The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has extended a formal invitation to the Israeli Embassy and technology companies to collaborate in developing its ambitious innovation hub, marking a significant step in Cebu's push to become a technology powerhouse in the Visayas region.
Strategic Partnership for Innovation
During a high-level dialogue held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, CCCI president Jay Yuvallos presented the chamber's vision to Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh, emphasizing how Israel's renowned expertise in research and development could significantly accelerate Cebu's innovation ecosystem development. The chamber is aggressively converting the second floor of its building into a state-of-the-art innovation hub designed to support startups, strengthen industry-academe relationships, and establish Cebu as a center for technology-driven economic growth.
"Across all industries, Israel is a leader in innovation. That is one of our main thrusts — developing an ecosystem for innovation," Yuvallos stated during the meeting. He drew parallels to Singapore's successful transformation into an R&D hub, noting how a single foreign research center eventually created positive ripple effects throughout the entire community and ecosystem.
P20-Million Innovation Facility
The CCCI is investing P20 million to establish the Innovation and Startup Hub, which will serve as Cebu's central home for emerging businesses. The facility will feature co-working spaces, continuous coffee service, dedicated pitching areas, and comprehensive collaboration programs tailored for young entrepreneurs. Yuvallos described the project as "dreaming big" and emphasized that partnership with Israeli companies or the embassy would provide substantial momentum to Cebu's innovation agenda.
"This is an invitation for the embassy or Israeli companies to be a partner of this innovation hub. Your comments actually make us more confident that we are on the right track," Yuvallos told Ambassador Kursh. "We'd love to welcome whatever you want to bring, and we hope to reciprocate the energy and passion you've shown."
Funding and Implementation Timeline
The chamber is currently raising an additional P15 million to complete the facility and actively seeking partnerships with local businesses, municipal governments, and academic institutions. Yuvallos characterized the project as an "open innovation hub" where creativity can emerge from any source or background.
This initiative complements ongoing national programs including the Philippine Innovation Awards and Filipinnovation Grants administered by the Department of Economy, Planning and Development, which also functions as the secretariat for the National Innovation Council.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has expressed strong support for the innovation hub, noting that technology-led industries can diversify Cebu's economy and create high-value employment opportunities. "We have the talent," Governor Baricuatro affirmed. "What we need now is collaboration and vision."
The innovation hub is scheduled to open within four months after groundbreaking, representing a major milestone in Cebu's strategic plan to establish itself as the startup capital of the Visayas region and strengthen its position in the global technology landscape.
