The Cebu IT-BPM Organization (CIB.O) has strongly endorsed the recent launch of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority's (Peza) first dedicated artificial intelligence training facility in the province. The Peza Advanced AI Academy opened its doors on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the ETO Building along A.S. Fortuna Street in Mandaue City.
A Strategic Move for Cebu's Digital Future
CIB.O Executive Director Buddy Villasis called the academy a rare and critical opportunity for companies to future-proof their employees. He revealed that the organization had been campaigning for maximum participation since the facility's soft launch in the previous quarter, with several member-companies already enrolling their staff in the initial programs. Villasis, who was present at the inauguration alongside Peza Director General Tereso Panga, encouraged all businesses to seize this initiative.
The academy is a collaborative project developed with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) and private partners Advanced Institute of Technology and StackTrek. Its curriculum is designed to address immediate industry needs, offering courses in generative AI tools, automation, and applied AI for business and industry.
Addressing the Skills Gap in Ecozones
Director General Panga emphasized that the academy directly responds to the growing skills gap as Peza-registered companies rapidly adopt advanced digital platforms, AI-enabled services, and smart manufacturing processes. The program is a cornerstone of Peza's strategy to align human capital development with its push for digital transformation and to attract higher-value investments to the country's economic zones.
Cebu is home to over 424 Peza-registered enterprises, supported by hundreds of local suppliers, forming a robust backbone for the region's export manufacturing sector. The choice of Cebu as the academy's first location underscores its strong industrial base and escalating role in global supply chains.
Strengthening Cebu's IT-BPM Hub Status
Industry leaders see the academy as a key step in cementing Cebu's position as a premier information technology and business process management hub outside Metro Manila. With a high concentration of ecozones and services firms, the province stands to gain significantly from a deeper, AI-ready talent pool.
This upskilling initiative is expected to enable local firms to support more complex, higher-value functions, boost productivity, and help retain and expand their global client accounts. Tesda 7 Director Gamaliel Vicente and StackTrek CEO Bill Yuen both highlighted that enrollment slots are still available, urging companies to act quickly as demand for AI competencies accelerates worldwide.
CIB.O has committed to continuing its assistance for member-companies interested in the academy's programs. The organization believes that enhancing AI capabilities across Cebu-based firms will not only uplift the region's competitiveness but also reinforce its vital role in the Philippines' broader digital growth narrative.
