Good design as strategic engine for Cebu’s sustainable growth

CEBU CITY -- For decades, design was often treated as the final, aesthetic polish on a project—the proverbial "cherry on top” but on Friday, July 17, design excellence and business innovation took center stage as architects, engineers, developers, and entrepreneurs gathered at The Studio in Oakridge Business Park for the third annual Good Design, Good Business Summit 2026 hosted by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) as part of Cebu Business Month (CBM) 2026.

Cebu’s business leaders and creative minds gathered at Oakridge Business Park to deliver a sharp counter-narrative that in the modern economy, good design isn't a luxury; it is the engine of survival. The discussion shifted from how things look to how things work.

The summit highlighted how integrated design, digital innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration serve as vital drivers for resilient enterprises and sustainable communities in a rapidly changing global economy.

From the threat of brain drain to the promise of regenerative architecture, here is how Cebu is plotting its blueprint for a highly competitive, future-ready future.

The tone of the summit was set by CCCI President Regan Rex King, who issued a direct challenge to the architects, engineers, and developers in the room. He argued that technical skill alone is no longer enough to survive in a rapidly evolving global market.

"May we challenge ourselves to design beyond appearance, beyond compliance, and beyond the needs of the present. Technical excellence is essential, but our architects, engineers, designers, and creative professionals must also be equipped to build strong and viable enterprises,” King declared.

King’s message was clear for Cebuano businesses to grow, local creatives must stop thinking of themselves merely as technicians or artists, and start thinking like entrepreneurs and strategic leaders.

This year’s summit challenged traditional definitions of design, urging local professionals to look past mere visual appeal and compliance. Industry experts emphasized that modern design must embrace sustainability, systems thinking, and entrepreneurship to remain competitive.

Tackling the Crucial Issues

The day-long summit at The Studio in Oakridge Business Park didn't shy away from complex, systemic challenges. Four key themes dominated the stage. The Paradox of Filipino talent retention is one of the most pressing panels focused on a quiet crisis facing the local creative industry -- brain drain.

While Filipino designers and architects are celebrated globally for their world-class talent, keeping that talent in Cebu remains a massive hurdle. Panelists debated how to structure local businesses to offer competitive compensation, creative freedom, and sustainable career paths to prevent Cebu's best minds from taking their skills overseas.

Moving away from the architectural cliché of "form follows function," speakers introduced the concept of Form Follows System. In a world defined by climate change and digital transformation, buildings and products can no longer exist in isolation.

They must be designed as part of larger, interconnected digital and physical systems—optimizing energy use, structural resilience, and community impact.

The summit pushed the envelope on green building, moving past basic "sustainability" (which merely seeks to do less harm) toward regenerative design. Speakers showcased how landscape architecture can actively restore local biodiversity, manage water systems naturally, and heal urban environments.

Ultimately, the summit proved that investing in thoughtful, systemic design is directly tied to a company’s bottom line. Whether it is a product package that extends shelf life, an office building designed to lower energy costs, or a business model designed to retain top-tier talent, good design translates to resilient cash flows.

As CBM 2026 organizers concluded, the event solidified a new mantra for the local economy: good design creates better business, and better business builds a stronger Cebu. (Photos: MBCNewman)

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)