FPIP Promotes Manufacturing Capabilities at US-ASEAN Aerospace, Defense and Security Mission
Lopez-led First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) participated in the 2025 Aerospace, Defense, and Security (ADS) Mission, organized by the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC). Held on August 14-15 at Lanson Place in Mall of Asia, Pasay City, the mission marked the largest-ever US-ASEAN industry delegation in the council’s 41-year history.
Bringing together 26 leading U.S. defense and aerospace companies, the mission aimed to attract investments supporting the development of the Philippines’ self-reliant defense capability.
FPIP was one of the two Filipino companies that joined the mission. It engaged in strategic dialogues, providing valuable insights into the local business landscape and highlighting opportunities for collaboration and growth within the country’s defense and aerospace manufacturing sector.
“FPIP is proud to be part of this historic mission, as it affirms our role in the country’s industrial growth,” said FPIP Vice President for External Affairs Ricky Carandang. “We are not just offering space for manufacturing, but we are creating an environment where they can grow, innovate, and build a stronger local supply chain.”
“We are happy to partner with the government because it allows us to create jobs, boost economic development, and those are at the core of FPIP’s mission. Enhancing our defense and aerospace capabilities are also important, as it contributes to regional stability,” he added.
The ADS mission was co-led by USABC Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director Ambassador Ted Osius (ret) and Boeing Southeast Asia Vice President and ADS Committee Chair Dale McDowall. The two-day mission featured high-level engagements with Philippine defense and government officials, including Defense of Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Romero Brawner, Jr., among others.
Established in 1996, FPIP is a joint venture between local conglomerate First Philippine Holdings (FPH) and Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation. A PEZA-registered ecozone, its 600-hectare prime industrial space is home to over 150 world-class locators and employs nearly 80,000 Filipino workers.
