Daily Tribune
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. joins Ayala Group and Japanese firms executives in a business meeting on Tuesday. He said agreements between the 𝗔𝘆𝗮𝗹𝗮 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 and leading Japanese companies will help expand 𝗚𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗵 services, strengthen cybersecurity and digital payments, improve transportation and connectivity through intelligent city technologies and open new opportunities for Filipino businesses in the digital economy. He said the collaborations will drive innovation, create opportunities and make services more efficient and accessible for millions of Filipinos.
PCO
TOKYO, Japan — Trade Secretary Cristina Roque revealed that the collaboration between Philippine conglomerate Ayala Corporation and Japanese firms Mitsubishi Corp. and KDDI Corp. will pave the way for the rise of an “Intelligent City” in Makati City.
Roque said this was agreed upon following the signing of three memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between Philippine and Japanese firms on Wednesday here, aimed at advancing smart cities, digital connectivity, and financial technology in the Philippines.
The Intelligent City initiative is also being considered for expansion into other Philippine urban areas.
According to the Trade chief, the project will use artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), urban data integration platforms, and advanced telecommunications solutions to improve transportation, retail and commercial services, energy management, and digital city services.
On the other hand, Ayala Corp., Mynt, and Mitsubishi Corp. also signed an agreement to develop “Smart Life” digital services that could make daily transactions more convenient for Filipinos.
The partnership will cover rewards programs, ticketing services, online payment platforms, and digital marketing solutions.
The collaboration is expected to generate around P7 billion in revenues.
GCash expansion
Meanwhile, Ayala Corp., Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), Mitsubishi Corp., and Mynt signed another agreement to help expand GCash services in the Philippines and abroad.
Mitsubishi and MUFG have previously invested $700 million in GCash, underscoring their continued commitment.
The partnership will develop better digital payment systems, lending services, investment products, and stronger online security, while integrating GCash into Ayala and Mitsubishi’s business ecosystems across retail, real estate, energy, mobility, and digital services.
Secretary Roque said the partnerships reflect strong investor confidence in the Philippines and highlight the country’s readiness to advance digital innovation, smart infrastructure, and financial technology.
“We welcome these investments to the Philippines because they will bring meaningful benefits to Filipinos—from smarter and more connected communities to safer and more accessible digital financial services,” she said.
“These partnerships will make everyday transactions faster and more convenient while creating more opportunities for Filipino consumers, businesses, and workers,” she added.
Through its network of international offices, the DTI will continue to attract investments that create jobs, expand digital opportunities, and support a more innovative and inclusive Philippine economy.
