This vision took center stage during the Cebu Economic Forum 4.0 (CEF 4.0), a gathering that brought together 515 participants from 13 countries to discuss the strategies, partnerships, and investments needed to strengthen Cebu’s role in the global economy.

Organized by the Economic Enterprise Council of the Province of Cebu, the September 8–9 forum united global strategists, policymakers, business leaders, financiers, investment specialists, and industry practitioners around a shared goal: creating a stronger pathway from economic opportunity to actual projects.

More than an investment conference, CEF 4.0 became a conversation about how Filipino regions can compete internationally through innovation, collaboration, and long-term planning.

CEBU’S ECONOMIC FUTURE REQUIRES MORE THAN OPPORTUNITY

For many emerging economies, attracting investments is not simply about presenting available opportunities. Investors look for places with clear strategies, capable institutions, reliable partnerships, and the ability to turn plans into results.

Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro emphasized this direction, explaining that the forum was designed to move beyond traditional investment promotion and focus on actionable steps.

“Cebu Economic Forum 4.0 is designed to bring government, business, and finance into the same conversation—and move that conversation toward clear next steps,” Gov. Baricuatro said.

This approach reflects a broader challenge for the Philippines: ensuring that economic opportunities translate into industries, jobs, innovation, and improved quality of life for Filipinos.

BRINGING GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES INTO THE FILIPINO INVESTMENT STORY

The forum opened with discussions that connected Cebu’s economic ambitions wth global trends.

Governor Baricuatro led the opening program, followed by messages from Secretary Philip G. Lo, Presidential Assistant for the Visayas; Regan Rex T. King, President of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Mark Anthony Ynoc, Immediate Past President of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Mikee Empaces, Executive Assistant in the Office of the Governor, presented the forum overview and highlighted the importance of aligning government, business, and investment sectors.

Global strategist Dr. Brian To, MCS., O.L., OBE, Senior Fellow at The Wharton School, shared international insights through “We Live in a World — Part IV,” discussing how technology, geopolitics, and global economic shifts are changing the way industries compete.

Meanwhile, Professor Alexander R. Magno of the University of the Philippines presented “State of the Economy and State of the Region,” providing context on the Philippines’ economic environment and Cebu’s potential position within it.

FROM INVESTMENT PROMOTION TO INVESTMENT READINESS

One of the strongest themes of CEF 4.0 was the need to prepare regions not only to attract investors but also to successfully support investment implementation.

Paulo Uy, who leads Cebu’s investment and promotions initiatives, presented the province’s economic opportunities and investment landscape.

The discussion continued with July Ann Guibone, Supervising Investment Specialist of the Board of Investments, who shared insights on the Strategic Investment Priority Plan 2026 and national investment directions.

At the policy level, Provincial Board Member Lakambini Reluya, Chair of the Committee on Commerce and Trade, discussed how legislation and governance can help create a stronger environment for business growth.

The conversations highlighted an important lesson: investment confidence is built when opportunities are supported by clear policies, efficient systems, and strong partnerships.

PEACE, INNOVATION, AND EMERGING INDUSTRIES AS GROWTH DRIVERS

Economic development is also closely connected to stability, regional cooperation, and innovation.

During the second day of the forum, Secretary Mel Senen S. Sarmiento, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, discussed how peace and regional integration can strengthen Cebu’s role as a gateway between the Visayas and Mindanao.

The forum also explored emerging industries that could shape the Philippines’ next economic chapter.

Dao Quy Phi, Director of Investment and External Relations of VinGroup Philippines, Chairman of GSM Philippines, and CEO of Vgreen Philippines, shared insights on electric vehicle transformation and potential investment opportunities in Cebu.

The discussion reflected how new industries, particularly technology-driven and sustainable sectors, can create opportunities for Filipino workers, entrepreneurs, and communities.

BUILDING THE BRIDGE BETWEEN IDEAS AND CAPITAL

A major highlight of CEF 4.0 was the “Pathways to Investment” panel, which focused on the practical journey required to bring investments from concept to completion.

The panel featured:

• Fidel Abalos — economic development and access to capital
• Assistant Secretary Eleazar E. Ricote — Deputy Executive Director of the PPP Center
• Atty. Aristotle Batuhan — private sector and legal perspective
• Luis Martin E. Villalon of Bank of Commerce — banking and equity financing

Moderated by growth strategist and entrepreneur Ruben Licera, the discussion centered on a complete investment framework:

Opportunity → Readiness → Structure → Capital → Execution

This framework emphasized that successful economic development requires cooperation among government agencies, private enterprises, financial institutions, and communities.

CEBU AS A MODEL FOR FILIPINO ECONOMIC COLLABORATION

The forum continued with discussions on the future of electric mobility in the Philippines, led by Sheldon Lee, Co-Founder of KILATS Group.

The event concluded with the synthesis and adoption of recommendations led by Paulo Uy, reinforcing the importance of continued action after the discussions.

With participants coming from 13 countries, Cebu Economic Forum 4.0 showcased how Filipino regions can position themselves as active players in the global investment landscape.

The gathering demonstrated a powerful message: the Philippines’ competitiveness will depend not only on attracting investors but on building the systems, partnerships, and leadership needed to sustain growth.

For Cebu and the country, the path forward lies in turning conversations into commitments—and commitments into projects that create lasting opportunities for Filipinos. 🇵🇭