Cebu biz sector to strengthen competitive business ecosystems in 2026

CEBU – The business sector in Cebu through the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is poised to strengthen the competitive business networks ecosystems and moving beyond individual sectors to allow various industries to thrive in 2026.

CCCI president Jay Yuvallos, in his year-ender message said that challenges and negative headlines should not overshadow Cebu’s many economic successes, noting that persistent negative narratives can distort external perceptions of Cebu despite its strong fundamentals and industry wins.

“One bad news should not drown out many good ones,” Yuvallos said and set a clear direction for 2026—to reclaim Cebu’s narrative, strengthen competitive business ecosystems, and speak with one unified voice to government.

Yuvallos points to shipbuilding in Balamban as a compelling example.  What began as an industrial activity has evolved into a broader ecosystem supported by commercial developments, education and training institutions, design capabilities, and public–private partnerships.

He noted that the Aboitiz Group’s long-term investment approach demonstrates how scale and sustainability are achieved when industries are deliberately supported by complementary institutions.

Cebu’s IT-BPM sector remains another pillar of growth, Yuvallos went on that despite global disruptions, the industry continues to expand, underpinned by strong linkages among educational institutions, technology firms, and the hospitality sector.

“This interconnectedness reinforces CCCI’s belief that competitiveness today is built through collaboration, talent alignment, and shared infrastructure. Cebu still has a brand people want,” citing sustained interest from Japan and the continued appeal of Cebu to Korean travelers.

Cebu biz agenda for 2026

CCCI’s 2026 agenda is to prioritize identifying and reinforcing ecosystems that support winning industries while helping disrupted sectors recover. Tourism and meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) remain key focus areas.

New and emerging assets, such as the SM Arena at South Road Properties and the planned Mactan convention center are expected to strengthen Cebu’s position as a major events and tourism destination.

The manufacturing sector also remains a strong contributor to the regional economy, particularly within the Mactan Export Processing Zones, Yuvallos emphasizes the need for more deliberate interventions, including supplier development and acceleration programs, to help local small and medium enterprises integrate into manufacturing value chains and benefit more directly from industrial growth.

“This is not just the Chamber’s agenda. It is the business community’s agenda,” Yuvallos said that CCCI is working toward consolidating private-sector positions to articulate Cebu’s priorities more clearly and consistently to government leaders, with the goal of improving policy alignment and execution.

Yuvallos highlighted Infrastructure as a core advocacy area citing major investments such as the Cebu–Mactan bridges, the Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway, and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport as world-class projects that have significantly enhanced Cebu’s competitiveness.

Building on these gains, the Chamber is now developing detailed proposals for additional road networks and mass transport systems to support long-term growth and to expand CCCI’s international engagements.

CCCI’s International Affairs Department

Foreign companies are now noticing Cebu, and the Chamber has gained momentum and respect internationally.  To respond to growing global interest in Cebu, CCCI recently established an International Affairs Department to lead trade missions, global partnerships, and advisory services for members, covering trade regulations, market entry strategies, and international opportunities.

CCCI Vice President for International Affairs, Pete Delantar bared that foreign investment in Cebu has evolved from purely market or efficiency seeking ventures to more strategic, partnership-driven engagements.  He observed that Cebu’s international strategy extends beyond the province to include Bohol and the broader region, supported by alliances with foreign governments, chambers, and trade organizations.

“Among CCCI’s upcoming initiatives is an outbound trade mission to Japan on February 25–27, 2026, which includes participation in the CARE Japan Show focused on health, technology, and wellness,” Delantar bared.

He added that the mission will also study Japan’s world-class urban resilience and flood control systems, such as the Shibuya Station Underground Storage Facility and the Kanda and Loop 7 reservoirs, to help inform Cebu’s disaster risk reduction efforts and long-term sustainable development planning.

“To sum up CCCI’s direction for 2026, we underscore three priorities: building world-class infrastructure, strengthening competitive business ecosystems, and positioning Cebu and the wider region-to compete confidently on the global stage,” Yuvallos concluded. (Photos: CCCI)

 

 

DSWD-7 disburses over P1.981 billion in relief assistance to disaster victims in Cebu in 2025

CEBU—In estimated summary, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Regional Field Office VII has already disbursed over PPH 1.981 billion to about 1,074,543 million beneficiaries as of December 8, 2025, composed of families and individuals who were victims of the 6.9 magnitude earthquake, typhoons Tino and Verbena and other disasters and calamities that hit Cebu this year.  

