On September 9, 2025, Stratbase Institute President and CEO Prof. Dindo Manhit was invited as panelist during the inaugural Manila Strategy Forum held at the Grand Ballroom, Solaire. This conference was organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and this initiative was spearheaded by Mr. Greg Poling (Director and Senior Fellow, Southeast Asia Program and Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, CSIS). The Forum is the centerpiece of CSIS’ new U.S.-Philippines Initiative, which aims to deepen the partnership between the two countries. 
 
He was invited to speak during the panel discussion on “Building 21st Century Infrastructure” where he spoke of “The Critical Infrastructure Imperative: Powering Growth and Resilience.” He highlighted the crucial work of the private sector in investing in the critical infrastructure such as dams, renewable energy, data centers, and airports in the country, particularly in the Luzon Economic Corridor. Like-minded partners such as Japan, South Korea, member countries in the EU, and the United States have already invested in the Philippines as well. 
 
Critical infrastructure, in all its many forms, is the backbone of long-term economic growth as well as national resilience. Achieving our country’s lofty aims will entail close strategic collaboration with the private sector and with international allies. Whatever other issues may come up, the government, with its partners in the private sector and the international community must not lose focus.