PRC launches “Safe Card”, draws support from prominent leaders in Cebu

LAPULAPU CITY – The Philippine Red Cross launched the “Safe Card” in Cebu on January 14 at the Savoy Hotel, Newtown Mactan Lapulapu City with prominent leaders and organizations pledging support to register and or sponsor their employees, especially those working in the healthcare sector, like volunteers and rescuers.

For only P1,200 a year, PRC's “Safe Card” is a membership and preparedness program that connects members to the organization's nationwide network of trained responders and PRC Services such as blood, disaster management, health, safety, welfare, and WASH, while serving as a gateway to active volunteerism.

"The Safe Card is about preparedness, protection, and participation. It allows Filipino to be part of the Red Cross mission, ready to respond, ready to help, and ready to save lives when emergencies strike,” PRC Chairman Richard Gordon shared at the launching and press conference, Wednesday.

Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (CPDRRMO), Ret. Col. Dennis Francis Pastor, Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) Asst. head, Connie Jane Cuyos, PRC-Cebu Chapter chair, Anton Perdices and Lapulapu-Crordova Chapter chair, Mary Therese Sitoy-Cho, PRC board of directors, with national government agencies, private organizations, as well as representatives from major industrial and economic zones, acknowledged the crucial benefits of the “Safe Card”.

According to CDRRMO Pastor, Capitol has already enrolled all its responders and healthcare workers with the Safe Card to help strengthen its community preparedness, volunteerism, and access to emergency services across Cebu Province.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang added that with the Safe Card program, PRC aims to build a stronger base of trained volunteers and prepared citizens. This program strengthens the 143-volunteer network and ensures that help is always within reach, especially during disasters and emergencies.

With P1,200 a year, the members are provided with these personal accident-related benefits: P300K accidental death, disablement and dismemberment; P300K unprovoked murder and assault; P10K accident-related medical reimbursement; P5K accident- related burial assistance and P200/day daily hospital allowance (Maximum of 60 days).

To register, just fill out the membership enrolment form; pay through payment channels or to PRC Chapters near you; send the proof of payment via the online form or email to cebu@redcross.org.ph and get your membership ID at the PRC National HQ or chapter near you.   For inquiries and more information on the Safe Card, follow the official RC social media pages and for any emergencies, contact the PRC Hotline 143. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

Cebu hosts 4-day International Investment Summit

CEBU CITY—The Provincial government of Cebu is hosting a 4-day Cebu International Investment Summit (CIIS) 2026 from January 12 to 15, 2026 at the Capitol Social Hall with more than 200 participants from the local business sector including international delegations from Korea, Singapore, Japan, China, Taiwan, Oman, Saudi Arabia.

“This is Cebu’s flagship global investor summit connecting world capital with real-economy opportunities, designed not just to talk about opportunities, but to convert global interest into structural pipelines, partnerships, and platforms for the next decade,” said Dr. Bryan To, Consultant and one of the Summit speakers.

At the opening session and preliminaries on January 12, Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro addressed the economic forum, emphasizing the province's untapped potential and the need for better systems and government engagement.

Baricuatro highlighted the administration's commitment to transparency and long-term planning amid recent natural disasters noting Cebu's resilient people as its greatest asset and outlined the province's progress, including clearer rules, predictable processes, and a government ready to partner with investors.

“I’m inviting investors to see Cebu's transformation and invest in its future.  Cebu's rise is a result of deliberate choices and preparation,” the governor added.

Dr. To then presented a comprehensive world economic Situational Analysis—for the Philippines and Cebu Province to move forward and create better opportunities.  Cebu must lead and shared some interesting bits about Cebuanos’ adaptive and motivated workforce; multilingual community; culture that supports productivity and quality; Service Plus; Culturally Receptive; Innovation and Design; IT/Tech Savvy; Limited SOP; Land Tiny SOP; Business and Tourism Receptive; Government Support to education and healthcare.

Dr. To urged the participants to help Cebu lead and a warm up for all the other speakers for the next three days of the Summit.

Why Cebu? Why is crucial to invest in Cebu?

Paulo Uy, Head of the Provincial Investment and Economic Development presented the “Cebu Investment Strategy Overview” which outlines the Summit focused on Cebu's investment pipeline, emphasizing sectors like infrastructure, manufacturing, tourism, and digital industries.

