Daily TribuneAIC reaffirmed its commitment to building smart, inclusive infrastructure that strengthens resilience and transforms communities. ‘Infrastructure is not just what we build, it’s what it enables.’ — Cosette V. Canilao, President and CEO, AIC
At the 2025 Innovators Summit are (from left) JCI Philippines National Skills Development director Reynard Francisco, JCI Philippines national president Engr. Felix Vinson Chua, AIC president and CEO Cosette V. Canilao, PCCI Iloilo president Engr. Fulbert Woo and PCCI Iloilo corporate secretary and 2025 Innovators Summit Program chairman Francis Gerona.
Photograph courtesy of AIC
With a powerful upswing in innovation and partnerships, Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, recently joined changemakers and development leaders at the 2025 Innovators Summit in Iloilo City to reaffirm its commitment to building smart, inclusive infrastructure that transforms communities and strengthens resilience.
From economic estates, water, digital infrastructure, and airports, AIC continues to bridge service gaps and create long-term value across the Philippines.
In her keynote address, AIC president and CEO Cosette V. Canilao emphasized that “Infrastructure is not just what we build — it’s what it enables.”
Radical collaboration
“In the Philippine context, the most radical act is not launching a startup or adopting AI. It’s collaboration. True innovation means getting government agencies to coordinate. It means aligning the interests of investors, operators, regulators, and the public. It means breaking silos,” Canilao said at the summit last 31 July 2025.
Canilao discussed water, a pressing issue in Iloilo City, by citing the bulk water supply project of AIC business unit Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. in partnership with the Davao City Water District (DCWD): an example of high-impact and multi-sector collaboration involving the Davao City government, DCWD, the national government, and host communities.
At present, Apo Agua’s facility draws water from the Tamugan River, helps preserve aquifers, and supplies 300 million liters of safe, treated water daily, 24/7, to over one million Davaoeños.
Looking ahead, Canilao pointed to Iloilo City as an area with urgent water infrastructure needs.
Urgent undertaking
“Here in Iloilo, where water demand already exceeds supply and is still growing rapidly, this kind of long-term planning and collaboration is not optional — it is urgent. And we at AIC are again offering our capital and expertise to solve this crisis through our proposed partnership with Iloilo City,” Canilao said.
Canilao also spotlighted AIC’s use of technology to improve service delivery. Across its economic estates, AIC deploys smart meters, underground fiber, and digital payment systems. In airport operations, AIC leverages digital tools to reduce congestion, enhance passenger experience, and lower carbon emissions. These efforts are supported by centralized digital monitoring for improved transparency, safety and efficiency.
As the operator of Mactan-Cebu, Bohol-Panglao and Laguindingan International Airports, AIC continues to enhance regional connectivity with innovative and sustainable infrastructure upgrades. MCIA — the Philippines’ first successful airport public-private partnership — is now entirely operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp.
Canilao challenged summit participants to grow and innovate further by solving real problems, thinking in systems, and partnering early.
“If we want a better country, we have to build it together. So to all of you — founders, students, government officials, corporate leaders — this summit is not just a chance to learn; it’s an invitation to lead,” Canilao said.
