The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Intelligent City initiative was formally signed in Tokyo, Japan on May 28, 2026. The historic signing was witnessed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Department of Trade and Industries (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque, Ayala Corporation Vice Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Corporation President and CEO Cezar Consing, and Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz, underscoring the national and international significance of this milestone partnership.
(From left standing): KDDI President and CEO Hiromichi Matsuda; Mitsubishi Corporation President and CEO Katsuya Nakanishi; Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque; Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.; Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia Albano; Ayala Corporation Vice Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala; and Chief Social Infrastructure Officer Paolo F. Borromeo.(Seated): KDDI Managing Executive Officer Hiroaki Hosoi; Mitsubishi Corporation Mineral Resources Group Executive Vice President Satoshi Koyama; Ayala Corporation President and CEO Cezar P. Consing; Globe Telecom President and CEO Carl R. Cruz; and Ayala Corporation Executive Director Jaime Urquijo.
Four industry leaders, Ayala Corporation, Globe Telecom, Mitsubishi Corporation, and KDDI Corporation, have come together to pioneer the country’s first Intelligent City, with Makati CBD as the identified pilot. This project will harness data, digital technologies, and advanced connectivity to redefine how Filipinos live, work, and thrive in urban environments.
The initiative will showcase Globe’s consistent and reliable network and digitally enable an ecosystem of sectors to bring the Intelligent City vision to life. This includes advancements in mobility, retail, energy, and connectivity, alongside the development of intelligent city platforms that integrate data and harness AI solutions.
“Ayala Corp. has always believed in building communities that uplift lives. Through this initiative, we are reimagining Makati CBS as a hub of innovation, where technology and human connection converge to create a city that truly serves its people,” said President and CEO Cezar Consing.
The partnership will also utilize technologies like the Internet of Things that will incorporate artificial intelligence in practical, everyday use. Together, these focus areas form the foundation for building more intelligent, more sustainable, and more resilient urban communities.
Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz highlighted the role of connectivity in digital inclusion and nation‑building: “Connectivity has become the lifeblood of progress, the Fifth Utility that empowers nations to grow and thrive. Globe is excited to showcase its consistent and reliable network to transform our cities, ensuring that every Filipino has access to the tools, opportunities, and digital experiences they need to keep moving forward in an increasingly connected world.”
This collaboration marks a milestone in nation‑building, setting the stage for a new era of urban development in the Philippines. By harnessing advanced connectivity, AI, and sustainable technologies, the Intelligent City project will not only redefine Makati’s business district but also serve as a model for future developments nationwide, creating an environment where businesses can innovate, opportunities become more inclusive, and economic resilience and competitiveness are strengthened for Filipino enterprises and entrepreneurs in the digital age.
Through this strategic partnership, millions of Filipinos will experience safer, more intelligent, and more connected communities, proving that when industry leaders unite, technology becomes a powerful force for transformation. By harnessing innovation and collaboration to modernize cities and empower communities, truly uplifting the lives of Filipinos.
