BALAMBAN, Cebu — Aboitiz Economic Estates is significantly strengthening West Cebu Estate with the addition of Pilmico as its newest industrial locator. The partnership formally introduces a major food and agribusiness operation to the expansive 540-hectare PEZA-registered industrial hub.
Expanding the Industrial Ecosystem
The first phase of the new feedmill is expected to deliver significant additional production capacity when operations begin in 2028. This massive investment strengthens Pilmico's feeds manufacturing and supply capabilities across the Visayas and Mindanao, adding a critical food operation to the estate's growing base.
Clifford Academia, Vice President and Head of the Industrial Commercial Business Unit at Aboitiz Economic Estates, highlighted that the estate goes beyond merely providing industrial land. It offers integrated infrastructure, reliable utilities, and access to the broader Aboitiz Group ecosystem, ensuring businesses have an environment designed for long-term competitiveness.
Strategic Synergies and Utilities
A key advantage of West Cebu Estate is its direct access to the broader Aboitiz network. For the new feedmill, power will be supplied by Balamban EnerZone Corp., while water services will be provided by Aboitiz InfraCapital Estate Water, seamlessly addressing critical operational requirements and ensuring efficiency.
Norie Bermudez, Country Director for Agribusiness at Aboitiz Foods, emphasized that the Cebu facility will build greater flexibility into their supply chain network. This strategic location supports the scale and requirements of the project while optimizing their existing Iligan facility to focus on the Mindanao market.
Driving Regional Growth and Jobs
West Cebu Estate currently hosts 14 locators and has generated over 14,000 jobs, heavily anchored by the country's robust shipbuilding industry. The addition of food manufacturing diversifies the industrial base, creating a resilient economic ecosystem where different industries and local services reinforce one another.
As new locators establish operations, the sprawling estate generates economic activity far beyond its boundaries through employment, supply chain opportunities, and local enterprise development. This approach to shared value ensures that every investment within the estate actively contributes to stronger surrounding communities.
A Milestone Partnership
The formal signing ceremony marks another significant step in the estate's ongoing evolution. By seamlessly combining the distinct capabilities of various Aboitiz units, the partnership leverages complementary strengths to support the continued development of the region, ensuring that businesses can grow alongside industry.
This strategic diversification positions West Cebu Estate as a fully integrated economic driver in the province. The synergy between industrial manufacturing, utilities, and community development creates a robust foundation for sustained progress, making the estate highly attractive to future global investors.
Ultimately, the value of this economic estate is measured by what those investments enable for the greater community. When businesses grow, they create jobs, develop capabilities, and engage local suppliers. West Cebu Estate remains a prime destination for strategic industrial expansion in the Visayas region.
