Investment and Entrepreneurship Summit opens Cebu Business Month 2026

CEBU CITY – The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) officially opened its Cebu Business Month (CBM) 2026 with the “Investment and Entrepreneurship Summit” on June 4 with a call for stronger collaboration to position Cebu as a leading investment and innovation hub in the Philippines.

“The CBM 2026 Investment and Entrepreneurship Summit aims to foster intersections between investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry leaders to drive Cebu's economic growth. It emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships, entrepreneurship as a key driver for competitiveness, and the need for startups to scale,” said Harold Sy, chair of the Summit.

Sy bared that the Summit seeks to unlock immediate investment opportunities and continue the conversation through subsequent events. The ultimate goal is to turn these discussions into a movement that champions entrepreneurship as a collective focus for the Philippines' economic future.

CCCI president Regan Rex King opened the CBM 2026 Summit with a clear challenge--Cebu faces a choice - adapt to change or lead it.  With global tech disruption, shifting supply chains, and ecosystem-level competition, standing still is no longer neutral.

“Standing still means falling behind,” but King reminded delegates that Cebu isn’t starting from behind. “Built by entrepreneurs, risk-takers, and families who create opportunity, Cebu is strategically located, globally connected, and resilient,” he added.

The task now is to turn momentum into direction through CCCI’s “LEAD A-MUST with IMPACT” agenda:  Lift Cebu’s image, Engage communities for inclusive growth, Activate partnerships, and Develop talent. His call was simple - don’t be spectators, be builders. “Cebu does not wait for the future to arrive. A United Cebu helps shape it,” King noted.

King called for collective action among government, business, academe, entrepreneurs, and investors and urged stakeholders to work together in building a resilient, competitive, and future-ready Cebu.

CBM 2026 Chair Bryan Yap then translated that vision into a deliberate plan. He framed uncertainty as the starting point: the regions that win the next decade won’t be the strongest of the past, but those who see the shift coming and move deliberately.

” That is why CBM 2026 was designed as one connected master plan. Four summits, one question: Is Cebu ready for what comes next?” Yap asked. 

Starting with Investment and Entrepreneurship to capture opportunity and signal belief, then Tech & Innovation, MICE and Tourism, and Good Design, Good Business, Yap’s message built directly on King’s.

Yap highlighted the need for Cebu to adapt to changes driven by technology, investment trends, and global competition and emphasized that investment and entrepreneurship are crucial indicators of confidence in Cebu's future.

He then urged stakeholders to actively participate in shaping the province's economic direction and encouraged delegates to engage in all four CBM summits to gain a complete understanding of Cebu's development agenda. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

Cebu Business Month 2026, builds momentum for Cebu’s biz sector

CEBU CITY – The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) launched its flagship project, the “Cebu Business Month (CBM) 2026” to build momentum for a more focused and future-ready Cebu with lineup of events to begin on May 22, 2026 and ends on November 25, 2026.

“When we say CBM 2026, we are not simply talking about a series of events on a calendar. We are talking about a movement: an intentional, coordinated, and collective effort to mobilize the full strength of Cebu’s business community toward something far greater than any one of us alone,” shared Bryan Yap, CBM 2026 chair, in his opening message at the press conference and launching event on April 24 at the Savoy Hotel Pavilion at Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City.

Yap bared that despite the uncertainties, CCCI put together a rich calendar of events: from summits on investment, technology, and tourism, to platforms that celebrate our youth, our creativity, and our identity as a city of good design and good business.

CCCI president, Regan Rex King emphasized that CBM is an apolitical organization that focuses on promoting Cebu and the Philippines to foster a thriving society, despite political noise. The organization remains committed to its mission regardless of external distractions.

“CBM has evolved from promoting messages to addressing economic needs, highlighting its adaptability, and we, at the Chamber continues to build Cebu’s business momentum with the “Padayon Cebu” slogan, a statement of humility and unity,” King told Manila Standard in a side interview after the press conference.

CBM 2026 events overview

Yap said that this year’s CBM is the 30^th year and it’s not just about continuing programs, it is about strengthening what already works—and pushing it further where it matters most. CBM 2026 officialy opens with the general membership meeting and induction of new officers and trustees on May 22, 2026 at the Skyhall, SM Seaside City Cebu. This event brings together CCCI members and partners in a unified start to the month-long program ahead.

BAICON 2026, is a major gathering of creators and digital influencers, highlighting the continued growth of the country’s digital entertainment and content economy to be held on May 29-31 at the Mactan Newtown.

Investment and Entrepreneurship Summit, A focused discussion between investors, business leaders, and MSMEs on real opportunities for growth, funding, and collaboration, on June 4, 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu.

Technology and Innovation Forum, A practical look at how emerging technologies, including AI, are being used in real business settings, on June 18 (venue:TBD).  This will be preceded by SOLUTIONFEST, where innovators develop solutions to real challenges in partnership with local government units.

Tourism and MICE Summit, a platform that highlights Cebu as a complete tourism and MICE destination, with a focus on strengthening coordination across the sector, on June 25, venue: TBD. 

July 2-4 usher in Business-in-Golf (BIG) Tournament at the Liloan Golf and Leisure.  This is an annual networking event that brings together business leaders in a more informal setting where relationships are strengthened outside of boardrooms.

Good Design, Good Business Summit follows on July 16-18 at the Oakridge Business Park & select sites. This is a three-day summit showing how design, planning, and infrastructure influence long-term business growth and community development.

A Youth Summit, Business Icons Gallery and Consumer Expo to happen on July 24-25 at the SM Seaside City Cebu, with a gathering that connects young leaders with established business icons, alongside a consumer expo featuring local brands and entrepreneurs.

CBM 2026 ends with the Grand Chamber Awards and Fellowship Night on November 25 (Venue;TBD).  This is a recognition night honoring individuals, families, and organizations that have contributed to Cebu’s business and economic development.

CCCI president Regan King emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation, and investment in shaping Cebu's future, adding that CBM 2026 is not just an event series, involving various stakeholders like investors, entrepreneurs, and youth, is a movement.

“We acknowledge the significance of the CBM champions and the collective effort to make Cebu more connected, competitive, and compassionate. The event is a declaration of Cebu's proactive stance in shaping its own future,” King said. (Photos: MBCNewman)