Cebu is rapidly emerging as a key player in both the business and tourism industries, thanks to the launch of two groundbreaking initiatives spearheaded by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI). The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Alliance and the Power Alliance are at the forefront of this transformation, aimed at boosting Cebuโs global competitiveness and ensuring long-term economic resilience.
MICE Alliance: Positioning Cebu as a Premier Global Destination for Events
The MICE Alliance is an ambitious initiative focused on elevating Cebu to the status of a premier destination for domestic and international conferences, exhibitions, and other major events. By fostering collaboration among key stakeholders from hotels, event organizers, tour operators, airports, and other service providers, the alliance is creating a unified ecosystem that streamlines the event management process, ensuring seamless experiences for both organizers and participants.
Industry giants such as SMX and Megaworld have been pivotal in supporting the allianceโs mission, lending valuable insights to help shape Cebuโs strategy. The first step in this initiative involved a comprehensive inventory of Cebuโs assetsโevaluating the capacity of hotels, transportation systems, and venues to host large-scale events.
CCCI President Jay Yuvallos shared that they are approaching this with a business mindset. By setting clear goals and measuring progress, we can forecast growth and identify areas for improvement, ensuring that Cebu remains competitive on the global MICE stage.
Strategic planning sessions for the MICE sector will take place in January 2025, focusing on long-term vision and specific objectives, including increasing Cebuโs contribution to the regional GDP, attracting international business, and generating employment. The alliance is also prioritizing the creation of exceptional visitor experiences, with improvements to transportation, accommodations, and airport services.
Power Alliance: Securing Cebuโs Energy Future for Sustainable Growth
Alongside the MICE Alliance, the Power Alliance plays a critical role in ensuring Cebu has the stable, affordable, sustainable energy supply necessary to fuel its growing economy. Comprising stakeholders like Visayan Electric Company (VECO), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the Power Alliance is working to develop a robust energy ecosystem that meets the expanding demands of both residential and business sectors.
โThis alliance is about more than just keeping the lights on. Itโs about creating an energy ecosystem that supports growth while being cost-effective and sustainable,โ said Yuvallos.
The Power Alliance is focused on fostering open dialogue among both private and public sector players to ensure consensus and collaboration. By aligning energy strategies with Cebuโs long-term economic goals, including the Central Visayas Development Plan, the alliance aims to help the region achieve its target GDP growth of 6.5% to 8.5% over the next five years. This growth is expected to significantly reduce poverty levels and create new economic opportunities across the region.
A Shared Vision for Cebuโs Future
Both the MICE and Power Alliance are integral parts of CCCIโs LEAD Agenda, a comprehensive framework designed to foster leadership, engagements, and development within Cebuโs business community. Through these initiatives, the alliances aim to establish Cebu as a global hub for business, tourism as well as major events, ensure sustainable, reliable energy to support growth across industries as well as communities, and drive economic growth as well as improve the quality of life for all Cebuanos.
โThese alliances are about more than infrastructure or logisticsโtheyโre about creating a future where Cebu thrives as a world-class destination and a beacon of innovation,โ Yuvallos concluded.
Through these forward-thinking initiatives, Cebu is preparing for a dynamic future, positioning as the investment destination in the Asia Pacific.
