Business Forum Positions Cebu as Top Investment Destination in Southeast Asia
The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) will host the CBM Investment Forum on July 9, 2025, at the NUSTAR Ballroom, NUSTAR Resort & Casino. This premier business event will showcase Cebu’s investment potential to national and international investors, bringing together key government officials, industry leaders, and business executives to strengthen investor confidence and accelerate economic development across Central Visayas.
Operating under the strategic theme “Invest Cebu, Prosper in Paradise,” the forum will convene top-tier leaders from government, private sector, and tourism industries to demonstrate how Cebu’s dynamic economic sectors can attract sustainable investment while driving inclusive growth throughout the region.
Distinguished Speakers and Industry Leaders
CCCI President Jay Y. Yuvallos will officially open the forum, followed by a welcome address and strategic overview from Kent de la Calzada, Chairman of the Business Investment Forum.
Sabin Aboitiz, CEO of Aboitiz Equity Ventures and one of the Philippines’ most respected business leaders, will deliver the keynote address. His presentation will focus on Cebu’s strategic role in national economic development, key insights from the Private Sector Advisory Council, and the Aboitiz Group’s significant long-term investments in Cebu’s growth trajectory.
Strategic Panel Discussions
Infrastructure Development: “Is Cebu Ready for Major Investment?”
Gretchen Choa, Vice President of Camden Trading Group, will moderate this high-level panel featuring prominent infrastructure and development executives:
- Rafaelito A. Barino, Chairman, Duros Group of Companies
- Cosette Canilao, President and CEO, Aboitiz Infracapital
- Arlo Angelo G. Sarmiento, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Vivant Corporation
This panel will provide critical insights into Cebu’s infrastructure readiness and capacity for accommodating large-scale investments.
Tourism and Real Estate Development: Capitalizing on Cebu’s Growth
Darwin John Moises will lead this comprehensive discussion with key stakeholders in Cebu’s tourism and real estate sectors:
- Judy Gabato, Regional Director, Department of Tourism Region 7
- Jennylle S. Tupaz, Vice President, Ayala Land Inc.
- Atty. Federico G. Noel Jr., Corporate Secretary, Kuok and Shangri-La Group Philippines
- Janice Original, Head of Sales and Distribution, Hotel 101 Global
The forum will feature specialized presentations highlighting specific investment sectors:
Smart Township Development: Gwen B. Sala of Citi de Mare will unveil plans for innovative, sustainable township development that supports technology integration and modern investment infrastructure.
Financial Services Growth: John David Yap of Security Bank will outline the expanding role of financial institutions in supporting Cebu’s business ecosystem and facilitating investment flows.
Cross-Border Payment Innovation: Steven Dooley of Convera will explore emerging opportunities in fintech and cross-border payment solutions, providing insights into navigating Cebu’s key business corridors for international investors.
Melanie Ng, Visayas Representative to the National MSME Development Council, Past President of CCCI, and Area Vice President for the Visayas of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry will provide a comprehensive synthesis of the day’s discussions and key takeaways.
The forum will conclude with a closing keynote from Secretary Frederick D. Go of the Office of the Special Assistant for Investment and Economic Affairs. Secretary Go will present the government’s investment priorities for Cebu and outline collaborative frameworks between public and private sectors to ensure sustainable, long-term economic prosperity.
For more information, please call the chamber at 2321421 to 24 or email us at info@cebuchamner.org.
