By Carmelito Q. Francisco
Reporter
AYALA Land Inc. (ALI) has started developing the Habini Bay, a 526-hectare estate within the towns of Alubijid and Laguindingan in Misamis Oriental, which is envisioned to become a “new center of trade and commerce” in the Northern Mindanao region.
Enrique B. Manuel Jr., ALI assistant vice president and Habini Bay estate head, said the project will help position the company as a leading property developer in Mindanao.
“We are hopeful that we will bring in inclusive growth by providing jobs and opportunities for the Midanaoans in the area,” Mr. Manuel said in an e-mail to BusinessWorld over the weekend.
The key components of the estate are an industrial park that will be managed by ALI subsidiary Laguna Technopark Inc., residential units, a business terminal, commercial spaces, seaport, and a technical school.
The company said the local government of Laguindingan, home of the region’s main airport, will also build its municipal center within the complex.
“Amid natural landscapes and inviting coastal views, it is likewise strategically connected to the Laguindingan airport and will offer a diverse mix of developments to create new lifestyle options and business opportunities,” the company said.
The property was acquired by ALI’s parent firm, Ayala Corp., in the 1960s and part of it was donated to the government for the Laguindingan International Airport.
“Habini Bay will likewise have pedestrian and bike-friendly roads to encourage a healthy modern lifestyle in an integrated and sustainable estate that Northern Mindanaoans can proudly call their own,” the company said.
It is ALI’s 4th major project in Mindanao, with two others in Davao City and one in Cagayan de Oro City.
ALI partnered with the Floirendo-led Anflo Management and Investment Corp. for the Abreeza complex in Davao and the Centrio mall in Cagayan de Oro. It is also developing the 25-hectare township Azuela Cove in Davao, a joint venture with the Alcantara Group.

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