Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, recently hosted top executives from the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC) for a symposium and asset tour in Cebu. Held from 8 to 10 December, the event highlighted Cebu’s key economic and infrastructure hubs, including the Mactan Economic Zone 2 (MEZ2) Estate in Lapu-Lapu City, West Cebu Estate (WCE) in Balamban, and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).

The initiative, dubbed “AIC Conversations,” provided FTSC members with valuable insights into the management and operations of industrial estates and airports. The event also facilitated regional consultations with public and private stakeholders in the business and trade sectors.

Strengthening Trade and Investment Partnerships

"Through initiatives like ‘AIC Conversations,’ we aim to foster meaningful partnerships and showcase the vital role of infrastructure in enabling trade and investments,” said Christopher M. Camba, AIC First Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs.

AIC President and CEO Cosette V. Canilao added, “By highlighting the synergy between AIC Economic Estates and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, we demonstrate how AIC continues to drive economic growth and create opportunities for local and global businesses alike.”

Exploring West Cebu Estate

The FTSC tour at West Cebu Estate was led by AIC Economic Estates’ Senior Industrial Business Manager for Cebu Operations Ginalyn Casinillo and Assistant Business Operations Manager Winmundo Charcos, along with AIC External Affairs Manager Raymond Esperat.

The FTSC, composed of Trade Representatives or Commercial Attachés assigned to Philippine embassies and consulates worldwide, plays a vital role in promoting the country’s commerce and trade interests globally. These efforts include strengthening market access, trade policies, and investment promotions, enabling local businesses to expand internationally.

Driving Regional Growth through Infrastructure

In collaboration with DTI, AIC remains committed to fostering regional development by making opportunities more accessible, especially in and around MEZ2 Estate, WCE, and MCIA.

MEZ2 Estate is a 63-hectare Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-registered mixed-use development in Lapu-Lapu City. Operated in partnership with the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, it hosts companies engaged in light to medium manufacturing, packaging, industrial logistics, and warehousing.

WCE, a 540-hectare PEZA-registered site, is a collaboration between the Aboitiz Group and Japan's Tsuneishi Holdings. Dubbed the “Shipbuilding Capital of the Philippines,” it has become a hub for shipbuilding and related industries.

Together, MEZ2 and WCE are home to nearly 60 locators and approximately 28,000 employees. These estates also feature key complementary services such as Mactan EnerZone, Aboitiz Construction, and Bureau of Customs One-Stop-Shops.

Cebu’s Growing Aviation Hub

Strategically connected via MCIA, Cebu serves as the Philippines’ largest international aviation hub outside Metro Manila. As the country’s second-busiest gateway and a leader in sustainable operations, MCIA welcomed over 10 million passengers in 2023. Its Terminal 2, a Skytrax 4-Star Terminal, is currently a contender for the World’s Best Airport Staff award at the Skytrax 2025 World Airport Awards.

MCIA is home to five domestic and 18 international carriers, serving 27 domestic and 14 international destinations. Its continued growth underscores the region’s economic expansion fueled by tourism and trade.

Shaping the Future of Trade and Infrastructure

With its strategic locations and world-class facilities, AIC remains at the forefront of regional development, creating opportunities for Filipinos and positioning the Philippines as a global trade and investment destination.