DSWD-7 regional director Shalaine Marie Lucero, in a Media Year-end Briefing and Pasalamat event on December 9 at Golden Hotel & Suites, bared that DSWD-7 delivered these vital humanitarian services, from hot meals and food packs to cash assistance, for families and individuals affected by recent disasters across Central Visayas.

“These are multi-faceted response operations for immediate relief, temporary shelter assistance, and psychosocial services in coordination with local government units (LGUs) and inter-agency partners in the region,” Lucero said. 

The amount disbursed are for family food packs, family and modular tents, Hygiene Kits, Family Kits, Clothing Kits, Kitchen Kits, and other essential relief items. They also included emergency cash assistance transfers, cash assistance and disbursements for burial and other services, including purchases of Mobile Kitchen meals, Lucero bared.

Lucero added that DSWD-7 has also deployed key response vehicles to support operations for the 6.9-magnitude earthquake and Typhoon Tino. The Mobile Command Center facilitated field coordination, while the Water Tanker Unit and Water Filtration System ensured clean and safe water for affected communities.

Lucero also said the DSWD field offices in regions 6, 8, 4A, 10, 11 and NCR augmented its Mobile Kitchens, serving hot meals to displaced families. For the earthquake response, a total of 178,117 meals costing ₱7,124,680.00 were distributed, while 65,213 meals costing ₱2,608,520.00 were served during Typhoon Tino operations.  “To sustain meal production, 107 DOLE TUPAD workers were hired as cooks,” Lucero shared.

Lessons learned, challenges faced in DSWD’s humanitarian services

At the “Kukabildo with RD SHA,” Lucero stressed the importance of strategically prepositioning goods across the country to ensure readiness during stronger typhoons and unpredictable weather disturbances, with priority given to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, including island and coastal regions, to ensure initial supply of relief goods before disasters.

The prepositioning of goods helps mitigate the impact of impossible bridges, congested roads, and isolated ports during disaster response, “The need for immediate availability of goods during disaster response, is very crucial, especially when local government units (LGUs) lack sufficient resources,” Lucero said.

Evidenced or data-based disaster planning is a must in disaster response, Lucero noted that targeting families and individuals who are victims of calamities and disasters for government relief and assistance become easier an efficient when demographic/planning tools are in place.

“The biggest challenge we face in our humanitarian work is the politics in our country.  The changes in the national and local executive’s leadership hamper the continuity of our services and inter-agency collaborations that have been in placed through the years,” Lucero said.

However, Lucero admitted that no matter how the political system in the country behaves, the DSWD has managed to professionalize and put into a nationwide humanitarian system that has been proven to work efficiently and effectively in the delivery of the department’s various programs, services and assistance to alleviate poverty in the country. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

 

7-Eleven Run Series 2026 on Jan 31 to Feb 1 targets 59K runners

 CEBU—The 14^th 7-Eleven Run Series is set to happen simultaneously in Manila, Cebu and Davao on January 31 to February 1, 2026 with organizers targeting 59,000 participants/runners to continue the tradition that began in 2013 when 7-Eleven launched the Run 800 to celebrate the opening of its 800th store.

Registration runs from November 26 to January 11, 2026. Participants may register online at run711.com/register.

“After its successful inception, the annual run series was held ever since from 2014 to 2017. By 2018, the company expanded the run to Cebu and Davao following strong clamor from runners outside Metro Manila,” Project Head for Exclusives and Special Events Michele Saludes recalled how the annual run grew into one of the country’s most anticipated sporting events.

Saludes bared that the run returned on-ground for its 10th and 11th editions, drawing almost 37,000 runners across the country and she noted how participants appreciated the booths, giveaways, and experiences prepared by sponsors.

 

The three-city format continued through 2019, but during the pandemic years, 7-Eleven shifted to online runs to keep participants safe.  Despite restrictions, many still joined from their homes and nearby fields.  Through the support of local governments, 7-Eleven also delivered run care packages and provided Cliqq Wallet credits to selected front liners nationwide. Saludes noted.

Race categories and highlights

For Run 2026, organizers are targeting 59,000 participants—32,000 in Manila, 17,000 in Cebu, and 10,000 in Davao. Distances include: 711 Meter Buddy Run, 3K, 3K Buddy, 5K, 5K Buddy, 7K, 10K, 10K Buddy, 16K, 21K, 32K, and 42K.

