo M. Luz (Chairman, Liveable Cities Philippines), and was moderated by Gie Garcia (COO and CSO, NEO; Chairperson, I&C Committee, CCIFP). Discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities in scaling green energy solutions, with speakers underscoring the urgency of accelerating climate action.
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The second panel, “Building for Tomorrow: Disaster-Ready Infrastructure,” involved Henry D. Antonio, (President and CEO, EEI Corporation), Elie Attie (President and Business Unit Manager, Freyssinet International Manila, Inc.), Stephane Marrec (Country Manager, Geoquest Philippines), and Jean T. De Pano (Disaster Risk Management Officer,CCSD-CCRE, Asian Development Bank), and was moderated by Martina Dampf (Director of Business Development, TY Lin International – Philippines). The panel highlighted how climate resilience, sustainability, and future-proofing can be effectively integrated into project development and infrastructure delivery.
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The third panel, “Smart & Sustainable: The Next-Gen Infrastructure,” included John Kendrick “Ken” Peña (Head of Sales Management Group, Arthaland), Poovathungal Itteera Roy (Head of Digital Buildings, Schneider Electric East Asia), Benoit Foujols (Country Manager, Legrand Philippines), and Antonio Dizon (Director of Engineering, Shangri-La The Fort Manila), also moderated by Gie Garcia (COO and CSO, NEO; Chairperson, I&C Committee, CCIFP). The session emphasized the role of resilient design, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration in strengthening infrastructure against climate risks. Architect Felino Palafox Jr. concluded the discussion with an inspiring perspective on sustainable urban development in the Philippines.
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The conference also featured interactive workshops led by industry experts, including representatives from Artelia Philippines, Schneider Electric, Freyssinet, Geoquest Philippines, and Plastic Odyssey Factories, offering practical insights into innovative solutions and sustainable construction practices.
Workshops (Artelia Philippines, Schneider Electric, Freyssinet, Geoquest Philippines, Plastic Odyssey Factories)
Workshops (Artelia Philippines, Schneider Electric, Freyssinet, Geoquest Philippines, Plastic Odyssey Factories)
Workshops (Artelia Philippines, Schneider Electric, Freyssinet, Geoquest Philippines, Plastic Odyssey Factories)
Workshops (Artelia Philippines, Schneider Electric, Freyssinet, Geoquest Philippines, Plastic Odyssey Factories)
Workshops (Artelia Philippines, Schneider Electric, Freyssinet, Geoquest Philippines, Plastic Odyssey Factories)
Workshops (Artelia Philippines, Schneider Electric, Freyssinet, Geoquest Philippines, Plastic Odyssey Factories)
Workshops (Artelia Philippines, Schneider Electric, Freyssinet, Geoquest Philippines, Plastic Odyssey Factories)
Workshops (Artelia Philippines, Schneider Electric, Freyssinet, Geoquest Philippines, Plastic Odyssey Factories)
Workshops (Artelia Philippines, Schneider Electric, Freyssinet, Geoquest Philippines, Plastic Odyssey Factories)
Workshops (Artelia Philippines, Schneider Electric, Freyssinet, Geoquest Philippines, Plastic Odyssey Factories)
Throughout the event, participants were encouraged to view themselves as key drivers of change, recognizing that addressing the country’s infrastructure and climate challenges requires collective action and sustained collaboration across sectors.
The event was made possible through the support of its Event Partners: BTicino Philippines / Legrand, Freyssinet International Manila, Inc., Geoquest, and Schneider Electric (event partners); Gold Sponsor: Artelia Philippines; Bronze Sponsor: ENGIE; Booth Sponsors: PPI Pazifik Power Inc., Western Union, and Plastic Odyssey; Event Production Partner: R Concepts & Events Co; Marketing Partner: ReelReeve; and Media Partners: ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, Manila Bulletin, The Manila Times, and Great Travel Philippines.

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French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines
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