The 6.5-hectare yard is intended to build fabricated modules for clients all over the world.

Fabrication sheds, blasting and maintenance structures and pier facility will soon rise in the area.

Roberto E. Aboitiz, chairman and chief executive officer, recalled "Metaphil’s dream in the last 10 years to be part of making Balamban an industrial yard in the Philippines and in Asia."

Metaphil is committed to provide Balamban with opportunities and trainings on the world market but will need the support of the local officials.

He reitereated the Aboitiz Group’s complete trust in Balamban.

Alex Binghay, mayor of Balamban, also recalled that "Balamban was just an area of wilderness, but now it has world-class shipyards of Tsuneishi and FBMA."

In behalf of the local officials, Mayor Binghay assured his support to Metaphil and the Aboitiz Group.

Nap Pe, president and chief operating officer of Metaphil, enjoined everyone to take the step as the event was a "beginning of a journey towards making Metaphil a preferred world supplier of fabricated modules."

"The proud moment was shared by top officers from Tsuneishi, FBMA and CIPDI, team leaders of Metaphil and local officials of Balamban, Cebu.

Present were Kenji Kawano and Watadani of Tsuneishi, Doug Border and Steve Ashcroft of FBMA and Andoni Aboitiz of CIPDI.

Metaphil was in full force with several team leaders present. "The groundbreaking ceremony of the modular fabrication yard is another milestone as Metaphil continues to put the Philippines in the world map," Aboitiz said.