Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, recently hosted delegates from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) through its airport portfolio in Cebu and Bohol, highlighting the company’s role in supporting the Philippines’ hosting of regional meetings.
Delegates arriving for a series of ASEAN gatherings were welcomed at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA), two key gateways managed by AIC.
Dubai-based hospitality executive and ASEAN delegate Zaim Muhammad praised the experience, noting in a LinkedIn post that the warm reception at MCIA helped set a positive tone for the meetings.
The visits coincided with several ASEAN-related events hosted in Central Visayas, including the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting, ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat, ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, and TRAVEX in Cebu, as well as the Special ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting on Energy in Bohol.
Energy Undersecretary Mario C. Marasigan credited BPIA personnel for helping ensure the smooth arrival and departure of foreign and local delegates, particularly high-level officials, adding that the meetings received positive feedback from participants.
AIC Vice President and Head of Airports Rafael M. Aboitiz said the company aims to deliver world-class airport experiences that reflect Filipino hospitality while supporting the country’s ambitions as a regional hub for business and tourism.
“Our goal is to provide our guests with a world-class airport experience that reflects the best of the Philippines. By hosting the ASEAN delegates with the highest standards of efficiency and warmth, we are demonstrating our readiness to support the country’s ambitions as a leading hub for international business and tourism,” Aboitiz said.
At MCIA, delegates were provided dedicated arrival lanes, VIP lounges, priority immigration processing and cultural performances organized in partnership with the Department of Tourism. The airport recently upgraded its Customer Experience Accreditation from Airports Council International to Level 3, reflecting improvements in passenger services.
MCIA also highlighted new connectivity programs such as CEB Connects, an air-to-air transfer service that shortens transit times, and CEB+, an air-to-sea transfer linking MCIA to nearby island destinations.
Meanwhile, BPIA showcased its ability to handle high-level diplomatic logistics through dedicated transit lanes, VIP facilities and collaborations with local tourism partners. The airport also marked a milestone in November 2025 after accommodating its first Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft, expanding its capacity for tourism and business travel.
The successful hosting of ASEAN delegates forms part of preparations for major regional meetings this year, including the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit scheduled in Cebu in May. AIC said the events highlight the growing importance of modern aviation infrastructure in driving tourism, investment and regional economic growth.