LAPU-LAPU CITY – President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. led the inauguration of the Mactan Expo Center today, March 16 at the Mactan Expo Center site at the Newtown Mactan in Lapu-lapu City with Megaworld Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, President and CEO of Alliance Global Group, Kevin Tan with Congressman Ahong Chan, Lapulapu mayor Cindi Chan and other guests.
“This is for MICE and Lapu-lapu City is lucky that you have it in here in your town because this will be a big draw for all kinds of activities,” PBBM said, in his keynote message, recognizing that there are things that the private sector does well and partnership with the private sector to get things done in speed and well.
Cebu is well known around the world, Marcos said and the reason for that is not only because Cebu is a beautiful place, but its warmth, its generosity, kindness, continues to show the world the true meaning of Filipino hospitality. “Now, pinapalakas natin ang turismo sa Cebu dito sa pagbukas nitong Mactan Expo,” the president added.
The Mactan Expo Center, its tourism impact
The Mactan Expo Center is a state-of-the-art convention facility and a two-level standalone center located in The Mactan Newtown, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines designed to host large-scale international events, including meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).
Its key features include the main plenary hall that can accommodate over 2,500 guests, with a pillar-free design for unobstructed views. Facilities are spacious pre-function areas, exclusive VIP rooms, meeting rooms, and a showroom.
The Expo Center is very accessible, near Mactan-Cebu International Airport (10-15 minutes away) and adjacent to resorts and hotels. Its design incorporates Cebuano artistry and cultural references, featuring local textures, marine motifs, and indigenous craft patterns.
The Expo Center hosted its first major event, the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) in February and will host the 48th ASEAN Leaders' Summit in May 2026. It is expected to boost tourism, business, and investments in the region, creating economic opportunities for local communities.
The Mactan Expo Center was built by Megaworld Corporation, a leading property developer in the Philippines, as part of its 30 Expo Center, which is part of The Mactan Newtown, a 30-hectare mixed-use development.
“This is a big boost to our tourism industry. We have to develop our tourism industry. We have such competition around our region. But we have the single advantage. And that is what we have come to call in the tourism industry here in the Philippines – the Filipino smile. And that is something that everybody appreciates,” PBBM said.
The President congratulated and thanked the
Megaworld with Kevin Tan for putting up this facility, “not only is it good
looking, it is functional and it is ready, it is open for business. And so, all
we now have to do is to get ourselves organized, make sure that everything goes
well. And so long as we get a good start with the ASEAN Summit which begins on
the 8th of May, then I'm sure that there's nowhere to go but up,” Marcos
concluded. (Photos: Google Images/Mactan Newtown FB/IG)
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