Tokyo, Japan––”The Philippines is committed to building a future powered by renewable energy and sustainable innovation,” declared Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque. This came during a series of high-level meetings with Sumitomo Corporation, Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, and Chodai Co., Ltd., organized last March 3. These engagements renewed the country’s commitment to attracting strategic investments and driving innovation-led economic growth

“By collaborating with industry leaders like Sumitomo, Fujifilm and Chodai, we strengthen our position as a key player in the global shift towards clean and sustainable industries,” the trade chief added.”

The discussions amplified the government’s drive to secure more foreign direct investments, enhance supply chain integration, and create a more robust business environment that fosters long-term economic growth.

“These partnerships reinforce our efforts to future-proof the Philippine economy by diversifying industries, embracing cutting-edge technology, and ensuring we remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global landscape,” said Secretary Roque.

Sumitomo Corporation: Strengthening infrastructure and exploring renewable energy

A group photo of eight individuals: four Japanese representatives and four Philippine trade officials. From left to right, they are are Mr. Yohei Kurisu, Mr. Shigeo Fukuda, Mr. Satoru Wachi, Mr. Shuichiro Ikemoto, DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque, Special Trade Representative Dita Angara-Mathay, DTI Assistant Secretary Englebert Josef Chua, and DTI Assistant Secretary May Niña Celynne Layug.
From left to right: Mr. Yohei Kurisu, Corporate Officer, Deputy General Manager of the Social Infrastructure Strategic Business Unit, Head of Global Infrastructure Business Development Unit, Mr. Shigeo Fukuda, Head of Industrial Park Unit, Mr. Satoru Wachi, Team Leader 3, Industrial Park Unit, Mr. Shuichiro Ikemoto, Team Leader, Team 2, Overseas Energy Solution Unit No.1, Secretary Cristina A. Roque, Special Trade Representative Dita Angara-Mathay, DTI Assistant Secretary Englebert Josef Chua, DTI Assistant Secretary May Niña Celynne Layug

Secretary Roque’s met with Sumitomo Corporation’s executives to discuss the company’s expanding role in the Philippines’ sustainable industrial transformation and community development. The meeting underscored Sumitomo Corporation’s commitment to expanding its partnerships in key sectors, particularly renewable energy.

Sumitomo Corporation is a significant player in the Philippines’ infrastructure landscape, notably through its involvement in the landmark Metro Manila Subway Project and the MRT Line 3 Maintenance. These projects exemplify the company’s dedication to enhancing the country’s transportation network and supporting urban development.

Leveraging this foundation of infrastructure expertise and recognizing the critical need for sustainable energy solutions, Sumitomo Corporation has announced its intention to significantly expand its renewable energy initiatives in the Philippines starting in 2025. This initiative aligns with the country’s growing focus on sustainable development and energy security.

The company’s contributions extend beyond infrastructure and energy. Sumitomo Corporation plays a pivotal role in encouraging foreign direct investments in manufacturing through its efficient industrial estate management services and marketing operations.

Secretary Roque acknowledged Sumitomo Corporation’s significant contributions to the Philippine economy and welcomed its interest in pursuing opportunities in renewable energy. The trade chief reiterated the Philippines’ strong commitment to economic growth across all sectors, highlighting that Sumitomo’s focus on energy security and resilience aligns perfectly with national priorities.

Fujifilm Holdings Corporation: Establishing a regional hub for sustainability

A group of six individuals pose for a photo in front of a gold folding screen. From left to right are Mr. Akinori Hanada, Mr. Mutsuki Tomono, Secretary Cristina A. Roque, SAPIEA Frederick D. Go, Special Trade Representative Dita Angara-Mathay, and DTI Assistant Secretary Englebert Josef Chua.
From left to right: Mr. Akinori Hanada, Fellow, Fujifilm Business Innovation Corporation, Mr. Mutsuki Tomono, Executive Advisor, ESG & Corporate Sustainability, Circular Manufacturing Strategy, Secretary Cristina A. Roque, SAPIEA Frederick D. Go, Special Trade Representative Dita Angara-Mathay, DTI Assistant Secretary Englebert Josef Chua

Fujifilm Holdings Corporation has expressed plans to diversify its operations at its FUJIFILM Optics Philippines Inc. in Laguna, transforming the facility into a regional hub for sustainability initiatives. This strategic diversification will introduce new business lines focused on sustainable manufacturing practices, positioning the Philippines as a central player in Fujifilm’s regional sustainability strategy.

