Bigger, Bolder, Beyond Business
TAGOLOAN, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority opened its Open Hour Year 3 on March 25 with bold optimism despite the current disruption of the global economy arising from the conflict in the Middle East.
“This year, we embrace a bold and exciting theme—Bigger, Bolder, Beyond Business,” said PHIVIDEC IA Administrator and CEO Atty. Joseph Donato J. Bernedo in his keynote speech declaring the estate’s three-day showcase open.
“Beyond our business exhibits and industrial showcases, we have transformed this Open House into a celebration of community and culture. In many ways, this is our own PHIVIDEC fiesta—a celebration not just of industry, but of people, creativity, and the vibrant spirit that makes this estate truly alive.”
“Three years ago, this initiative was started by Administrator Cid with a clear vision—to bring together industry leaders and the community in a shared space where innovation, opportunity, and collaboration thrive. Today, that vision continues to grow stronger. This year’s theme, “Bigger, Bolder, and Beyond Business,” is more than a statement—it is a direction,” said Jerome Soldevilla, PIEMO Industries Association President. “It reflects the Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet, and Prosperity, guiding every business and investment decision within PHIVIDEC.”
A Driver for Progress
Bernedo expressed his deepest gratitude to the estate’s locators and investors for their continued trust and commitment fueling its growth, assuring them PHIVIDEC remains steadfast in its mission to provide reliable support services, essential utilities, and an environment where their businesses can continue to thrive. He affirmed their duty to regulate with integrity, fairness, and objectivity—ensuring a level playing field for all, with sustainable growth anchored on good governance.
In a milestone achievement, PHIVIDEC IA obtained ISO Certification last year—the first in its 52-year history—signifying how its systems, processes, and standards now meet world-class benchmarks.
Soldevilla further buttressed the estate’s role as a key enabler of the region’s rising growth and development.
“We see this clearly in the rise of Northern Mindanao, whose economy has now surpassed the ₱1 trillion mark, and one of the fastest growing regions in the country, driven by the strength of industry and services. This growth is not just measured in numbers, but in the collective effort, talent, and resilience of the communities we serve and belong to.”
“Today, as we open our gates, we also raise our banner proudly before the world: That PHIVIDEC is not just an industrial estate— but a prime investment hub, a gateway of opportunity, and a driver of progress for Mindanao and for the nation,” Bernedo stressed.
“Today, Phividec is no longer just catching up—we are setting the pace, we are leading the way, and we are proving that together, nothing is beyond our reach.”
He cited PHIVIDEC IA’s series of transformative, big-ticket projects that would define the next chapter of the estate: the ongoing Bulk Water Supply Project, Solid Waste Processing Facility, Mindanao Container Terminal Port Expansion, 4PH Housing Project, and the agro-industrial thrust with Del Monte, which would activate idle lands for productive farming.
Affirmation of Global Investors
The executive also cited the confidence of global investors as the estate welcomed major foreign investors Haycarb, Thai Philco., and its first Australian locator, Newly Weds Corp (New Food Coatings [Phils.] Inc.) which is setting up a P339-million investment in manufacturing food ingredient blends (batters, breaders, seasoning & confectionary blends) with a 25 year lease at a one hectare lot in Bgy. Mohon, Tagoloan.
Fiscal Performance
In the past three years, PHIVIDEC-IA has achieved stability and accelerating growth with annual revenues rising from P1,110,584,650.90 to P1,254,753,379.09 (+13%) in 2024, and even further to a record P1,487,225,000.64 in 2025.
This achievement is made even more impressive since PHIVIDEC IA is a self-sustaining government corporation generating its own revenues, without any subsidy (yearly budget) from the National Government. On top of this, after paying 25% corporate income tax, it remits 50% of its income directly to the National Treasury, a contributor in nation-building.
Its total dividends contribution to the national coffers have been steadily increasing from P333,276,785.71 in 2023, to P385,411,347.32 in 2024, 2nd place during the GOCC (Government Owned and Operated Corporations) Day Awards. In 2025, we remitted P443,517,877.74 to the national coffers, and we’re now looking out to finish First Place in its category.
Furthermore, it continues to uplift its host communities by remitting real property tax shares to its host LGUs: In 2025, the RPT share contributions given by Phividec to the Province of Misamis Oriental totaled P110,374,231.66; for the Municipality of Villanueva, P75,333,273.05; and for the Municipality of Tagoloan– P58,660,927.55.
“These are more than numbers—they translate to roads, schools, health services, and livelihoods for our people. All these developments send a clear and powerful message: PHIVIDEC is not standing still. We are building, expanding, innovating—and moving forward with purpose,” Bernedo declared.
Open House Relevance
Despite the prevailing global uncertainty arising from the Middle East conflict, the administrator said it is precisely because of such challenges that events like the Open House gains even further significance.
“We do not pause. We do not retreat. Instead, we move forward—stronger, more determined, and more united,” Bernedo exhorted. “Because now, more than ever, we must continue our mandate: to promote PHIVIDEC, to attract investments, to create jobs, and to contribute to the resilience and growth of our local and national economies. In times of uncertainty, opportunity must not be delayed—it must be created. And that is what this Open House represents.”
Foundations of Sustainable Growth
For his part, Soldevilla cited PHIVIDEC’s continued success as anchored by five powerful pillars: Park. Port. Power. People. & Partnership.
Park—a thriving industrial ecosystem where businesses grow, innovate, and compete on a global stage; Port—through the 15 different ports operating in the estate, the largest (not only in PHIVIDEC but the entire region) which is the Mindanao Container Terminal, now currently being expanded, connecting Mindanao to the world and enabling trade, logistics, and opportunity; Power—a reliable and forward-looking energy backbone that fuels industries and drives progress. People—the heart of transformation.
“Through partnerships with TESDA Regional Training Innovation Center (RTIC) and the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines – PHIVIDEC Campus, we’re glad that these two institutions are not just building a workforce—but shaping the next generation of industry leaders in Mindanao. And finally, Partnership—the force that brings everything together.”
Soldevilla added another P for Pagpakabana (Concern) for the sense of partnership and support needed to cope with the global economic disruption. “This a defining moment for all of us and an opportunity to demonstrate that amidst all these trials and challenges we choose to care for each other.”
“Guided by the principle, Your Partner in Business. Your Partner in Progress, we in the PIEMO Industries Association embody the spirit of coopetition. We may operate in different sectors—and at times even as competitors—but we choose to collaborate, cooperate, and support one another where it matters most.”
This is what makes PHIVIDEC unique—not just a place of business, but a community of partners working toward a common future. For this, we thank the leadership of PIA and team for fostering an environment where partnerships thrive—where diversity becomes strength, and where progress is achieved together.”
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