ILIGAN CITY — A renewed push to revive one of the country’s most historically significant industrial sites gained momentum after the President and Chief Executive Officer of Aboitiz Foods visited the former National Steel Corporation (NSC) property in Iligan City to explore its potential as a modern industrial hub.
Iligan City Mayor Frederick W. Siao welcomed Tristan Aboitiz, head of Aboitiz Foods, during a site visit aimed at assessing opportunities for investment and development at the long-idled NSC complex.
The visit forms part of the city government’s broader effort to transform the dormant industrial property into a vibrant economic estate capable of generating thousands of jobs and attracting major investors to Northern Mindanao.
According to Mayor Siao, the local government is actively positioning the NSC site as a strategic location for large-scale industrial investments that could revitalize Iligan’s economy and restore the city’s reputation as a key industrial center in Mindanao.
During discussions with the Aboitiz executive, the mayor highlighted the property’s potential to be developed into a modern industrial hub, emphasizing the opportunities it could create for both local workers and businesses.
“Imagine the thousands of jobs and opportunities this could bring to our workers if this project materializes,” Siao said as he outlined the city’s vision for the redevelopment of the site.
Reviving a Historic Industrial Asset
The National Steel Corporation once stood as the Philippines’ largest steel producer and served as a major economic driver for Iligan City before ceasing operations years ago, leaving behind a vast industrial complex that has remained largely unused.
City officials now aim to breathe new life into the property by attracting world-class investors and transforming the site into an economic estate that could host various manufacturing and industrial operations.
The initiative gained traction after Mayor Siao held meetings in Manila with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), which is expected to play a crucial role in identifying potential investors and facilitating the development of the property as a special economic zone.
Following those discussions, the visit of Aboitiz Foods’ top executive is being seen as a promising sign that the city’s efforts to market the site to major investors are beginning to yield results.
Early Stage, But Promising
City officials clarified that the project remains in the exploration and assessment stage, as investors continue to evaluate the feasibility and long-term potential of the NSC property.
Nevertheless, the visit of a major corporate leader signals growing interest in the redevelopment of the area.
For the Iligan local government, the presence of the Aboitiz Group represents a significant step forward in its campaign to attract large-scale investments.
“This is a big moment for us,” Siao said, noting that the site visit demonstrates increasing confidence in Iligan as a destination for industrial growth.
Vision for Iligan’s Future
The city government remains determined to convert the once-thriving steel complex into a catalyst for economic progress.
Local officials believe that transforming the NSC property into a fully functioning industrial estate would not only generate employment but also stimulate local businesses, increase investments, and strengthen the region’s overall economic landscape.
Mayor Siao emphasized that the city will continue working closely with national agencies and private investors to ensure that idle assets such as the NSC property are transformed into engines of growth.
“We will not stop until we see these dormant assets become drivers of development for the entire city,” he said.
If realized, the redevelopment of the National Steel Corporation site could mark a turning point for Iligan City, reviving its long-standing identity as a powerhouse of industry while opening new opportunities for generations of Iliganons.