Cebu — The message ringing out from the Waterfront Hotel Cebu on June 18 was clear: the era of Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant horizon, but a present-day reality that Cebu’s business community must actively embrace. During the Cebu Business Month (CBM) 2026 Technology and Innovation Forum, business leaders, government officials, and entrepreneurs gathered to confront the disruptive power of AI and discuss how it will redefine the region's economic landscape. By positioning AI as the focal point of this year’s forum, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) signaled a definitive shift in strategy, urging local enterprises to pivot toward technological integration to remain competitive.
Moving Past the AI Misconception
A recurring theme throughout the forum was the urgent need to dismantle the misconception that AI and digital transformation are exclusively reserved for tech giants or IT departments. Digital Transformation and Technology Chair Joslyn Canon emphasized that MSMEs, in particular, often fall into the trap of viewing these tools as inaccessible. In reality, AI is increasingly becoming a foundational element of how work is done, capable of automating routine tasks, processing complex data, and generating innovative ideas in seconds. By experimenting with these tools firsthand, local leaders are beginning to realize that the primary barrier to adoption is not the technology itself, but the mindset of those who fear it.
Human Capital as the Ultimate Competitive Advantage
While the forum highlighted the efficiency of AI-powered systems—even showcasing them in real-time "stress tests" during the event—CCCI President Regan Rex King grounded the conversation in the importance of human capital. He argued that the most successful companies of the next decade will not necessarily be those with the most powerful algorithms, but those that empower their people to adapt, learn, and relearn. As Cebu faces shifts in sectors ranging from manufacturing to healthcare, the "human touch"—coupled with the right technological fluency—remains the region's greatest competitive advantage. The forum concluded with a unified call for closer collaboration between the government, the academe, and the private sector, ensuring that Cebu’s workforce is fully equipped to leverage these new technologies to drive inclusive and sustainable progress.
