Cebu’s key leaders from government, business, and civil society gathered at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Social Hall for the Cebu Province Economic Forum 3.0, a strategic dialogue jointly organized by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and the Cebu Provincial Government. Now on its third installment, the forum has become a flagship platform for driving collective insight, evidence-based policy direction, and action-oriented collaboration for Cebu’s economic growth.
With the theme “Embracing Opportunities, Overcoming Challenges,” this forum brought together thought leaders and decision-makers to examine economic realities, address emerging threats, and identify strategic pathways toward sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive growth for Cebu.
Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro: “Inclusive Growth Begins with Empowered Communities”
In her Welcome Remarks, Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to fostering inclusive development, food security, and grassroots empowerment. Widely regarded as the “People’s Governor,” Baricuatro underscored that Cebu’s growth must be people-centered and rooted in collaboration.
“Sustainable growth requires shared responsibility between government and the private sector,” she emphasized. “When we empower our communities, we create a province that is both progressive and compassionate.”
Governor Baricuatro also lauded the CCCI for its enduring partnership in advancing programs that uplift rural livelihoods, strengthen local economies, and reinforce Cebu’s position as a major economic hub in the Visayas.
CCCI President Jay Yuvallos: “Padayon Cebu – Together, We Must Lead”
In his Opening Message and Rationale of the Event, CCCI President Jay Yuvallos set a visionary tone, rallying attendees to move from awareness to action through unity, accountability, and purpose-driven leadership.
He emphasized that the Cebu Province Economic Forum is more than a conference-it is “tambayayong,” or a coming together to reflect, reassess, and reimagine Cebu’s future.
Anchoring his message on CCCI’s leadership agenda, LEAD A-MUST, President Yuvallos unpacked the Chamber’s call to action:
- Lift the Cebu Brand – Invest in Cebu, Prosper in Paradise
- Engage the Community
- Activate Partnerships
- Develop a Culture of Innovation
- and its A-MUST alliances in Academe, MICE, Utilities, Sustainability, and Transport.
“We cannot afford to be indifferent. The opposite of corruption is not just honesty-it is engagement. We must not surrender to apathy but lead with intention,” Pres. Yuvallos declared. “Let us rise from the floods, from stagnation, and define Cebu by how we rebuild together. Padayon Cebu!”
Robert Dan Roces: “Data-Driven Foresight for 2026”
Mr. Robert Dan Roces, Senior Assistant Vice President and Economist of SM Investments, opened the keynote discussions with an in-depth look at “Economic Trends and Market Realities: What Cebu Businesses Should Expect.”
Roces outlined macroeconomic trends shaping the Philippine economy in 2026-highlighting inflationary pressures, investment outlooks, consumer behavior, and monetary policy shifts that will directly influence Cebu’s business climate.
“In a volatile environment, resilience is built not only on diversification but on agility,” Roces noted. “Businesses that use data and foresight to anticipate market shifts will lead the recovery.”
His insights provided the foundation for evidence-based strategies in navigating uncertainties and capturing new growth opportunities in Cebu’s key sectors.
Dr. Brian To, OBE: “Strategic Choices for Business and Government”
Delivering the second keynote, Dr. Brian To, OBE, Senior Fellow at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, tackled the theme “Opportunities and Threats in 2026: Strategic Choices for Business and Government.”
Drawing from his global advisory experience, Dr. To called for visionary leadership that is ethical, informed, and people-centered and challenging leaders to think long-term and act decisively.
“In every economy, the greatest threat is not competition but complacency,” Dr. To shared. “The best leaders don’t just react to disruption-they anticipate it, align with purpose, and act with integrity.”
Dr. To’s talk inspired both public and private sectors to adopt strategic foresight and innovation as drivers for sustainable competitiveness.
Dir. Evelyn Nacario-Castro: “Local Realities and Regional Potentials”
Dir. Evelyn Nacario-Castro, Assistant Regional Director of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (NEDA Central Visayas), presented “Cebu’s Economic Landscape: Local Realities and Potentials.”
With over three decades of experience in governance and sustainable development, she emphasized the critical role of integrated planning, data-driven decision-making, and cross-sectoral cooperation in achieving the Central Visayas Regional Development Plan.
“Resilience begins with evidence,” she remarked. “When we align data, policy, and community action, we turn challenges into opportunities that strengthen Cebu’s position in the national growth story.”
In closing, ARD Nacario-Castro offered a powerful definition of what CCCI represents: “Cebuanos are Competent, Competitive, and Involved.”
She underscored that this spirit of competence, competitiveness, and civic involvement captures the essence of Cebu’s economic identity and its potential to lead the region toward a future of shared prosperity.
A Touch of Elegance: Miss Asia Pacific International Winners Join the Event
Before the panel discussion, the afternoon took a glamorous turn as the forum was graced by the winners of the recent Miss Asia Pacific International, which was proudly held in Cebu.
Their presence highlighted Cebu’s growing reputation as a premier destination for international events, underscoring the synergy between economic development, tourism promotion, and global visibility.
Panel Discussion: “Voices and Visions for Cebu’s Economy”
Moderated by Ms. April Mae Ong Vaño, Head of ESG at Quest Ventures, the panel brought together Mr. Roces, Dr. To, ARD Nacario-Castro, Governor Baricuatro, and President Yuvallos for an engaging dialogue on Cebu’s economic roadmap.
The discussion underscored the value of unity, innovation, and accountability in addressing key challenges such as infrastructure gaps, urban congestion, and climate resilience.
The panel was followed by a presentation from Mr. Paulo Uy, Head of the Cebu Province Investment and Promotions Office, who highlighted the Province’s ongoing initiatives to attract sustainable investments under the banner “Invest in Cebu, Prosper in Paradise.”
Mayor Cesar E. Suan: “Collaboration is the Key to Progress”
To close the event, Hon. Cesar “Didoy” Suan, Mayor of Cordova and President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines–Cebu Chapter, delivered a Message of Appreciation, recognizing the collective effort of all stakeholders who made the forum a success.
“Progress is not achieved in isolation,” Suan said. “Cebu’s success lies in the strength of our partnerships and our commitment to act together.”
Strengthening Cebu’s Economic Future
As the event concluded, CCCI and the Cebu Provincial Government reaffirmed their commitment to advancing data-driven governance, private sector innovation, and inclusive growth across the province. The Forum’s discussions will inform policy direction and collaborative programs for 2026 and beyond.
Participants and guests continued discussions during the networking session, with a featured exhibit from AboitizLand, showcasing innovations in sustainable community development.
Padayon Cebu.
Embrace Opportunities. Overcome Challenges. Build the Future Together.
