A new commercial center to rise in Sto. Tomas

First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) broke ground on a three-story mixed-use hub inside its nearly 600-hectare space in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, on Sept. 10, 2024.

FPIP Plaza is a 15,000- square meter space that will house various retail establishments, restaurants, service centers, corporate offices and government offices upon its completion—all aimed at creating a more convenient and elevated experience for FPIP locator employees, visitors and the local community.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, FPIP chief commercial officer Joval Pantangco said: “FPIP Plaza is a testament to our desire to create something that is for the community, employees and locators of FPIP, and even more importantly, the whole of Sto. Tomas and Tanauan, and barangays nearby will have an opportunity to gather and connect with each other.”

FPIP Plaza, located at FPIP’s Gate 1, also aims to open doors for more employment opportunities, adding to the thousands of employees now working at FPIP.

Completion in 2026

“It will continue to support the mission of FPIP—to create jobs, strengthen industry and modernize the two cities of Sto. Tomas and Tanauan, and make Batangas as the prime industrial corridor of the Philippines,” Pantangco added.

FPIP has partnered with construction firm First Balfour and architectural firm Aidea to develop FPIP Plaza. It is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026.

The groundbreaking ceremony was led by Pantangco, Batangas 3rd District Rep. Maitet Collantes, AnaKalusugan partylist representative Rep. Ray Reyes and Sto. Tomas Mayor Arth Jhun Marasigan represented by former Vice Mayor Abet Marasigan.

The symbolic laying of capsule was participated in by other FPIP officers, including senior vice president for construction management group Alexander Roque, corporate planning and sustainability head Manuel Lizardo Jr., commercial properties group head Alberto Cailao, senior business development manager May Abalos and business development officer Krisha Mendoza.

Also gracing the groundbreaking ceremony were Batangas vice governor Mark Leviste II, Batangas board members Alfredo Corona and Rodolfo Balba, vice mayor Catherine Jaurigue-Perez represented by councilors Adrian Carpio, Raquel Maloles-Salazar, Ladislao Malijan and Angel Faye Parra and secretary Monette Trinidad, Sto. Tomas department heads led by city administrator Engr. Binoy Medalla, and barangay chairman Dennis Austria.

Boost for businesses

Rep. Collantes recognized how the new FPIP Plaza can help boost businesses and aid customers: “I can already see the impending growth of the local economy, the creation of even more work opportunities, the flourishing of surrounding businesses, the placement of more investments and the strengthening of the position of FPIP and its partners.”

Rep. Reyes underscored the significance of how having state-of-the-art facilities can help elevate the quality of life of Batangueños and create a more vibrant economy: “FPIP Plaza will introduce modern facilities and amenities that will enhance the everyday experience of our residents, locators and their employees. From improved access to services, vibrant public spaces for social interaction, FPIP Plaza will become a vital part of the community standard.”

Marasigan bared how FPIP has become instrumental in the economic growth of Sto. Tomas: “Because of FPIP’s presence, the population of Sto. Tomas City spiraled that made businesses very much alive in every nook and corner of this city. The coffers of the city were able to generate high revenue to fund its development plans. This groundbreaking of FPIP Plaza signals another milestone in the continued progress of the city.”

FPH-Sumitomo joint venture

FPIP is the fruit of a joint venture agreement signed by First Philippine Holdings Corporation and Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo Corporation in 1996. It was established to respond to the government’s call for private sector assistance in catalyzing industrial growth.

Danish company SB Flex became the very first locator in the then 315-hectare facility.

Today, FPIP is host to over 150 world-class locators, generating over 70,000 employment opportunities. Among its locators are Collins Aerospace, Brother Philippines, Canon Philippines, Philippine Manufacturing Co. of Murata Inc., Nestlé Philippines, Honda Philippines and ZAMA Precision Industry Manufacturing Philippines.

In 2023, FPIP welcomed Dyson as the latter sought to establish its Philippines Technology Center, which would expand their current operations in the country and consolidate their Philippine offices, research and development, and advanced motor manufacturing capabilities under one roof.

FPIP further livens up its landscape through its commercial additions—Oasis Commercial Center, an office and retail space; Santomas Suites and Microtel, hotel accommodations; Consuelo Park, a recreational park that includes an amphitheater and nature trail; Consuelo Park Residences, a residential dormitory complex; and Consuelo Park Pavilion, a 1,400-square meter event space.

FPIP has also been a recipient of various awards. It was the first local industrial park to receive the Investors in People (IIP) award in 2009. That same year, it was elevated to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Hall of Fame after three wins for its environment management initiatives. Capping its banner Year 16 was an upgrade of FPIP’s IIP accreditation to Bronze and the new “home of executives” in the park, Santomas.

In line with its goal of regeneration and decarbonization, FPIP has received numerous recognitions from government offices and organizations, such as PEZA and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENREMB). This summer, it picked up more awards: a Success Story award from the Pollution Control Association of the Philippines Inc. or PCAPI; a Sustained Remarkable Compliance to the Environmental Laws award from DENR-EMB Region 4A; and a Silver Stevie award in the Reuse and Recycle category from the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, its first international recognition.

L-R: First Balfour president and COO Anthony Fernandez, FPIP senior BD manager May Abalos, FPIP CCO Joval Pantangco, FPIP corporate planning head Manuel Lizardo Jr., Rep. Ray Reyes, Rep. Maitet Collantes, former Sto. Tomas Vice Mayor Abet Marasigan, FPIP SVP for construction management group Alexander Roque, commercial properties group head Alberto Cailao, Aidea president Arch. Jojo Tolentino and FPIP BD officer Krisha Mendoza

FPIP team lowers the time capsule (l-r): CCO Joval Pantangco, SVP for construction management group Alexander Roque, corporate planning head Manuel Lizardo Jr., commercial properties group head Alberto Cailao, senior BD manager May Abalos and BD officer Krisha Mendoza

FPIP CCO Joval Pantangco extends a warm welcome to guests at the groundbreaking ceremony

Aidea president Arch. Jojo Tolentino, First Balfour president and COO Anthony Fernandez and FPIP senior BD manager May Abalos engage in a lively conversation

Aidea president Arch. Jojo Tolentino, FPIP corporate planning head Manuel Lizardo Jr., FPIP SVP for construction management group Alexander Roque, FPIP senior manager for construction management group Jeffrey Panado, First Balfour president and COO Anthony Fernandez, FPIP CCO Joval Pantangco, guests from First Balfour, and FPIP chief finance officer Igor Korionof

FPIP BD officer Krisha Mendoza and corporate planning head Manuel Lizardo Jr

Commercial properties group head Alberto Cailao, commercial properties group manager Marinella Caluag, representatives from Colliers Philippines, and commercial properties group operations manager Dior Trinidad