Design, a catalyst for innovation, inclusive and sustainable devt

CEBU CITY – “Good Design, Good Business Summit” 2025 hosted by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) on June 5 at Oakridge Studio, championed design as catalyst and a powerful tool for innovation, sustainability and inclusive community development.

The Summit is one of the flagship events of the Cebu Business Months (CBM) 2025 where CCCI gathers industry leaders, design experts, and community stakeholders with a unifying message—that design is not a luxury, but a necessity for competitive and resilient growth.

“Design is no longer optional, it is essential for Cebu to compete, create, and thrive.  It is a movement that redefines design beyond aesthetics and into the real of strategic innovation.  Good design is good business because it improves lives,” CCCI president, Jay Yuvallos described the Summit, citing its relevance in housing, real estate, and urban development.

Yuvallos called on designers to step up as leaders and problem solvers, not just creatives. Design, he said, must be integrated into every sector—from manufacturing and tourism to urban planning and digital platforms.

CBM Chairman Anton Mari Perdices echoed this sentiment, stating that design is infrastructure. It should be part of how we plan, build, and grow.  He described the Summit as a platform for driving forward-thinking collaboration among businesses and creatives.

“As Cebu grows, we must grow intentionally. Design must guide how we build safer, more sustainable, and inclusive communities. Your presence here shows your commitment to move forward through innovation, design, and good business,” Perdices said.

He explained that this year’s Summit goes deeper by focusing on the spaces we all share—homes, workplaces, and communities.  “Design shapes how we live, how cities grow, and how businesses succeed,” he added.

 Perdices described good design as a strategic investment that strengthens supply chains, supports sustainability, and helps build resilient, livable spaces. 

Summit speakers’ insights

The morning session featured three speakers: Edward Charles Gador from Leechiu Property Consultants, Donn Tan from M. Moser Associates, and COO of Cebu Landmasters, Inc, Honorary Consul Jose Franco Soberano.

Edward Charles Gador, Director at Leechiu Property Consultants, presented an optimistic update on the Philippine real estate landscape. Despite the continued absence of POGO operations and subdued government activity, the office market saw growth during the first quarter of 2025, with the IT-BPM sector accounting for 55% of total demand. Gador also noted a promising outlook for the residential segment, forecasting recovery within the year.

Donn Tan of M. Moser Associates delved into Strategic Design for an Evolving Corporate Landscape. He emphasized that inclusive design is no longer optional, outlining key elements such as flexibility, adaptability, hospitality, privacy, branded experiential design, sustainability, well-being, community, technology, and inclusivity. All of which are central to creating engaging, future-ready workspaces.

“Good design is responsible design. Responsible design is good business.  It is a game-changing force in real estate development and plays a pivotal role in crafting spaces that go beyond functionality, creating environments that truly resonate with users and uplift communities,” Consul Jose Franco Soberano of Cebu Landmaster, Inc. (CLI) shared.

The afternoon session featured six speakers: Dennis Miranda from Advent Energy, Manuel Louie Ferrer from Megawide, Natasha Paola Sandique, a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist, Yvette Grace Mangente from Cubo Modular, Allen Arvin Tan from Atua Midtown, and Varudh Varavarn from Vin Varavarn Architects Ltd.

Miranda spotlighted the vital role of energy efficiency in vertical developments. He emphasized the integration of conservation strategies, advanced energy solutions, and renewable sources, particularly solar energy, to boost long-term operational performance.

Manuel Louie Ferrer on the other hand, shared his insights on the Carbon Market redevelopment, positioning it as a national model for sustainable urban renewal.  The project, he said, reflects an ecosystem that balances waste reduction, poverty alleviation, and collaborative governance.

Natasha Paola Sandique, clinical psychologist and psychotherapist, explored the Psychology of Space, showing how the thoughtful application of psychological principles can foster mental well-being, comfort, and productivity in physical environments.

Yvette Grace Mangente presented prefabrication as a forward-looking solution for developers and property owners. She underscored its potential in delivering affordable, scalable, and sustainable housing options across communities.

Allen Arvin Tan recounted the transformation of the Midtown Hotel into an imaginative space tailored for creatives. Demonstrating how adaptive reuse and design storytelling can reawaken underutilized properties.

Varudh Varavarn delivered a compelling talk on Architecture of Opportunity, emphasizing how architecture can spark innovation, inclusivity, and community growth, especially in underserved or disaster-affected areas.

For more information, you may contact the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. at 232-1421 or check us on FB and Website, or email us at:cbm@cebuchamber.org/info@cebuchamber.org.(Photos: MBCNewman)