Key initiatives include the Civil Investment Pipeline, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and the proposed Investment and Economic Code to streamline investment processes. The Argao Export and Economic Zone was highlighted as a sustainable, multi-sectoral ecosystem, Uy said.

He bared that the province has already received four letters of intent (LOI) and is advancing digitalization. The goal is to facilitate investment, ensure predictability, and foster long-term partnerships, aiming to create a cohesive and efficient investment environment for Cebu.

Ruben Licera, Head of Provincial Special Projects on the other hand, presented “The Cebu Arbitrage. Why Cebu? 5 Realities to Global Investors.”

Licera argues that Cebu, Philippines, has become a high-reward, high-friction investment jurisdiction due to its strategic positioning and fiscal incentives. Despite high energy costs, he said that the 2025 CIP law revision offers a 100% deduction on power expenses, making Cebu competitive with Vietnam and Malaysia.

Cebu's geopolitical advantages include a US-funded fuel storage facility and strategic location in the first island chain. The city also boasts a robust private sector response to natural disasters, a skilled workforce, and world-class air infrastructure, Licera encourages active investors to capitalize on these advantages, highlighting Cebu as a smart hedge against regional risks.

                               

Meanwhile, Cong. Nathaniel Oducado, 1Tahanan Party list and member of the 19^th Congress   presented Cebu investment opportunities and his takes “Why It Is Crucial to Invest in Cebu?”

In summary, the Congressman actually declared that Cebu is an investment ready province. He said that Cebu is already a global brand known for its craft and quality products, leading in exports and business industry support.

“The governor emphasizes the importance of partnerships with the private sector to revive Cebu's status and there are key factors attracting foreign investors here, including a workforce of over 2 million, a multidisciplinary workforce, and improved infrastructure, such as an airport capacity increased from 4.5 million to 12.5 million,” Oducado noted.

According to the Congressman, Cebu's port contributes over two billion to the economy, and the province ranks 43rd globally in ease of doing business.  Good governance is crucial, he said and with 17 ordinances and 1700 resolutions focusing on transparency and local services, Cebu aims to build a new glory by leveraging its strategic advantages and inviting foreign investment. 

Day 1 of the CIIS ended with some guide presentation of the PPP Frameworks, Legal Clarity, “Derisking” investments, bankable PPPs and legal safeguards that was presented by Atty. Aristotle Batuhan.  A Governor’s Night capped the day’s event.

For the next three more days, the Summit brings in more speakers with Day 2 focusing on the pillars on “Sustainability, Resilience and Investable Cebu,” “Real Economy and Advanced Manufacturing”, “Talent, Education and HealthCare.”

Day 3 sessions are about market specific opportunities and deal flow.  Congressman Oducado will present, “Demystifying the Philippine Red Tape Bureaucracy while five other speakers talk about “Tourism, Lifestyle and the Experience Economy” where food, culture, retail and mixed-use developments, integrated townships, aviation and routes and the provincial government’s tourism policy and destination packaging.

A special government regulation panel will talk on “Regulations and Governance in the Ease of Doing Business” with ARTA, SEC, BOI, DepDev, PEZA, TIEZA as part of the panel discussion, including investor clinics and thematic discussions.  Day 4of the Summit is for business matching and investment tours.

In conclusion, Baricuatro said that Cebu offers a structured pathway to partnership, grounded in governance, clarity and execution.  “This Summit aims to translate interest into concrete forward movement for investors and partners to come to Cebu for open engagements and exploration where investors objectives align with Cebu priorities.” (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

Cebu biz prepares agenda for Tokyo Trade Mission

CEBU CITY – The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is preparing its talking agenda for the Tokyo Trade Mission scheduled for February 25–27, 2026 focusing on Disaster Resilience, healthcare innovation, and sustainable urban development.

According to CCCI that these initiatives align with Cebu’s ongoing efforts to strengthen urban resilience, climate adaptation, and healthcare systems. Recent flooding events in the region highlighted the need for a comprehensive flood control infrastructure, proactive disaster preparedness, and resilient urban planning.

