Business Leaders Unite to Position Cebu as Southeast Asia’s Premier Technology Hub
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) hosted a groundbreaking Technology and Innovation Forum on June 20, 2025, at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, bringing together industry leaders to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can revolutionize business productivity and efficiency in Cebu and the Visayas region.
The forum, part of the Cebu Business Month (CBM) 2025 activities running from June to August under the “Padayon Cebu” theme, focused on catalyzing digital transformation and fostering collaborative innovation across Cebu’s business ecosystem.
“The Technology and Innovation Forum centers on Artificial Intelligence as a transformative force,” said CCCI President Jay Yuvallos. “We aim to catalyze digital transformation by bringing together industry experts, tech leaders, and innovators to explore cutting-edge AI technologies and tackle real-world challenges through collaborative problem-solving.”
Yuvallos emphasized that AI adoption across Southeast Asia presents unprecedented opportunities, with the potential to boost the Philippines’ GDP by 18% and transform the lives of 700 million people across ASEAN nations. He stressed that CCCI must lead this transformation, aligning with the Chamber’s “LEAD A MUST” agenda to elevate business and investment in Cebu.
Anton Mari Perdices, CBM 2025 Overall Chair, highlighted the critical importance of proactive engagement with technological advancement. “We must adapt to technological advancements, particularly AI, and engage proactively rather than passively in this technological revolution,” Perdices stated. “While AI transforms decision-making processes and creates new digital markets, we must remember the crucial human element in business.”
Bryan Yap, CBM 2025 Digital Transformation Chair, outlined Cebu’s potential to become Southeast Asia’s most dynamic technology ecosystem. “Cebu has the talent, infrastructure, cultural advantages, and entrepreneurial spirit needed for technology leadership,” Yap explained. “What we need now is coordination, knowledge sharing, and collaborative action across our business community.”
Jonathan De Luzuriaga, President and CEO of Spring Valley Tech Corp. and President of the Philippine Software Industry Association, delivered keynote insights on AI’s transformative impact across sectors. He highlighted how AI evolution mirrors historical technological revolutions, with potential applications spanning from corporate governance to healthcare and agriculture.
“AI’s impact on humanity could surpass that of fire, electricity, and the internet,” De Luzuriaga stated. “We’re witnessing AI applications in agriculture using drones for crop analysis, healthcare solutions like Cardiobot’s ECG analysis, and smart city implementations including social command centers for enhanced security.”
De Luzuriaga addressed the ongoing debate about AI’s impact on employment, emphasizing the parallel with the Industrial Revolution, where technology both displaces and creates jobs. He stressed the importance of upskilling and continuous learning, recommending that businesses encourage employees to pursue courses in AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity.
The forum identified key action items for Cebu businesses to embrace the digital transformation:
- Education and Upskilling: Encourage workforce development in AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity
- Operational Integration: Explore AI applications in company operations, including drone technology and AI-powered analytics
- Public-Private Collaboration: Partner with local authorities to develop AI-powered solutions for citizen engagement and emergency response
- Investment Focus: Align with investor trends, prioritizing AI and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors
The Technology and Innovation Forum represents a pivotal moment in Cebu’s journey toward becoming a regional technology leader. With collective action, strategic planning, and individual commitment to innovation, Cebu is positioned to shape Southeast Asia’s economic future through technology adoption and digital transformation.
The Cebu Business Month 2025 continues through August, featuring additional programs designed to advance the region’s business competitiveness and technological capabilities.
