Cebu powers the next wave of ‘Future-Ready’ industries

CEBU – Cebu’s strategic location, robust infrastructure, and exceptional talent base make it a prime destination for high-value industries that can drive inclusive development across the Visayas and beyond, with a strong foundation for growth, Cebu positioned itself to attract future-ready industries.

 

Cebu’s growing role in shaping the Philippines’ manufacturing and industrial future took center stage at the Cebu Industrial Summit 2025 on October 29 held at the Oakridge Pavilion, hosted by Aboitiz Economic Estates under the theme “Cebu: Powering the Next Wave of Philippine Industry.”

“Cebu’s foundation for the next wave of industrial growth has never been stronger. Its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and exceptional talent base make it a prime destination for high-value, future-ready industries and that Aboitiz Economic Estates is no longer simply a land developer, but a solutions provider, an enabler of enterprise and a partner in nation-building,” said Rafael Fernandez de Mesa, Aboitiz Land President and Aboitiz Economic Estates Head, in his opening message at the Summit.

De Mesa highlighted the transformation of Cebu from a manufacturing hub to a leading advanced production, logistics, and technology center and its strengths in driving industrial growth and to explore collaborative pathways that can position the region at the center of the Philippines’ next industrial era.

De Mesa said that the summit underscored how supportive policies, reliable infrastructure, and a skilled, globally competitive workforce are converging to redefine Cebu’s industrial landscape — strengthened by long-term partnerships between government and private sector enablers like Aboitiz Economic Estates.

“The impact extends beyond economic metrics, shaping communities and creating opportunities for future generations.  The economic estates in Cebu have become platforms for progress, fostering collaboration between industry leaders, local enterprises, and government partners,” he noted.

Cebu governor Pam Baricuatro reaffirmed the province’s commitment to building an ecosystem that empowers investors and communities alike, paving the way for inclusive and sustainable growth.  “Cebu stands at the dawn of another chapter — one where we rise once again to power the next wave of Philippine industry.  Our vision is to build industries that create not only profit but purpose, transforming Cebu into a model of sustainable, inclusive, and human-centered growth.”

PEZA Deputy Director General Maria Veronica Magsino on the other hand, emphasized the continuing reforms under CREATE MORE program which strengthen policy stability and reinforce investor confidence in the country’s economic zones.

Magsino said that PEZA’s ecozones continue to drive national growth, accounting for 54 percent of the country’s exports and over 4,300 operating enterprises nationwide. In Cebu alone, 50 ecozones have generated more than ₱321 billion in investments and over 217,000 jobs — a testament to the province’s resilience and potential as an industrial powerhouse.

Cebu Provincial Administrator Ace Durano spoke about the local government’s focus on enabling infrastructure and business support systems that attract investors and create long-term employment opportunities.

“We see ourselves as partners of industry in removing obstacles and enabling growth, by ddressing key issues such as reclamation and real property tax policies, and by improving provincial infrastructure, we are laying the groundwork for more sustainable and investor-friendly industrial development across Cebu.” Durano said.

The Cebu Industrial Summit 2025 reaffirmed that the province’s strength lies not only in its well-known service and tourism sectors but in its expanding, innovation-driven industrial base, one that continues to create meaningful employment and elevate the Philippines’ role in global manufacturing.  Government, investors and industry working together can unlock the next chapter of Cebu’s industrial story: one powered by innovation, partnership, and shared prosperity, Fernandez de Mesa concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

 

Baricuatro shares Cebu’s industrial growth vision

CEBU— Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro shared Cebu’s industrial growth vision to a group of stakeholders, various industry players and guests at the Cebu Industrial Summit on October 29 at Oakridge Pavilion, Oakridge Business Center in Mandaue City, hosted by the Aboitiz Economic Estates.

“Cebu today stands on solid ground. We may no longer be the country’s largest provincial economy, but we remain one of its strongest — a hub of trade, manufacturing, creativity, and innovation and more importantly, we are a province united by purpose, ready to transform our growth into something more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient,” said Baricuatro in her keynote message at the Summit.

To make this vision real, Baricuatro bared that Cebu is pursuing a new blueprint for industrial growth, one that combines strong infrastructure, sustainable innovation, and people-centered development.  Guided by its Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP), which is currently being updated, Cebu envisions that by 2035, the Province of Cebu will achieve balanced and inclusive growth.

Baricuatro added that secondary growth centers such as Danao City and Naga City make up the Metro Cebu corridor that will support industrial expansion in the area with adequate land and infrastructure for businesses and workers to back the existing north industrial corridors from Consolacion to Carmen.

Bogo City, San Remegio, Medellin, and Daanbantayan for the Northeast Corridor, with its vast lands, is ideal for development of renewable energy like Acciona’s 140-Megawatt solar farm.  Toledo City, Balamban and Pinamugajan for the West corridor will continue developing medium to heavy industries, integrated with neighboring corridors and the expanding Metro Cebu, the governor shared.

Baricuatro went on that Talisay City to Carcar on the other hand, focus on being an industrial corridor for the Southeast area while Bantayan and Camotes corridors will strengthen poultry and livestock production, and the Southwest corridors will sustain and diversify tourism, showcasing Cebu’s natural beauty, heritage, and culture.

Baricuatro describes Cebu’s blueprint a poly-centric development approach, with industrial corridors spreading progress and opportunities. She outlines her promise to ensure progress from urban centers to rural areas, emphasizing people, transparency, and collaboration as core principles.

Cebu is highlighted as a strong provincial economy, a hub of trade, manufacturing, creativity, and innovation, united by a common purpose. The province will prioritize human development, allocating over 30% of the proposed budget to healthcare.Key infrastructure projects, supported by international partners, include the Metro Cebu sewerage system and the fourth Cebu mountain bridge.

The coastal road will improve access to the upcoming international port in Consolation, and the Metro Cebu expressway will connect the entire island, Baricuatro emphasizes measuring progress by international standards, focusing on human development and environmental stewardship. 

“We stress the importance of partnership among government, the private sector, academia, civil society, and communities. We can not do it alone. The future of Cebu is envisioned as smart, sustainable, and inclusive, requiring collaboration to achieve this vision,” Baricuatro calls for working hand in hand to make Cebu a model of industrial excellence and human-centered growth.

The governor believes Cebu's story is just beginning anew, with the talent, drive, geography, and heart to lead in values and resilience. (Photos: MBCNewman & Capitol PIO FB)