by Gerry Lee Gorit
TAGOLOAN, Misamis Oriental – The Phividec Industrial Authority (PIA) marked its 50th anniversary with a grand celebration attended by numerous dignitaries, investors, and company locators. The event was graced by Lawyer Joseph J. Bernedo, CEO and administrator of Phividec IA, who extended a warm welcome to all attendees and highlighted the significant contributions of the estate’s locators to its continued expansion and the local economy.
In his speech, Bernedo emphasized the importance of the companies that have set up operations within the Phividec estate. “We are celebrating the contributions of our locators, the development of the estate, and their contribution to the economy. We are featuring their products, and it’s also an opportunity for us to socialize with each other and celebrate the 50th anniversary of PHIVIDEC,” he said.
The celebration saw participation from various prominent companies, including Mindanao International Container Terminal Services Incorporated, Philippines Shell Petroleum Corporation, STEAG State Power Incorporated, Phoenix Petroleum Corporation, San Miguel Brewery Incorporated, Nutrimax Fresh-Baked Incorporated, and Philippine Sinter Corporation. Other notable participants included Jacobi Carbons Philippines Incorporated, Corbox Corporation, Limketkai Manufacturing Corporation, Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC) Misamis Power Corporation, Venci Brokerage Group Incorporated, Tagoloan Polymedic General Hospital, and the European Chamber of Powers of the Philippines.
Bernedo noted that this anniversary marked the inaugural open house for Phividec IA, an authority established in 1974 through Presidential Decree No. 538. Over the past five decades, Phividec IA has been instrumental in fostering industrial development in rural areas, significantly contributing to socio-economic growth. The authority’s core functions encompass land acquisition, infrastructure development, business attraction, and administrative support.
Currently, Phividec hosts 59 registered company locators, including 50 local and nine foreign firms, supported by a network of over 200 service providers. Bernedo reiterated the authority’s dedication to attracting further investment, spotlighting ongoing projects such as the expansion of the Mindanao Container Terminal, the initiation of a bulk water project, the development of 5,000 socialized housing units, and efforts to promote renewable energy investments among locators.
“As we advance into a new era, our infrastructure must evolve to support sustainable growth. This includes everything from upgrading transportation networks, improving digital connectivity, and ensuring access to clean water and energy. By investing in modern infrastructure, we lay the groundwork for long-term progress,” Bernedo added.
The PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate Misamis Oriental Industries Association (PIE-MO-IA) also expressed strong support for Phividec’s initiatives. Analiza Miso, representing FDC Misamis Power Corporation, a PIE-MO-IA member, praised Phividec’s journey. “The 50th anniversary is a testament that PHIVIDEC has thrived and grown from all its challenges. We, the PIE-MO-IA members, are honored to be part of this incredible milestone,” she stated.
Miso extended gratitude to Phividec IA for its unwavering support to the estate’s locators and service providers, acknowledging the authority’s active role in societal betterment. “We are also grateful that our respective companies, the company locators, and service providers here in PHIVIDEC-IA contributed to attaining PHIVIDEC’s vision and mission,” she added.
As Phividec IA celebrates its golden anniversary, it stands as a testament to the sustained industrial growth and economic progress in Misamis Oriental, with an eye on future advancements and continued development.
