NANNING, China — Cebu Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro presented the province's investment potential before an international audience at the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo on September 17, 2026. She positioned Cebu not only as a tourism destination but as a strategic gateway for businesses expanding across the Philippines, ASEAN, and global markets.
Three Province-Owned Properties Offered for Partnership
Baricuatro delivered a 20-minute presentation titled "Charming Opportunities: Investable Properties in Cebu" during the Philippine Investment Forum. She unveiled three Province-owned properties in strategic areas of Cebu City available for private sector partnerships, emphasizing these represent only a fraction of the province's investment possibilities.
The largest is the proposed Sudlon Innovation and Technology District, a 5.2-hectare property in Barangay Lahug envisioned as an integrated mixed-use innovation hub. Its potential components include technology facilities, a government service center, residential communities, commercial areas, and green public spaces.
The second is the Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue Development Project, an 8,180-square-meter property near Cebu IT Park. It is envisioned as a multi-purpose institutional and innovation complex accommodating wellness, livelihood, learning, and commercial facilities. The third is the Camputhaw Urban Boutique Development, a 2,056-square-meter property along St. Moritz Road suitable for premium hospitality, serviced residences, retail, co-working, or wellness facilities.
Flexible Partnership Models
Rather than prescribing a single development model, Baricuatro said the Province wants the market and potential partners to help shape what could be built. The government is open to public-private partnerships, joint ventures, long-term leases, and build-operate-transfer arrangements where applicable.
The governor emphasized that her administration views investment as a partnership rather than a transaction. "We are not looking at investment simply as a transaction. We are looking at investment as a partnership," she said. She stressed that successful investments must create jobs for Cebuanos, opportunities for local suppliers, and economic growth that reaches more communities.
People as Cebu's Strongest Asset
Baricuatro highlighted that Cebu's investment proposition rests on strategic location, connectivity, infrastructure, and a diversified economy. The province has established strengths in IT-BPM, manufacturing and shipbuilding, tourism, real estate, creative industries, and startups.
But she emphasized that human capital remains Cebu's greatest advantage. "At the heart of every successful investment is human capital. Cebu has a deep pool of skilled, educated, and adaptable workers," she said. The governor described Cebuanos as hardworking, entrepreneurial, and adaptable—qualities that built the province's position as a major economic center.
Philippines as Country of Honor
The Philippines is this year's Country of Honor at CAEXPO, while Cebu is featured as the Province of Charm. Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque recognized Cebu as a premier investment destination, citing its strengths in IT-BPM, logistics, world-class infrastructure, and international connectivity.
Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime A. FlorCruz expressed support for Cebu's efforts to attract greater international investment. He underscored opportunities for stronger economic linkages between Cebu and potential partners in China.
An Invitation to Grow with Cebu
Baricuatro ended her presentation with an invitation for investors to look beyond Cebu's charm as a destination and see the province as a long-term business partner. "See us not simply as a market. See us as a potential partner," she said. "Do not simply invest in Cebu. Grow with Cebu. Build with Cebu. And together, let us build Cebu's next growth story."
