Marcos urges action, results on Luzon Economic Corridor projects

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. INQUIRER file photo / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday urged investors to turn Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) commitments into funded and operational projects. He made the call at the opening of the two-day LEC Investment Forum in Taguig City, a high-level international gathering aimed at accelerating private-sector investment and commercial partnerships for key infrastructure projects in the country. READ: Foreign investors coming to scout Luzon Article continues after this advertisement The event gathered international investors, industry leaders, and project developers to scout opportunities within the LEC, which spans Metro Manila, Clark, Subic, and Batangas. “The success of the LEC will not be measured by the number of meetings that we hold or projects that we announce,” Marcos said. “It will be measured by what we finance, by what we build, what we place into operation—by the jobs, the enterprises, and the opportunities that we create for our people,” he continued. Stressing that the Philippines is a trustworthy investment destination, Marcos vowed to continue providing the stability, infrastructure, talent, and responsive government that long-term investments require. “We want you to succeed here because your success will create opportunities for our people. We want you to regard the Philippines not simply as another market, but as a trusted partner and a place where you can build, innovate, and grow for generations,” he said. Article continues after this advertisement READ: Luzon Economic Corridor to carry on under Trump, says economic czar The President also said the LEC comes at a crucial time as global supply chains are being redesigned and technology is transforming how goods are produced and services are delivered. Article continues after this advertisement He said the Philippines intends to be one of the locations where businesses can invest for the long term, reach growing markets, and draw from a capable workforce. “We offer a growing domestic market, access to major trade routes, a young and talented population, and strong economic relationships across the world. We are reinforcing these advantages through better connectivity, reliable energy, modern digital infrastructure, and stronger domestic industries,” Marcos said. Marcos said the government is improving the movement of people and goods across the Corridor and expanding energy capacity to meet the needs of industries and communities. The government is also developing renewable resources, strengthening the power grid, pursuing reliable energy technologies, and building the digital foundations of a modern economy by expanding secure connectivity and advanced computing infrastructure. “We are strengthening cybersecurity and establishing safeguards for the responsible use of AI. The Philippines already has a strong base of digitally capable workers,” he said. “The Philippines has long been a trusted participant in global semiconductor and electronics production. We are now moving further into design, research, engineering, and other high-value activities,” Marcos said. He further said, “We are developing the capabilities needed to establish the Philippines as a more competitive maritime hub. We are also developing our critical minerals sector responsibly and strategically.” READ: Marcos, Rubio reaffirm PH-US ties, tackle Pax Silica initiative Launched in April 2024, the LEC was a trilateral infrastructure partnership of the Philippines, the United States, and Japan. It was touted as the first Partnership for Global Infrastructure corridor in the region. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. The Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas corridor is expected to create thousands of jobs, while stronger transport, energy, digital, and manufacturing links aim to boost Luzon’s economic growth. /jpv