Luzon Economic Corridor Forum: Hopes, Hiccups, and Infrastructure Push

An eventful Thursday unfolded in Taguig as the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Investment Forum, a first-of-its-kind gathering, brought together some 600 local and international investors and business executives. The event, graced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and top diplomats, government, and business representatives from the 13 LEC partner countries, was held under tight security. However, the program's commencement was marked by an awkward delay. President Marcos took the stage alone, followed later by the US Ambassador, the Finance Secretary, and Japan's Chargé d'Affaires ad interim, leaving hundreds of executives waiting. The host had to request patience from the attendees. "Wow, what a start to this program," remarked the Deputy Director of the US Trade and Development Agency in his opening speech. This opening hiccup, it later became apparent, was the least of the organizers' concerns. Just outside the hotel, a throng of protesters gathered, holding placards reading "Reject Pax Silica," referring to the planned artificial intelligence (AI) hub in New Clark City that has drawn criticism over its water and power requirements. According to rights groups, five paralegals were arrested during the protest. Inside the forum, however, investors turned their attention to the billions of dollars worth of infrastructure projects being lined up across Luzon. The US Ambassador stated, "We're here to build. The United States is all in." Meanwhile, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), one of the Philippines' busiest gateways, has once again been recognized as one of Asia-Pacific's best. For the second straight year, it landed on Airports Council International's (ACI) list of the region's best airports serving 5 to 15 million passengers annually. MCIA, which served 11.6 million passengers in 2025, also climbed to Level 3 of ACI's Airport Customer Experience Accreditation, becoming the first and only Philippine airport to reach this level. ACI's recognition is based on feedback from actual passengers. Furthermore, the Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF) has launched Project Reshore in Alaminos City, Pangasinan. This P1-million program will engage 30 small-scale fisherfolk and residents from vulnerable coastal households to help rehabilitate a 2.19-hectare damaged portion of a mangrove eco-park. The initiative combines cash-for-work support with environmental restoration. SM Investments Corp. has also partnered with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to integrate natural hazard and risk data into its nationwide property and operations planning. This collaboration will enable the conglomerate to better account for physical risks in its investment, asset management, and business continuity decisions. These developments underscore the Philippines' multifaceted approach to infrastructure development and sustainable recovery.