Healthcare on the other hand remains a priority, particularly in supporting disaster response and community resilience. Access to quality medical services, emergency response systems, and durable healthcare infrastructure is essential for protecting lives and enabling frontline workers to perform effectively during emergencies, CCCI added.

CCCI bared that Japan was selected as a strategic learning partner due to its extensive experience in managing natural hazards such as typhoons, floods, and earthquakes. “Through sustained investments in flood control infrastructure, smart city development, and advanced healthcare systems, Japan has developed models that offer practical lessons for Cebu’s development objectives."

The Tokyo Trade Mission enables participants to participate in Care Show Japan 2026, Asia’s leading healthcare exhibition that explore healthcare innovation, elderly care solutions, digital health technologies, and workforce development.

It also helps CCCI participants to engage with NTT Urban Development to gain insights into transit-oriented development, mixed-use projects, digital infrastructure, and resilient urban planning; and visit major flood control facilities, including the Shibuya Station Underground Tank and the Kanda / Loop 7 Underground Regulating Reservoir, to study large-scale urban flood management and disaster risk reduction systems.

Twenty participants representing various sectors of the Cebu business community gathered inputs and feedbacks that will be incorporated into the final mission program agenda to ensure alignment with local priorities and maximize actionable outcomes.

Cebu Landmaster Inc., a progressive property/estate developer in the country hosted the session on January 7 at the Wave Towers, IT Park, Cebu City that highlighted the collaboration with key partners to advance Cebu’s long-term economic and urban development goals. (Photos: CCCI)

 

 

 

12,000 runners are expected to join the 18th Cebu Marathon on January 11

CEBU CITY – Twelve thousand runners including a strong international contingent from 47 countries worldwide are expected to join the 18^th Cebu Marathon on Sunday, January 11, organized by the Cebu Executives Runners Club (CERC) as a celebration of sports, health and community and a prelude to the tourism attraction of the Sinulog Festivities on January 18, 2026.

“The marathon’s AIMS certification has also helped attract foreign runners, making Cebu a destination for international participants. The city has been one of the key reasons for our success with the city government support,” John Pages, co-founder of the Cebu Marathon said at the media launch and opening of the marathon merchandize exhibit on January 8 at the SM Seaside City Cebu.

It would be a sight to remember with over 12,000 runners traversing the marathon routes in main city streets, including the BRT underground stretch as well as the span of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).

Race schedules are set to ensure smooth flow and safety for all participants with the 42K – Gun start at 12:00 a.m., cut-off time of 8 hours; 21K – Gun start at 3:00 a.m., cut-off time of 4.5 hours; 10K – Gun start at 4:30 a.m., cut-off time of 2.5 hours and 5K – Gun start at 5:30 a.m., cut-off time of 1.5 hours.

SM Seaside City, the marathon’s venue partner, will keep its facilities open from 10 a.m. Saturday until the end of the marathon. Regional operations manager Anton de la Merced assured runners and supporters of convenience with some coffee stores open early, parking will be accessible, and restrooms will be available 24 hours.

This year’s Cebu Marathon signals a shift—not only in scale, but in responsibility. With sustainability initiatives in place, stronger city support, and growing international recognition, the race shows that progress can be measured not just in kilometers, but in care for the environment and the people who make the event possible.

 

Cebu Marathon Co-founder Meyrick Jacalan announced new eco-friendly measures, including collapsible cups for runners designed to be recycled, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.  “We are proud to be the first marathon in Cebu to use collapsible cups to support the mayor’s initiative for a healthier environment,” he said.

A runners’ guide which includes detailed information about the race route and answers to common questions was also emailed to all participants, providing route details and event information. Organizers hope that the road conditions will be better than the previous year, ensuring a successful and enjoyable race experience for all participants.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival welcomed the sustainability initiatives, noting that reducing plastic waste is vital for the city. He also acknowledged donations of blinkers for traffic enforcers, underscoring the marathon’s role in supporting both sports and public service.

Most importantly, he called for the institutionalization of the Cebu Marathon: “This event should be held every second week of January. With 12,000 runners, the impact is clear. It deserves to be a permanent tradition for Cebu,” the mayor added.

According to the organizers, the Cebu Marathon is officially recognized by the World Athletics, making it a significant event in the Philippines. The event aims to set new records, with Cebu being a potential place for new marathon records. (Photos: MBCNewman)