development

Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, recently underscored its long-term commitment to Mindanao’s progress at two landmark events, the Davao Investment Conference (Davao ICON) 2025 and the Mindanao PPP (Public-Private Partnership) Facilitation Initiative launch, both held in Davao City last September 2025.

During these events, AIC executives from AIC’s Water and Transport & Mobility sectors emphasized Mindanao’s critical role in driving inclusive growth through connectivity, innovation, and public-private collaboration, and as an enabler of tourism and economic activities.

Speaking to about 350 Davao ICON delegates, AIC Airports Head of Strategy and Communications Christine Villanueva remarked that connectivity remains the backbone of regional and national growth — and airports play a central role in that ecosystem.

“Connectivity builds economies. From trade routes to transport hubs, when we move better, we grow faster. Airports are not just travel terminals — they are engines of economic activity. Developing world-class regional airports will be key to unlocking Mindanao’s potential,” Villanueva said during the panel entitled during the panel discussion entitled “Building Gateways for Mindanao’s Progress: Developing World-Class Airports.”

AIC, through Aboitiz InfraCapital Laguindingan Airport Corporation, currently operates Laguindingan International Airport (LIA) in Misamis Oriental. AIC is currently undertaking the development and modernization of LIA over the short- to medium-term beginning April 2025, following the awarding of a 30-year concession agreement last October 2024.

This includes plans to incorporate necessary infrastructure, such as terminal expansion to cater to additional international connections and growing passenger traffic.

Villanueva noted that 2025 marks a pivotal year in AIC Airports’ transformation into a leading multi-airport operator in the Philippines, with its portfolio — which includes LIA, the award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), and Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) — collectively accounting for over 20% of the country’s passenger traffic.

Highlighting LIA’s strategic role, she said that AIC envisions it to become a regional gateway similar to MCIA, serving as a platform for commerce, tourism, and innovation in Mindanao.

LIA–already the country’s sixth-busiest gateway and Mindanao’s second-busiest after Davao City’s Francisco Bangoy International Airport–now caters to about 337 flights per week to some of the country’s most attractive destinations, namely Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao.

During the Davao ICON, Ronnie Lim, General Manager of AIC water subsidiary Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc., was also a featured panelist. Lim showcased the development and impact of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP), a joint partnership with the Davao City Water District (DCWD).

As the country’s largest bulk water supply project, the DCBWSP has transformed Davao City’s water sector as it reliably delivers 300 million liters per day of sustainable water. Through the Apo Agua-DCWD partnership, over one million Dabawenyos now enjoy 24/7 access to potable water, improving quality of life, public health, and community well-being.

“Beyond households, this supports livelihoods, enables businesses to expand, and gives investors the confidence that utilities here can keep pace with growth. Davao’s promise of growth rests on one foundation: water that is reliable, sustainable, and future-ready- so our communities thrive and our city grows beyond borders,” Lim said.

Lim noted that thanks to Apo Agua, the DCBWSP has generated over P15 billion in investments, thousands of jobs, and significant contributions to Davao’s economy. New households, subdivisions, and businesses are able to operate and thrive without the constant worry of water interruptions and water quality issues.

Both DCWD and Apo Agua continue to invest in further improving the DCBWSP’s infrastructure and operational capabilities to ensure water security for Davao City.

PPP as a Platform for Progress

Meanwhile, AIC First Vice President for Investments Frocks Roque emphasized the importance of PPPs in ensuring sustainable, efficient infrastructure development at the launch of the Mindanao PPP Facilitation Initiative, organized by the Mindanao Development Authority.

“The delivery of quality service must be the primary motivation for the development and operation of PPPs. That means having clear, output-specific key performance indicators and linking financial benefits directly to performance. Strong public-private collaboration is essential to create an enabling environment for these partnerships to thrive,” Roque said.

Roque emphasized that PPPs work best when both the public and private sectors align their goals toward shared impact — combining private sector efficiency and innovation with public sector vision and inclusivity.

At present, the DCBWSP serves as a clear model of a successful PPP that has brought together the strengths of the public and private sectors to enable businesses and uplift communities.

In 2024, the DCBSP was honored as the Best PPP in the Philippines by the UK-based International Finance Awards – a prime example of the transformative potential of PPPs in driving sustainable urban development.

This recognition, coming within the first year of the project’s commercial operations, underscores Davao City’s commitment to innovative solutions for critical infrastructure needs and delivery of basic services.

Strengthening AIC’s Footprint in Mindanao

AIC’s growing presence in Mindanao reflects its confidence in the region’s economic momentum. Beyond airports and water, AIC continues to explore opportunities across other key infrastructure segments – all geared toward making Mindanao more competitive and connected.