A special promo from December 4 to 31, 2025 allows customers to earn e-stamps through purchases at 7-Eleven stores.  Fifteen e-stamps secure a free individual Run registration, while thirty e-stamps unlock entry to buddy categories.  Race kits include a singlet, bib, and envelope. Finishers receive a medal, shirt, and loot bag, Category Manager for Events and Services Josephine Ferreras-Cagang outlined the Run 2026.

Customers will receive one e-stamp for every P200 purchase of participating items using a CLiQQ Card or App barcode. Booster items earn additional e-stamps. Fifteen e-stamps can be exchanged for a registration code for individual categories, while 30 e-stamps are required for buddy categories.

Once customers collect enough e-stamps, they can redeem their free registration in the CLiQQ Rewards Catalog and will receive a one-time 7-Connect reference number via SMS. They may then log on to the Run 2026 website, enter their promo code, and choose a store for race kit claiming.

As part of its commitment to customers, 7-Eleven also offered free registration for the 711-meter kids’ run for kids aged 7 to 11. For 2026, the company is expanding this into the 711 Meter Buddy Run, encouraging children and companions to join together.

Registration fees are peg per run category; for 42K – P1,800; 32K – P1,500; 21K – P1,300; 16K – P1,100; 10K – P900; 5K Buddy – P1,400; 5K – P750; 3K – P600 and 711M Buddy – P250.  Cash prizes await winners in each category, with P25,000 going to the top male and female runners in the 42K division. Prizes are also awarded down to the 3K category.

According to Saludes, another hallmark of the series is its support for Filipino athletes. Winners of the 21K, 32K, and 42K categories have represented the Philippines in international marathons including those in Cambodia, Seoul, Phuket, Laguna, Jeju, and Thailand.

“We give our Filipino runners the chance to compete in international competitions,” Saludes added noting that Cebu’s Mary Joy Tabal is among the notable alumni.

The top three overall Filipino male and female winners of the 21K, 32K, and 42K races will compete for international marathon competitions and they will also receive P5,000 Cliqq Wallet credits, Saludes said.

Part of the proceeds supports projects of the Philippine Seven Foundation. Interested participants are encouraged to sign up early and take advantage of the promo period. Register online at run711.com/register, collect your e-stamps through the CLiQQ App, and secure your race slot before categories fill up. (Photos: MBCNewman & 7/11)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MCIA welcomes 3 new international routes to KL, Hanoi and Brisbane

LAPULAPU CITY -- Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) kicked off December 2025 with three major international milestones with the launch of new direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on December 2; Hanoi, Vietnam and Brisbane, Australia on December 3, boosting Cebu’s role as a fast-growing aviation hub and expanding Cebu’s air network and open possibilities for travelers in the region and beyond.

“Welcoming direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi and Brisbane is another step forward for MCIA.  We want to give travelers more choices and open Cebu to more markets in the region. These routes support tourism and help strengthen Cebu’s role as a gateway for commerce and cultural exchange. We will continue working to bring in more strategic connections that benefit our passengers and partners, and promote MCIA as the main tourism transfer hub through our CebConnects project,” Titonis said.

Firefly Airlines, the low-cost subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, began operating its Kuala Lumpur–Cebu service on December 2 flying five times weekly, becoming the second carrier to serve direct flights to Malaysia’s capital.

With Firefly’s entry, Cebuano travelers gain easier access to Kuala Lumpur’s food scene, cultural districts, and shopping hubs. Malaysian travelers now enjoy direct access to Cebu’s beaches, dive sites, islands, and hospitality.

Meanwhile, Vietnam Airlines opened the first-ever direct connection between Cebu and Hanoi on December 3 flying three times weekly, creating a new gateway between Central Visayas and Vietnam’s capital city.

The Cebu–Hanoi route also opens a direct bridge for the first time between the two cities, making it easier for Cebuanos to explore Hanoi’s heritage sites, cozy cafés, and cultural attractions. Vietnamese travelers can now reach Cebu directly to experience its natural beauty, flavors, and world-class islands.

“Direct flights connect people, economies, and cultures. By adding Kuala Lumpur and Hanoi to our network, MCIA helps bring Southeast Asian communities even closer. These routes create more reasons for visitors to discover Cebu, and we thank our airline partners for their confidence in our airport and the region,” Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) General Manager and CEO Julius Neri Jr. emphasized the importance of these new direct links in deepening regional cooperation.

