CEBU CITY — Cebu has outgrown its reputation as a business process outsourcing (BPO) hub and is emerging as a diversified economic powerhouse driven by exports, innovation, tourism, manufacturing and technology.
Speakers reinforced that message during The Manila Times Cebu Business and Tourism Forum 2026 on Tuesday, June 23, at the Radisson Blu Cebu.
The forum, themed "Padayon Cebu: Accelerating Momentum, Securing Prosperity," gathered government officials, business leaders, tourism stakeholders and technology advocates to discuss opportunities and challenges shaping Cebu's future as one of the country's leading economic centers.
Opening the event, The Manila Times Chief Executive Officer Anna Marie Ang-Thompson said Cebu's economic story has evolved beyond the industry that helped establish its global reputation.
"Cebu is ready to move beyond its traditional BPO image," Thompson said.
She noted that while the IT-BPM sector remains a major contributor to jobs and economic activity, Cebu has expanded into a broader growth engine supported by exports, entrepreneurship, premium services and innovation.
"Cebu is no longer just answering calls. Cebu is making the calls. Calls to innovation. Calls to global competitiveness. And calls to the future," she said.
In her welcome remarks, The Manila Times President and Chief Operating Officer Blanca Mercado said the forum aimed to look beyond Cebu's achievements and focus on the factors that will influence its next phase of development.
She said Cebu's continued success depends on how it addresses issues such as sustainable tourism, infrastructure, digital transformation, workforce development and regional competitiveness.
"The question before us is not whether Cebu will continue to grow. The question is how that growth can become more inclusive, more resilient, and more sustainable," Mercado said.
Delivering the keynote address, Paolo Uy, head of the Cebu Provincial Investment and Promotions Office, highlighted the scale of the regional economy and Cebu's role as its primary growth driver.
"Today, Central Visayas is a P1.3 trillion economy, and Cebu remains its principal economic driver," Uy said.
Uy said services account for more than 70 percent of Central Visayas' economy, driven by tourism, trade, finance and digital services.
He said Cebu's growth has become more diversified.
He cited manufacturing, maritime industries, infrastructure development, logistics, innovation, agribusiness and tourism as key sectors contributing to the province's expanding economy.
Uy said manufacturing now accounts for nearly 15 percent of regional output, while maritime industries continue to support exports, jobs and investments.
He pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects that improve connectivity and strengthen Cebu's role as a gateway for commerce, tourism and trade.
He said innovation now extends beyond the IT-BPM sector and influences manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, health care, education and government services.
Uy also emphasized food and water security and agribusiness development as priorities for long-term economic resilience.
The morning session featured presentations from Regan Rex King, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry; April Joy Medico, deputy administrator of the Mactan Economic Zone; Christine Villanueva, head of communications and strategy of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp.; and Aseem Roy, president of the Cebu IT-BPM Organization.
King and Villanueva highlighted Cebu's appeal as both a business and tourism destination, citing connectivity, investment opportunities and quality of life.
They said Cebu benefits from a combination of commercial activity and leisure offerings that support investment and tourism growth.
During the afternoon session, Sheila Lobien, chief executive officer of Lobien Realty Group, discussed real estate trends and investment opportunities, while Aldie Garcia, vice chairman and assurance managing partner of PwC Philippines, presented findings from a business confidence survey.
Garcia said business leaders identified concerns involving regulatory processes, responsiveness and ease of doing business.
Survey respondents called for streamlined bureaucracy, faster digitalization, improved infrastructure and stronger public-private partnerships.
Kernan Motoomull, chief executive officer of TechSupport.ph Inc., emphasized the need for businesses to build digital foundations before adopting advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence.
He said small and medium enterprises should invest in systems for operations, finance, human resources and customer management.
Rosalie Pañares, founder and chief executive officer of Thaumazo Express Transport Solutions (TEXTS) Inc., highlighted the role of logistics and last-mile delivery in economic activity.
She discussed challenges faced by riders and logistics operators, including rising fuel costs, and pushed the use of artificial intelligence and Internet of Things technologies to improve efficiency and safety.
Arnold Comendador, vice president for sales for Visayas and Mindanao of InfiniVAN, discussed digital infrastructure and its role in tourism, public services and business expansion.
He cited the company’s fiber network rollout, submarine cable projects and connectivity initiatives across the country.
The Manila Times columnist Ben Kritz moderated morning and afternoon fireside chats, where speakers reiterated the importance of infrastructure development, digital transformation, talent development and public-private collaboration in sustaining Cebu's economic momentum.
Throughout the forum, speakers said Cebu must continue diversifying its economy, attracting investments and strengthening partnerships among government, industry and communities.
The forum forms part of The Manila Times' continuing efforts to convene policymakers, business leaders and industry stakeholders to discuss regional development, competitiveness and sustainable economic growth. KAISER JAN FUENTES
