MAKATI CITY — Philippine conglomerate Ayala Corp. has joined forces with Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp. and KDDI Corp. to launch an ambitious “Intelligent City” initiative in Makati, a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation efforts. The partnership was among three memoranda of understanding (MOUs) signed during President Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Tokyo. Cristina Roque formally announced the agreements. The project is the first initiative of its kind in the Philippines and positions Makati as a pilot site for AI-powered urban development.
AI and Smart Infrastructure to Shape the Future of Cities
At the core of the agreement is a collaboration among Ayala Corp., Globe Telecom, Mitsubishi Corp., and KDDI Corp. to explore and implement “Intelligent City” technologies in Makati, with the possibility of expanding the model to other cities across the country. The initiative will utilize artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, urban data integration platforms, and next-generation telecommunications systems to improve city operations. These innovations are expected to enhance transportation networks, energy management, retail services, and other essential urban functions. Globe’s digital infrastructure will serve as a key foundation for the project, supporting productivity, sustainability, and innovation across sectors such as mobility, retail, energy, and infrastructure.
New Digital Services Expected to Generate P7 Billion
A second MOU brings together Ayala Corp., its fintech subsidiary Mynt, the parent company of GCash, and Mitsubishi Corp. to develop a range of “Smart Life” digital services for Filipinos. The partnership will focus on creating rewards programs, ticketing platforms, online payment solutions, and digital marketing services. The initiative is projected to generate approximately P7 billion in revenue, further strengthening the country's digital economy.
GCash Expansion to Drive Greater Financial Inclusion
The third agreement was signed by Ayala Corp., Mitsubishi Corp., MUFG, and Mynt to accelerate the growth of GCash in both local and international markets. The collaboration builds on the earlier 700 million dollars investment made by Mitsubishi and MUFG in GCash. Under the new partnership, the companies will work together to enhance digital payment systems, lending solutions, investment products, and cybersecurity capabilities. They also plan to integrate GCash more deeply into the broader business ecosystems of Ayala and Mitsubishi, spanning industries such as retail, real estate, energy, and mobility.
Strong Confidence in the Philippines’ Digital Economy
According to Trade Secretary Roque, the agreements demonstrate growing investor confidence in the Philippines and reinforce the country’s readiness to embrace digital innovation, smart infrastructure, and financial technology. “We welcome these investments to the Philippines because they will bring meaningful benefits to Filipinos, from smarter and more connected communities to safer and more accessible digital financial services,” Roque said. “These partnerships will make everyday transactions faster and more convenient while creating more opportunities for Filipino consumers, businesses and workers,” she added. Ayala Corp. President and CEO Cezar Consing emphasized that the collaborations reflect the company’s long-term commitment to nation-building.“Together with our Japanese partners, we are working to build intelligent urban environments and expand GCash’s role as a powerful platform for financial inclusion. We are creating more connected cities, more inclusive financial systems, and more opportunities for Filipinos to participate in and benefit from the digital economy,” Consing said.