Jetstar Airways launched its first-ever direct, nonstop flight to Brisbane, Australia by Melbourne-based airline Jetstar Airways, flying three times weekly from December 3, 2025 to end of January 2026, then increasing the frequency to four times weekly beginning February 1, 2026 until end of March 2026.

The new route is expected to boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between Cebu and Australia. Cebuano travelers can now easily explore Brisbane’s lively city life, scenic riverfronts, parks, museums, and thriving food and arts scene.

Meanwhile, Australian visitors can directly experience Cebu’s world-class beaches, diving spots, islands, local flavors, and warm Filipino hospitality. Brisbane was chosen as the first Australian destination from Cebu due to its growing popularity as a tourism and business hub, as well as strong demand for direct access to the Philippines.

“Opening direct flights to Brisbane is a historic achievement for MCIA. This connection not only gives travelers more options but also positions Cebu as a key gateway to Australia. This new route is important to Cebu’s global network and in realizing the vision of making MCIA the main Tourism Transfer hub in the Philippines,” Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation Chief Executive Officer Athanasios Titonis said.

Value and benefits of these new international routes

Department of Tourism (DOT) secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Vice Chair of the MCIAA Board, in her message (read by her staff) during those inaugural flights highlighted the value and economic benefits of these new routes for Cebu and Philippine tourism.

Frasco said these routes fundamentally change how tourists experience the Visayas through direct access to Central and Southern Philippines. Instead of routing through Manila and adding hours to their journey, travelers from Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi and Brisbane now land directly at Mactan-Cebu International Airport. 

From here, they are within easy reach of Cebu’s beach resorts, Cebu City’s Spanish colonial landmarks, and ferry connections to neighboring islands such as Bohol and Siquijor, a previously complicated trip becomes a straightforward choice, she added.

With these new international routes, visitors’ preferences support local jobs and business.  Tourists are vacation-focused which means they are primed to spend on leisure activities, accommodations, and dining.

About 58 percent of foreign visitors buy local food products and delicacies, directly benefitting Filipino retailers, food producers, and airport shops. Each traveler supports a chain of livelihoods, from hotels and tour operators to farmers and small enterprises.

“These new international routes align with our goal of spreading visitor traffic beyond Manila. By positioning Cebu as a direct international gateway, we encourage tourists to explore lesser-known destinations across Central and Southern Philippines,” Frasco said. (Photos: MCIA)

 

 

 

 

UC opens 2,645 scholarships with TESDA’s PQF diploma program

CEBU—The University of Cebu (UC) launched its 3-year diploma courses in Hospitality Management and Tourism Management with 2,645 scholarships open for youth who could not afford college through a fully funded scholarship program, in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) that piloted its Philippine Qualification Framework (PQF) Level 5 Diploma Programs on December 2, 2025 in Cebu.

 

TESDA-UC sealed the partnership on December 5, 2025 in a press conference at UC-Main with UC Chairman, Atty. Augusto Go, known for his lifelong advocacy of accessible education, announced with a personal appeal, “There are so many who cannot afford to go to college. Let’s help them. This is money well-spent.”

TESDA prioritized these two courses as these industries demand high for educated employees, locally and abroad, Go said that his mission has always been to extend UC’s reach to the poorest sectors, to those unable to pay even the smallest tuition, much less buy books or travel daily to a university campus.

Under the scholarship package, TESDA shoulders the tuition fees, textbooks and instructional materials, National competency assessments (NC II to NC IV); school and workshop uniforms; accident insurance and ₱9,000 cash allowance per semester.

Each scholar is subsidized ₱45,000 per semester, roughly ₱100,000 per year, totaling about ₱270,000 per student, noted a TESDA circular that implements Republic Act 10931, the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA).

“The government provides personal allowance, book allowance, everything is free, nearly ₱100,000 per student per year,” Go emphasized, assuring the programs is backed by state-of-the-art facilities.

Go bared that only UC is carrying the TESDA program in Cebu or in the region as yet. Enrolment is ongoing until December 29, even when classes officially begin December 15, 2025 as TESDA mandated. Applicants may continue submitting until the end of December but Go urged immediate action due to the tight timeline.

