PBBM witnesses Ayala, Globe, Mitsubishi, KDDI unite to build PH's first "Intelligent City"

A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between industry giants was signed to launch the first "Intelligent City" in the Philippines.

IN PHOTO [L–R] (Standing): KDDI President and CEO Hiromichi Matsuda; Mitsubishi Corporation President and CEO Katsuya Nakanishi; Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque; Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.; Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia Albano; Ayala Corporation Vice Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala; and Chief Social Infrastructure Officer Paolo F. Borromeo.

(Seated): KDDI Managing Executive Officer Hiroaki Hosoi; Mitsubishi Corporation Mineral Resources Group Executive Vice President Satoshi Koyama; Ayala Corporation President and CEO Cezar P. Consing; Globe Telecom President and CEO Carl R. Cruz; and Ayala Corporation Executive Director Jaime Urquijo.

The first "Intelligent City" in the Philippines is coming

The signing was witnessed by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in Tokyo, Japan.

The move is a partnership between Ayala Corporation, Globe Telecom, Mitsubishi Corporation, and KDDI Corporation.

The initiative will have the Makati CBD as the pilot site.

According to the group, the project aims to integrate advanced connectivity, AI, IoT, and sustainable technologies to transform urban living—covering mobility, retail, energy, and digital services.

Globe's network will anchor the ecosystem, while Ayala emphasizes community upliftment and innovation.

Meanwhile, DTI Secretary Cristina Roque claims that the initiative is a catalyst for economic resilience and competitiveness, positioning Filipino enterprises for success in the digital age.

In essence, the project combines innovation, sustainability, and connectivity to reshape cities and empower communities nationwide.

Ayala Corp. President and CEO Cezar Consing noted,

Ayala Corp. has always believed in building communities that uplift lives. Through this initiative, we are reimagining Makati CBS as a hub of innovation, where technology and human connection converge to create a city that truly serves its people.

Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz highlighted the role of connectivity in digital inclusion and nation‑building.

Connectivity has become the lifeblood of progress, the Fifth Utility that empowers nations to grow and thrive. Globe is excited to showcase its consistent and reliable network to transform our cities, ensuring that every Filipino has access to the tools, opportunities, and digital experiences they need to keep moving forward in an increasingly connected world.

DTI Secretary Cristina Roque added,

The launch of the Intelligent City initiative in Makati CBD is a powerful step toward shaping the future of Philippine commerce and industry. By harnessing advanced connectivity, AI, and sustainable technologies, we are creating an environment where businesses can innovate and opportunities become more inclusive. At the Department of Trade and Industry, we see this as a catalyst for economic resilience and competitiveness, ensuring that Filipino enterprises and entrepreneurs are equipped to succeed in the digital age

Details on the project's implementation timeline remain undisclosed at this stage.

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