Building the Philippines’ next industrial advantage
The Philippines’ next industrial breakthrough may well begin in integrated economic estates built for global competitiveness.
As the country seeks to attract more global manufacturers and strengthen its position in international supply chains, the challenge lies in turning investment interest into actual industrial activity.
Making this happen, however, requires investment-ready locations with reliable infrastructure, essential utilities, skilled workers and the capacity to get businesses up and running efficiently.
Building capacities
For nearly three decades, Aboitiz Economic Estates has been building those capacities.
Its flagship LIMA Estate in Batangas has grown from 384 hectares in 1997 into a 1,100-ha integrated economic estate with more than 200 global manufacturers as locators, employing some 75,000 workers.
This same proven expertise is now driving the development of the group’s 384-hectare TARI Estate in Tarlac City, where major manufacturing facilities and critical infrastructure are fast taking shape just two years into its development.
The gains made in these integrated estates are significant and relevant today, as the Philippines moves to further strengthen its manufacturing competitiveness through the Luzon Economic Corridor, which meanwhile aims to attract more investments and accelerate industrial growth across economic centers.
The experience of Aboitiz Economic Estates, in particular, offers valuable lessons for the country’s next phase of industrial expansion.
Its pioneering work in its integrated industrial estates provides a proven model for attracting long-term investments, expanding the country’s manufacturing capacity, and generating jobs and opportunities in surrounding communities.
Decades of expertise
LIMA Estate, for one, offers a proven model of integrated industrial development.
Over nearly three decades, the country’s largest privately owned, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-registered industrial estate has evolved into a thriving manufacturing hub spanning electronics, engineering, logistics, food and related industries.
Besides the facilities, LIMA Estate has expanded into a mixed-use economic estate
integrating retail hubs, offices, a satellite campus, residential communities, hospitality, lifestyle amenities and business support services. The industrial park also has its own utilities provider, ensuring reliable power and water supply to support uninterrupted business operations.
Having such a complete and conducive environment supports industrial expansion while creating jobs and economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
A new phase of growth
Aboitiz Economic Estates is now replicating this setup at its fourth economic estate, TARI Estate in Tarlac City, strategically located near major expressways.
Just two years into development, TARI Estate has already attracted major manufacturing investments. Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines is developing a 42-ha facility targeted to begin operations in the third quarter of 2027, while Ajinomoto Philippines Corp. is building a 16-ha plant scheduled to start operations in April 2028.
Critical infrastructure is advancing alongside these facilities, with build-ready industrial lots ranging from 1.7 ha to 18 ha, and essential utilities designed to accelerate project delivery.
This early progress reflects how Aboitiz Economic Estates is applying nearly three decades of experience at LIMA Estate to accelerate the development of new industrial capacity. At full development, TARI is projected to generate approximately 60,000 jobs, strengthening Central Luzon’s manufacturing base and supporting regional economic growth.
PROVEN CAPACITY
The experience gained at LIMA Estate and the progress at TARI Estate highlight the value of Aboitiz Economic Estates’ capabilities in supporting the Luzon Economic Corridor.
Through its integrated development model, the company delivers investment-ready industrial sites supported by reliable infrastructure, essential utilities and comprehensive business services, helping manufacturers establish operations more efficiently.
At TARI, these capabilities are reinforced by the broader Aboitiz Group. Tarlac EnerZone supports power distribution, TARI Water provides water infrastructure, while Aboitiz Construction offers technical support, construction services and equipment rental.
Integrated estate management and EaseBiz further assist locators, with the latter serving as a central coordination point for registration, documentary requirements and regulatory processes involving Aboitiz Economic Estates and PEZA.
As the Philippines steps up its pursuit of global manufacturing investments, Aboitiz Economic Estates is no doubt helping drive the next wave of industrial growth, turning decades of expertise into investment-ready estates and economic opportunities.
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