“This program is time-bound. If the slots are not filled, the funds will be returned to the National Government.  Please take advantage of it and help us spread the word,” he said.

UC revealed that on a day from launch, 296 had enrolled, still far short of the 2,645 available scholarships. While the Cebu City Government helps disseminate information to potential beneficiaries, Go clarified that slots are open to all Cebuanos and even residents outside Cebu.

Scholarships are open to all, documents needed to enroll

Go said that the scholarship is open to all, no age limit and no long checklist.  Applicants need to submit: Form 137 or 138; PSA Birth Certificate; Certificate of Good Moral Character; and Honorable Dismissal, if previously enrolled in college.

Alternative Learning System (ALS) passers and pre-K-12 high school graduates are also welcome, disclosed Dr. Dennis Samar, UC director for technical education.  While the courses will initially be offered at the UC Maritime Education and Training Center (METC), Go ordered his lead educators to expand to UC’s campuses at Jones (Osmeña Blvd., across SSS), Banilad, and Lapu-Lapu Mandaue (UCLM).  This is to lessen transportation burden for scholars coming from different areas.

“We will open all our campuses. We will take care of them. If you have the will to study, UC will help you graduate,” Go said and pointed out that each scholar will have their own Landbank ATM card, where TESDA will deposit the funds directly to prevent mishandling, as he guaranteed financial integrity.

Beyond tourism programs, UC and TESDA are exploring Artificial Intelligence courses across UC campuses and potential global training opportunities in Taiwan, a partnership that goes beyond short-term employment goals.

With most families tightening budgets and some students already giving up on school, the timing of this program feels like a gift, noted Go. “Imagine earning a diploma after three years, all for free. “This is the best Christmas gift we can give to our youth,” he added. (Photos: UC/Cerwin Eviota)

 

 

Cebu hosts final leg of Grab Asenso Learning caravan

 
CEBU – Grab Philippines culminated its final leg of its eight-city Grab Asenso Learning Caravan in Cebu on December 5 at Oakridge Pavilion, Oakridge Village in Mandau City, closing a nationwide tour that introduced AI tools, digital marketing training, and mobile-first payments to thousands of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.

 

Grab Philippines Deputy Head for Cities Paula Catanghal told Cebu media that the Grab Asenso: Digital Diskarte Program is Grab’s flagship public-private initiative geared to make the digital economy more inclusive across the country by bringing to entrepreneurs in key growth centers across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao some learning and AI tools and mobile business payments, to equip more MSMEs to thriving digital entrepreneurs through upskilling, new tools, and accessible AI co-pilots.

“It is fitting that we culminate our 2025 Asenso Learning Caravan here, in a city whose MSMEs embody the Sugbuanon spirit of padayon — always moving forward,” Catanghal said.

More than 100 of MSME owners and staff participated in the learning caravan, focused sessions on digital marketing, social media optimization, mobile photography, and AI for MSMEs.  The modules are built around real-world use cases, from sharpening online visibility through programs like Grab Spotlight Campaign, to using data and simple AI prompts to improve menu design, pricing, or customer engagement, Catanghal bared.

                                  The Grab Asenso Learning sessions

To ensure the skills translate into tangible gains, Grab paired training with mobile-first tools. The company introduced its Merchant AI Assistant, positioned as a “co-pilot” that helps business owners improve productivity and manage day-to-day tasks more efficiently, from menu set-ups to promo strategies.

Grab is also expanding access to Tap & Scan to Pay, a smartphone-based payment solution that allows even the smallest eateries to accept QR PH and credit card payments from locals and tourists.

To help entrepreneurs build resilience, merchants who activate Tap & Scan to Pay are also automatically enrolled in an Income Protection program that allows them to claim support for lost income in cases of force majeure and similar unforeseen disruptions.

Platform data from Grab’s leading MSME partners on GrabFood show that roughly 30 percent of their total transactions now come from on-demand deliveries, pointing to the growing role of digital platforms in driving revenue.

Thousands of Grab’s Visayas-based merchants are also located in Cebu, reinforcing the city’s position as a key node in the region’s digital economy.  Technology is seen as an equalizer, allowing even the smallest players to participate and thrive in a digital economy.

On partnerships and prosperity, Hans Kongmon, 3rd generation owner of Sunburst Fried Chicken shared the reality of increased income for merchants, with 30-40 percent now earning additional income due to digital transformation and being part of the Grab ecosystem.