Integrating industry for a sustainable urban future

Originaly published in Aboitiz InfraCapital's monthly column, InfraTalks, in The Manila Times.

BY 2050, over 100 million Filipinos are expected to live in cities. This rapid urbanization demands that we rethink how we develop urban spaces — not only for residential and commercial use but also for integrated industrial development. While the idea of smart cities is often discussed, it frequently overlooks the vital role of industrial spaces. These zones are more than just areas for production; they are the backbone of truly "workable" cities that are sustainable and resilient.

Urban planning has traditionally focused on residential and commercial growth, but integrating industrial areas is crucial for economic stability and long-term success. Without it, we risk creating cities that appear functional but lack the structural foundation to support employment, supply chains, and essential services. The key to sustainable urbanization lies in building workable cities where industries and communities thrive together.

To ensure that cities are sustainable, we must go beyond smart growth and aim for cities that are workable — where industries are not isolated but integrated seamlessly into daily life. This means creating an urban ecosystem where industrial spaces coexist with commercial and residential areas, driving economic activity while maintaining a high quality of life.

Aboitiz InfraCapital's economic estates are living examples of this vision. Our industrial estates go beyond being a location for a business; they are ecosystems that generate jobs, promote local economies and support long-term growth.

Take LIMA Estate, for example. This 940-hectare industrial-anchored estate in Batangas plays a pivotal role in the Luzon Economic Corridor. But LIMA Estate is more than an industrial zone; it serves as a model of how industry, commerce, and residential life can seamlessly integrate. The introduction of the 70-hectare Biz Hub at LIMA Estate has enhanced commercial and lifestyle amenities, supporting both businesses and residents. More recently, LIMA Tower One, the first office building in Batangas, has opened up new opportunities in the IT-BPM sector.

Our estates in Cebu — West Cebu Estate and MEZ2 Estate — have similarly driven regional growth, providing opportunities in both light manufacturing and shipbuilding while supporting community development. These estates underscore how industrial zones can serve as anchors for both economic and social growth, generating jobs and ensuring that surrounding regions thrive through sustainable development.

Our newest project, TARI Estate in Tarlac, is set to add 60,000 new jobs to the region, demonstrating our commitment to integrating industrial activities into local communities and ensuring that growth extends beyond urban centers into rural areas.

By providing high-quality jobs and a chance to build successful careers while staying close to loved ones, our locators offer Filipinos the chance to thrive in global industries without leaving home. But it's not just about job creation; it's about creating opportunities and fostering a culture of innovation and skill development. We believe in nurturing the local workforce, and through partnerships with our locators, we emphasize fair labor practices and continuous skills training.

Within our estates, we've also invested in dormitory housing, reducing commute times and improving the quality of life for employees. A truly workable city considers not only the physical spaces where people live and work but also the environment that supports them.

As we plan for the future, sustainability remains a core principle. It's not enough to create cities that work today — they must also work for future generations. Our estates utilize renewable energy sources like geothermal and hydroelectric power, managed through AboitizPower. We have also integrated electric vehicle infrastructure and sustainable transportation solutions, helping to reduce congestion and emissions in our communities.

We believe that creating workable cities requires a holistic approach. It's about more than just building smart infrastructure or attracting investment; it's about creating environments that uplift people and provide opportunities for growth, inclusion, and sustainability.

Our vision is to support the government's efforts in building a resilient, inclusive society — one where all Filipinos have access to quality jobs, strong communities, and a sustainable future. Through collaboration and a commitment to integrated, sustainable development, we believe that workable cities will be the foundation for our country's continued progress.