Cebu's private sector is uniting to demand significant improvements in governance, identifying transparency and policy consistency as vital for reviving investor trust following a challenging 2025.
Business Leaders Cite Governance as Key Hurdle
Jay Yuvallos, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), stated that political instability, corruption investigations, and ongoing governance issues severely impacted business sentiment last year. This environment led many companies to postpone expansion and approach new investments with extreme caution.
"2025 tested our resolve," Yuvallos explained. "We began the year with cautious optimism, but a succession of political and governance shocks undermined confidence. To progress, we require clear reforms that stabilize expectations and rebuild trust."
United Front for Concrete Reforms
The business community is now backing a specific set of measures designed to reset the investment climate. Their agenda includes:
- Enacting freedom-of-information legislation.
- Establishing stronger independent oversight bodies.
- Implementing reforms to curb the influence of political dynasties.
Yuvallos emphasized that a fragmented private sector weakens its advocacy power. He argued that a unified business voice is essential to become a credible partner to the government and a true catalyst for the changes investors seek.
Beyond governance, Cebu's leaders are championing an ecosystem-based development model. This approach aims to connect major investments with local small and medium enterprises (SMEs), suppliers, training institutions, and communities. Priority sectors like manufacturing, construction, and tourism all depend on transparent rules, consistent policies, and credible enforcement for sustained growth.
Cebu International Investment Summit 2026 on the Horizon
This reform push coincides with the upcoming Cebu International Investment Summit 2026, scheduled for January 12–16. Hosted by the Cebu Provincial Government, the summit aims to reposition the island as a premier regional hub for investment in manufacturing, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
The event is expected to attract delegations from Asia and the Middle East. Discussions will center on public-private partnerships and projects that are open to foreign participation.
Looking forward, Cebu's private sector maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook for 2026. This optimism is contingent on governance reforms gaining real traction and public spending being executed with full transparency.
"If governance improves and confidence stabilizes, Cebu can return to a strong growth trajectory," Yuvallos concluded. "The private sector is ready to do its part."
