Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro reaffirmed the province’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and people-centered development during her keynote address at the Cebu Industrial Summit 2025 attended by leaders from the Aboitiz Group, government agencies, academe, industry, and development partners.
Speaking before a diverse audience of stakeholders, Governor Baricuatro underscored Cebu’s enduring spirit of resilience and innovation, noting how the province continues to rise stronger after the challenges brought by the pandemic and recent natural disasters.
“Cebu has always been a land of builders. We build with our hands, but more importantly, with our hearts,” the Governor said. “We rise not because it is easy, but because it is in our nature to move forward, to rebuild stronger, and to dream bigger.”
The Governor outlined the Province’s new blueprint for industrial growth, guided by the ongoing update of the Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP).
The plan envisions balanced and inclusive growth across Cebu by 2035, through a polycentric development approach that spreads progress beyond Metro Cebu.
Key development corridors include: Metro Cebu Corridor (Danao City–Naga City) – Supporting industrial expansion with land and infrastructure for business and workers; Northeast Corridor (Bogo City–Daanbantayan) – Targeting renewable energy development, including the 140-MW Acciona Solar Farm; West Corridor (Toledo–Balamban–Pinamungajan) – Advancing medium to heavy industries and logistics integration; Southeast Corridor (Talisay–Carcar) – Focusing on industrial growth and manufacturing; Bantayan and Camotes Corridors – Strengthening poultry and livestock production; and Southwest Corridor – Sustaining and diversifying tourism and heritage development.
In line with the Province’s people-first principle, the Governor also announced that over 30% of the proposed 2026 provincial budget will be allocated to healthcare — covering infrastructure, equipment, medicine, and personnel development — while continuing essential investments in infrastructure and connectivity.
The Governor cited ongoing and upcoming major infrastructure projects in partnership with national and international partners such as JICA, including: The Metro Cebu Sewerage System, The 4th Cebu–Mactan Bridge with coastal road access to the future international port in Consolacion, and The Metro Cebu Expressway, envisioned to link the entire island as an alternative national highway.
Governor Baricuatro emphasized that Cebu’s progress will be measured not only by infrastructure and economic output, but also by human development and environmental stewardship.
“When our people are empowered, Cebu becomes unstoppable,” she said. “Let us build industries that not only create profit, but also purpose — industries that reflect our resilience, compassion, and shared prosperity.”
The Governor closed her remarks by calling for stronger collaboration among government, private sector, academe, and communities, describing Cebu’s future as one that is smart, sustainable, and inclusive.
“Together, we will power not just the next wave of Philippine industry — we will power the next wave of hope. Ato ang Sugbo.”
