The Philippines and the Sultanate of Oman strengthen economic ties through the Cebu-Oman Investment Forum on July 12, 2025, at Fili Hotel, Nustar, Cebu City. The event aims to bring together government leaders, business executives, and changemakers to explore new opportunities for investment, trade, and tourism.
The Cebu-Oman Investment Forum was led by Mikaela Pacubas Yap, alongside the Omani Foreign Ministry and the Oman Chamber of Commerce. With Cebu at the center of these conversations, she is poised to continue serving as a vital link between Oman and the Philippines.
Congressman Edu Rama, Congressman Junard “Ahong” Chan, Congressman Pablo John Garcia, Congresswoman Karen Hope Garcia, Mayor Cindi Chan, and Vice Mayor Joy Alegado, Councilor Joel Garganera, and Liga Ng Mga Barangay President Celestino Martinez III graced the event.
Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi opened the forum, highlighting the nations’ long-standing friendship and urging deeper economic collaboration.
“This forum marks a bold new chapter, one that can elevate our good relations into a dynamic partnership to pursue economic opportunity and mutual prosperity,” he said.
He emphasized the potential for joint ventures and investments, calling the forum “an invitation to think big, to explore, and to invest in each other’s future.”
In a compelling keynote address, Lamya Al Habsi, Deputy Director General for Investment Promotion of Oman, spotlighted the vast potential for trade, tourism, and investment between the Sultanate of Oman and the Philippines.
Al Habsi emphasized that the event serves as an avenue for meaningful engagement and partnerships aimed at driving sustainable growth and fostering economic collaboration.
Hamoud Salim Al Saadi of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry described the gathering as a platform to forge meaningful partnerships that can drive sustainable and inclusive growth.
“It’s a platform not only to exchange ideas and expertise, but also to forge meaningful collaboration that will lead to sustainable and inclusive growth,” he said.
CEBU CHAMPIONS GLOBAL INVESTMENTS
Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) President Jay Yuvallos delivered a powerful keynote speech positioning Cebu as a rising economic hub and strategic investment gateway in the Asia-Pacific region.
In his presentation titled “Invest Cebu, Prosper in Paradise,” Yuvallos showcased Cebu’s robust economic indicators, emphasizing its strategic location, rich talent pool, and high quality of life. He outlined how these strengths make the province a compelling choice for global investors.
Yuvallos emphasized the role of the Cebu Investment Center, a joint initiative with the provincial government, in streamlining investments across the Visayas.
CCCI Past President and PCCI Central Visayas Regional Governor Melanie C. Ng underscored Cebu’s welcoming business climate, stating, “It’s always good to explore new opportunities, and in Cebu, we welcome investors from all over the world.”
She also highlighted the strong support of the local business community, noting the presence of CCCI members eager to engage with and listen to international delegations.
A SHOWCASE OF INVESTMENT SYNERGIES ACROSS KEY SECTORS
Philippine industry leaders took center stage at the Cebu-Oman Investment Forum, opening with a high-impact panel on real estate—a key sector for partnership and growth.
Priland President Ramon Carlo Yap and Cebu Landmasters COO Franco Soberano shared insights into Cebu’s evolving property landscape, citing strong market demand driven by a rising middle class and the trust of overseas Filipino investors.
Yap highlighted Cebu’s industrial potential, citing developments in Consolacion, including a major mixed-use mall and proximity to the upcoming international port. Soberano emphasized the role of real estate in job creation and inclusive growth, noting, “Cebu is a place where partnerships are formed.”
Aseem Roy, President of Cebu IT BPM Organization Foundation Inc. (CIB.O), spoke on the thriving IT and business process management industry in Cebu.
Tourism opportunities in the Philippines were championed by Samantha Manigsaca, AVP for Hospitality at AppleOne Properties Inc., who highlighted Cebu’s appeal as a tourism and investment destination. Aldwin Dumago, Head of Operations at Aboitiz Capital, presented the country’s manufacturing landscape, underlining its potential for growth and regional competitiveness.
Manpower and skills development took center stage in the presentation of Paulette Liu, President and CEO of Primary Group of Builders and SVP of HR for PSEFI Skills and Primary Skills Inc. She emphasized the Philippines’ strong labor force and the vital role of upskilling in workforce readiness.
The forum also showcased Oman’s diverse and strategic investment landscape, reinforcing its commitment to building stronger economic ties with the Philippines. Omani delegates presented major sectors of opportunity during the forum, exploring areas for potential collaboration and investment with the Philippines.
The presentations by Omani participants began with Sayyid Nasr Albusaidi, Postmaster of Oman Post (Representing Asyad Group), who discussed logistics, emphasizing Oman’s role as a strategic hub on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia.
Mohammad Khalifa Al Qasimi, Director of Technical Planning at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, showcased Oman’s growing tourism sector and its potential to attract international visitors and investors.
Real estate opportunities were underscored by Yaqoob Amer Al Harthi, Project Manager for the Greater Muscat Structure Plan under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning. Renewable energy, a key focus of the country’s sustainability, was presented by Hafsa Rashid Al Subhi, Auction and Accounts Manager of Hydrom.
Abdullah Al Amri, Senior Business Specialist at Khazaen Economic City, a rising hub for industrial and economic growth, also explored investment opportunities in logistics and infrastructure. Dr. Said Al Hasni, co-founder of Youverse, who introduced Oman’s expanding IT and startup ecosystem, encouraging cross-border innovation partnerships.
VISA-FREE TRAVEL AND CEBU CONSULATE PLANS
In a press conference with the Cebuano press, His Excellency Sayyid Badr Albusaidi stressed the growing potential for cooperation between Oman and the Philippines. Addressing key areas such as trade, education, infrastructure, and renewable energy, the minister emphasized Oman’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
The opportunities are endless between Oman and the Philippines,” he said, noting the skilled Filipino workforce as a key driver for collaboration. He also confirmed that “the Philippines is on the list of countries for short-term visits where there is no need for a visa,” allowing Filipinos to enter Oman visa-free for up to two weeks.
Plans to establish a consulate office in Cebu, expand direct flight routes, and host future business forums were also raised as Oman looks to deepen its engagement with the rest of the country.
