Filinvest stands firm on P27.6-B capex for 2026

Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC) is pushing through with a larger capital spending program this year, even as it braces for global uncertainties.

FDC president and CEO Rhoda Huang said the group is sharpening its focus on essential investments while adopting austerity measures across its businesses.

“This is a period where we review everything, we’re trying to do cost containment, austerity measures, everything that can help,” Huang said.

FDC CFO Ven Guce said the group has earmarked P27.6 billion in capital expenditures for 2026.

“That is going to be an 11 percent increase from the previous year,” Guce said.

Nearly half, or 48 percent, of the capital expenditures (capex) will be allocated for expansion projects. These include capacity buildup across its core businesses.

He said the group would continue completing existing real estate projects, but would avoid launching new condominium developments as it prioritizes inventory take-up.

Guce said the focus was to liquefy the inventory.

Outside property, FDC is completing a hotel project in Baguio City, and building a wastewater treatment facility in Filinvest City, to support the growing township.

The conglomerate is also setting aside about P2.7 billion to strengthen its digital transformation efforts. These include artificial intelligence capabilities and upgrades to enterprise systems.

By segment, around 40 percent of capex will go to energy, 38 percent to real estate and about 10 percent to banking.

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For banking alone, spending will reach roughly P2.67 billion, largely to support digital initiatives.

Despite global headwinds, Huang said the group remains focused on resilience and growth.

“Let’s focus on the businesses that work. Let’s stay focused. Let’s keep engaged. Let’s listen to the customers’ needs,” she said.

“Let’s remain ambitious. I know that the macro environment may push this down. But why not aim for something better? Because the ambition remains there,” she added.

To fund investments, Guce said FDC is exploring various financing options. These include bilateral loans and capital market issuances, as a senior bond matures in the third quarter.