The Cebu Provincial Government has taken a decisive step to reshape its economic future, officially launching the Cebu International Investments Summit (CIIS) 2026. The announcement was made on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the Provincial Capitol, marking a strategic pivot for the province.
A Strategic Shift for Cebu's Economic Future
Officials outlined a clear vision to transition Cebu away from its traditional reliance on tourism. The goal is to establish the province as a global investment hub focused on heavy industry and technology. The invitation-only summit is scheduled for January 12–14, 2026, and aims to attract as many as 250 international investors.
In a press conference held the following day, December 19, at the Capitol, focal person Paulo Uy clarified that participation is free but strictly by invitation, emphasizing that the CIIS is not a revenue-generating event. The targeted delegations include investors from key markets such as South Korea, Singapore, Japan, China, Taiwan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.
"Cebu is deliberately shifting away from being, primarily, a tourism-driven economy into a global investment hub," Uy stated. He explained the new positioning encompasses becoming a heavy industry hub, a strengthened BPO and IT center, and a lifestyle destination with improved tourism retention.
Focus Areas and Key Partnerships
The summit will concentrate on several high-priority sectors crucial for Cebu's development and security. These include defense technology, ship recycling, and the creation of local economic zones. These zones are seen as vital for ensuring food and energy security and accelerating recovery from recent calamities.
The launch was spearheaded by global strategist Dr. Brian To and One Tahanan Party-list Representative Nathaniel Oducado. Dr. To expressed his interest in attracting investments for defense-related industries, shipping, data management, and differentiated education. "This is about attracting investors to Cebu," To said simply.
Congressman Oducado highlighted the legislative focus on opportunities in defense technology and ship recycling, noting the Philippines' ratification of relevant International Maritime Organization conventions.
From Plans to Reality: The Path Ahead
A critical component of the strategy is the development of LGU-driven economic zones. Uy stressed that local governments must play a more active role in preparing areas for investors. Several sites, including areas in Argao, are under study for ecozone development, pending final site plans and land-use alignment.
While confidence in the CIIS 2026 is high, officials acknowledged that sustained investor interest hinges on post-summit execution. Success will depend on the speed of infrastructure development, regulatory reforms, and the materialization of the promised ecozones.
Uy mentioned ongoing coordination with national agencies regarding tax incentives. Oducado added that Congress has already enacted policies to reduce bureaucratic uncertainty for investors. However, the true test of these commitments will come well after the three-day summit concludes, when pledges must translate into concrete investments and groundbreaking projects on Cebuano soil.
