Over 70 business leaders, policymakers, and sustainability champions from across the Visayas came together for the 2nd Cebu-Visayas Business & Sustainability Conference, co-presented by OLACON Events, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ICCPI), and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).
Held under the Regional Development Conference (RDC) Series, the forum took place at the Asmara Urban Resort and Lifestyle Village and served as a key platform for dialogue, collaboration, and collective action toward a more resilient and sustainable regional economy.
Anchored on the theme “Collaborate with Purpose. Build with Sustainability. Prosper Together”, the conference brought together high-level representatives from both public and private sectors to explore sustainability as a business strategy and catalyst for long-term growth in Cebu and the wider Visayas region.
Through a dynamic mix of keynote talks, panel discussions, and networking sessions, participants exchanged insights on:
- Resilient Cebu: Integrated Water Management & Urban Planning
- ESG as a Business Asset: Turning Compliance into Competitive Advantage
- Smart Manufacturing: Innovation for Sustainable Outcomes
- Green Foundations: Sustainability in Construction & Development
Among the respected voices who shared their expertise and vision were:
- Hon. Nestor Archival, Mayor, Cebu City
- Atty. Joel Seno, Councilor, Mandaue City
- Hon. Arianne Marie Yap, Councilor, Lapu-Lapu City
- Jay Yuvallos, President, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Tony Valdez, Senior VP, ACEN
- Rachel Esther Gumtang-Remalante, Director, Securities and Exchange Commission
- Richard Koh, Sales Director for Compliance, CRIF Asia
- Architect Yumi Espina, Espina, Perez-Espina & Associates
- Atty. Anastacio Muntuerto, Jr., Catalyst, Cebu Citizen’s Initiative
Also present were prominent industry players, green champions, and emerging innovators across multiple sectors.
Demonstrating growing international confidence in the region, the forum saw active engagement from four European chambers of commerce:
- German-Philippine Chamber (AHK)
- French Chamber (CCI France)
- Spanish Chamber (La Cámara)
- Dutch Chamber (DCCP)
These cross-border interactions reflect Cebu and the Visayas’ emergence as a key destination for sustainable investment, trade, and innovation.
“This conference highlights the Chamber’s pivotal role in building an economy where sustainability and prosperity go hand in hand. The partnerships formed here today will shape the region’s business landscape for years to come.” – CCCI President Jay Yuvallos
As a tangible outcome of the event, a roadmap designed to turn the conference’s insights into concrete initiatives, including:
- Promoting ESG adoption among Visayas-based enterprises
- Facilitating green investments and public-private partnerships
- Launching knowledge-sharing platforms with global chambers
- Organizing business missions and sectoral follow-ups
These strategic next steps are aimed at reinforcing the region’s position as a future-ready economic powerhouse—with sustainability at its core.
As a Call to Action, the Cebu Chamber invites its members to stay actively involved in this growing movement by joining upcoming activities and sectoral dialogues that will emerge from the Sustainability and Environment Stewardship agenda.
The Chamber extends its appreciation to the event’s valued partners: ACEN, FAST AUTOWORLD INC./MITSUBISHI, EVA AIR, FILINVEST: CITY de Mare ALVEO, and ORGANIQUE—whose support made the success of this forum possible.
Padayon Cebu. Collaborate with Purpose. Build with Sustainability. Prosper Together.