Secretary Roque welcomed these plans in her meeting with Fujifilm. “Fujifilm’s planned investment underscores the Philippines’ commitment to sustainable development and our ability to attract leading multinational corporations. This new project will position the Philippines as a premier destination for sustainable investments in the region,” said Secretary Roque.

Fujifilm’s initiative will focus on enhancing operational efficiency to reduce its environmental footprint. This facility will serve as a pilot project for Fujifilm’s broader vision of diversifying investments in sustainable technologies and practices.

Currently, Fujifilm’s factory in Laguna specializes in the production of high-performance optical lenses, critical components for a wide range of devices, including digital cameras, projectors, and surveillance cameras.   

Chodai Co., Ltd.: Pushes PH sustainable solutions

A bilateral meeting between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Philippines and Chodai Co. Ltd. of Japan. DTI Assistant Secretary Englebert Josef Chua, Special Trade Representative Dita Angara-Mathay, and DTI Assistant Secretary May Niña Celynne Layug sit on one side of a long conference table. Opposite them sit members of Chodai Co. Ltd., including Mr. Yuji Munehiro, Mr. Masahiko Kato, and Mr. Junichiro Minobe. Both sides are reviewing documents, with the Philippine and Japanese flags displayed in the center of the table.
In photo: (left) DTI Assistant Secretary Englebert Josef Chua, Special Trade Representative Dita Angara-Mathay, DTI Assistant Secretary May Niña Celynne Layug, ;(right) Mr. Yuji Munehiro, Managing Director, Executive Manager, Global Business Promotion Department, Chodai Co., Ltd., Mr. Masahiko Kato, Director, Chodai Co., Ltd., Mr. Junichiro Minobe, Regional Director, Head of ChodaiManila Representative Office Chodai Co., Ltd.

Chodai Co., Ltd. is actively pursuing sustainable business ventures in the Philippines, focusing on clean energy and waste management projects, as discussed in a recent meeting with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque.

Chodai’s initiatives include the deployment of zero-initial-cost solar power systems for small-scale resorts and hotels in Palawan. This initiative aims to eliminate reliance on diesel power generators, promoting cleaner energy alternatives. Additionally, the company plans to establish a biomass power generation plant in Central Luzon.

Furthermore, Chodai is introducing advanced Japanese waste treatment equipment to hospitals in Tarlac. This technology utilizes gasification combustion for solid waste and bio-water circulation for liquid waste, ensuring safe and efficient medical waste disposal. In Davao and Mindoro, Chodai is implementing resource recovery and reforestation projects, converting environmental liabilities into sustainable assets.

“Chodai’s comprehensive approach to sustainable development will have a transformative impact on communities across the Philippines. Their projects in clean energy, waste management, and sustainable industry will drive economic growth while protecting our environment,” Secretary Roque noted.

Philippines: A future-ready green economy

“The Philippines’ strategic partnerships with publicly listed companies, including Sumitomo Corporation, Fujifilm, and Chodai, which maintain strong SDG programs, are crucial for our transition to a forward-looking, innovation-driven green economy. By collaborating with these industry leaders, we secure high-quality investments and expedite our progress towards a globally competitive and sustainable growth model,” stated DTI Special Trade Representative Dita Angara-Mathay.

Pursuing the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas, Secretary Roque reaffirmed the DTI’s commitment to secure an inclusive and sustainable economic growth. “Our engagement with these green companies is more than just attracting investments—it is about shaping a resilient, future-ready Philippines,” said Secretary Roque.

“We are forging strong, high-impact partnerships that drive industrial transformation, propel us to the forefront of the global economy, and secure a future where every Filipino benefits from progress, sustainability, and shared prosperity. Through sustainability-driven investments, we are paving the way for a greener, more inclusive Bagong Pilipinas,” Secretary Roque underscored. ♦

Date of release: 06 March 2025

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