Industry leaders have issued a clear call to action for Cebu, urging the province to strategically leverage its core advantages to maintain its position as a premier logistics and manufacturing center in Asia. The warnings and recommendations came during the Cebu International Investment Summit 2026, where experts analyzed the region's competitive landscape.
Capitalizing on a Strategic Shift in Global Trade
On the summit's second day, global strategist Brian To presented his latest Situational Analysis report. He highlighted a pivotal shift in global trade patterns, moving away from the old "China-to-the-world" export model towards a more decentralized regional hub system. This evolution, To explained, presents a golden opportunity for Cebu to position itself as a critical link within Asian supply chains.
Rather than focusing exports predominantly on the United States, To emphasized that Cebu should use its geographic position to serve the broader Asian market. "Cebu has the ingredients to lead — its people, location and innovation. But without continuous improvement, regional competitors will overtake it," he cautioned.
Cebu's Unique Competitive Advantages
To detailed the specific strengths that give Cebu an edge over neighboring countries like Vietnam and Thailand. He pointed to the province's multilingual, highly educated, and adaptable workforce as a primary asset.
Local language skills, particularly in Bisaya, remain crucial for investors operating in the Visayas and Mindanao. Meanwhile, widespread proficiency in English, Chinese, or Spanish opens doors to broader global business opportunities.
To drive growth, he encouraged Cebuano businesses to embrace a "farm-to-consumer" approach, transforming raw materials into higher-value finished goods. For instance, using locally grown corn to produce ready-to-eat meals could significantly boost profitability.
Future-Proofing Through Technology and Energy
Modernizing the local industrial base is essential. To advocated for the adoption of:
- Advanced manufacturing clusters
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration
- Incremental automation in production processes
He also identified specific high-potential sectors for investment. Cebu could host specialized micro-manufacturing hubs for leading industries, such as producing parts for drones and electric vehicles to cater to regional demand.
A critical enabler for this advanced manufacturing future is reliable and affordable power. To highlighted hydrogen energy, extracted from water, as a promising solution to high electricity costs and a key investment opportunity. Furthermore, he urged stakeholders to explore opportunities in the defense manufacturing industry.
The overarching message from the summit is clear: Cebu possesses a powerful foundation, but proactive investment in technology, energy, and value-added production is non-negotiable to secure its economic future.
