Aboitiz Group pushes for PPPs in Mindanao

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October 15, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Aboitiz Group is exploring more opportunities to enter the public-private partnership (PPP) landscape in Mindanao, building on the success of its infrastructure contracts in the island.

At the Davao Investment Conference 2025, Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (AIC) reported some of the gains made by the Laguindingan International Airport (LIA) since its turnover to the company in April.

AIC airports head of strategy and communications Christine Villanueva said LIA is now landing and sending off 337 flights weekly to some of the busiest metros in the Philippines like Manila, Cebu, Iloilo and Davao.

AIC is also planning to carry out infrastructure upgrades for LIA in the long run. It will expand the passenger terminal building to boost the airport’s prospects for international flights.

“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, and so developing world-class regional airports will be key to unlocking Mindanao’s potential,” Villanueva said.

Further, Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. general manager Ronnie Lim said the development of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP) improved Davao’s water situation.

The DCBWSP, undertaken with the Davao City Water District, is the country’s largest bulk water supply, delivering 300 million liters of water per day to more than one million customers.

“Beyond households, this supports livelihoods, enables businesses to expand and gives investors the confidence that utilities can keep pace with growth,” Lim said.

To date, Apo Agua, which is a subsidiary of AIC, has generated over P15 billion in investments for Davao City.

Lim said the project has given assurance to families and businesses in the city of consistent and clean water supply.

With these projects as PPP models, AIC first vice president for investments Frocks Roque said it is easy for the company to consider other projects in Mindanao. The DCBWSP, for instance, won as best PPP in the Philippines in 2024 as reviewed by the International Finance Awards.

Roque said PPPs tend to succeed when the government implementor and private partner work as one in achieving a set of goals.

AIC operates and maintains the country’s second, sixth and ninth busiest airports in Cebu, Bohol and Laguindingan, respectively, with interest in digital infrastructure, industrial parks and water projects.