“You can dream, create, design, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it requires people to make that dream a reality.” – Walt Disney
Atty. Joseph Donato J. Bernedo, PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority (PHIVIDEC-IA) Administrator & CEO used this quote to emphasize what the focus of the estate’s open house on March 26-28, 2025 was celebrating on its Golden Anniversary.
“Today is a special day as we open our doors not just to showcase our facilities, but more importantly, to celebrate the vibrant community that makes this estate thrive,” Atty. Bernedo said in his welcome remarks during the opening program.
“Taking cue from the words of Walt Disney, today we celebrate the people who have made the Phividec dream a reality—friends and fellow builders and shapers of what is inarguably– the truest industrial estate in the country, the fastest growing economic zone in Mindanao, and soon the premier investment destination in the Philippines!,” he stressed.
Bernedo also expressed his profound thanks and gratitude to the host local government units of the Municipalities of Tagoloan and Villanueva for their invaluable contribution and support to Phividec Industrial Authority, and being gracious and heroic partners to industry building in the country.
He assured PHIVIDEC IA remains their steadfast partners in driving progress and uplifting their communities, with a commitment that extends beyond providing job opportunities—standing with them in advancing socio-economic development, fostering growth, and improving the quality of life for you their constituents, by continuing to build a future of shared prosperity and lasting impact.
Not the least, Atty. Bernedo acknowledged the enthusiasm and support of the estate’s locators and investors for the Open House, whose dedication and hard work, and investments have transformed PHIVIDEC IA into a hub of productivity and progress.
“By opening our doors, you have the opportunity to showcase your brands, your products, and your innovations to the public. This event allows us to recognize your vital contributions, not just to the estate, but to the broader Philippine economy, creating jobs, opportunities, and growth. And equally important, by creating products that directly contribute and impact households and lives,” he extolled.
“Notwithstanding our formidable industrial landscape, steel, stone, and machine as far as the eye can see, this industrial estate is more than just a collection of factories, warehouses, and offices—I have always emphasized this my friends, we are a community, a family. Beyond the numbers and achievements, what makes this place special is the unity we share. Like a family, we have supported one another through challenges, celebrating successes, and pushing forward with a shared purpose,” he added.
Building for the future
As a show of PHIVIDEC IA’s commitment to serve its locators, Atty. Bernedo cited how the authority continues to provide essential utilities, support services, and the infrastructure needed to ensure their businesses operate smoothly and efficiently.
Foremost among these is PHIVIDEC IA’s flagship project to expand the Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT). The MCT Phase II expansion project would double the berth length of the Mindanao Container Terminal from 300 to 600 meters to address the need to expand MCT’s current container volume handling capacity or utilization rate from its current 350,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) which was already exceeded in 2020, to over 2 million TEUs annually, with the expanded 900 meter quay, and at least eight ship-to-shore gantry cranes.
MICTSI, a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), is investing more than $100 million in the project. The expansion is part of MICTSI’s long-term plan to enhance capacity and efficiency, aligning with government efforts to attract more investment and business activity to the region. ICTSI signed a 25-year extension last December to operate and manage the MCT, allowing MICTSI to oversee the terminal until 2058.
The signing was led by PHIVIDEC-IA Administrator/CEO, Atty. Joseph J. Bernedo (2nd from left) and Equi-Parco Construction Company Senior Operations Manager & Authorized Representative, Engr. Glenn Willy T. Gerona (2nd from right). Witnessing the signing were PHIVIDEC-IA Acting Deputy Administrator, Engr. Alberto Jude S. Montes (leftmost) and Equi-Parco Holdings Corporation Director, Ms. Gina Lee G. Sabuero. (rightmost)
Another key initiative is the Bulk Water facility which is now undergoing construction. The initial phase will benefit 30-40 % of the 59 locators and 200 service providers within the 3,000 hectare PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate. Once its dams are completed, it aims to extend its services beyond the estate to nearby municipalities, end even as far as Cagayan de Oro City.
The ceremony was led by PHIVIDEC-IA Administrator, Atty. Joseph J. Bernedo, DHSUD-Region 10 Director, Mr. Ariel B. Abragan, and RGJ Chairman, Mr. Romeo G. Jalosjos. Also present during the ceremony were Ms. Aimee R. Marcos, Misamis Oriental 2nd District Congressman, Hon. Yevgeny Vincente “Bambi” B. Emano, Tagoloan Municipal Mayor, Atty. Nadya B. Emano-Elipe, PHIVIDEC-IA Employees, RGJ Employees, and Local Government Employees. (PHIVIDEC IA).
Another key social service is the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Housing project within the estate at Zone 3, GK, Brgy. Sta Ana, Tagoloan, a joint project with the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD) that aims to make 3,000 to 4,000 affordable housing units for qualified beneficiaries including Informal Settler Families, PHIVIDEC-IA employees, retired AFP Veterans, PHIVIDEC-IA locators, local communities, and interested individuals who wish to avail themselves of the housing program. The first of its 18 residential buildings is now under construction will have 20 residential units in each of its 12 floors.
Not the least, Bernedo disclosed PHIVIDEC-IA is ramping up road expansions and maintenance this year to provide smooth transport and operations for its locators, and would also soon install a waste management facility to provide an environmentally friendly solution to the estate’s waste disposal concerns.
“My friends, today, we open our gates to the world, proudly declaring that this industrial estate is a prime investment hub, a center for progress, and a place where industries flourish. We welcome investors, partners, and stakeholders to see for themselves why this is the destination of choice for businesses looking to grow and succeed. As we look to the future, let us remain united, this open house is a symbol of transparency, partnership, and our collective commitment to moving forward together,” Bernedo said.
The Phividec Industrial Estate is the largest industrial estate in the Philippines, spanning 3,000 hectares within the municipalities of Tagoloan and Villanueva, Misamis Oriental. This area is divided into various zones for various industries, such as manufacturing, logistics, and warehouses, making it a key economic hub in the region.
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