Cebu Pitches Its Properties to Global Investors at CAEXPO 2026
Cebu Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro presented the province's investment potential before an audience of investors and business leaders from different countries during the Philippine Investment Forum held September 17, 2026, in Nanning, China — part of the opening day activities of the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2026. It wasn't just Cebu's tourism appeal that the governor showcased. She positioned the province as a strategic gateway for businesses looking to grow in the Philippines, ASEAN, and the wider global market.
Baricuatro's presentation, titled "Charming Opportunities: Investable Properties in Cebu," ran for 20 minutes and formed part of a bigger program where the Philippines is this year's Country of Honor, while Cebu is featured as the Province of Charm — giving the province a prominent platform to showcase its economy, products, tourism, and investment opportunities to the international market.
"We are not looking at investment simply as a transaction. We are looking at investment as a partnership," said Gov. Pamela S. Baricuatro, in her address before the investors.
Why This Matters for Cebu Right Now
Cebu's inclusion in CAEXPO 2026 as "Province of Charm" is a strong signal from the national government that the province is recognized as one of the leading economies outside Metro Manila. In her keynote address, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque recognized Cebu as a premier investment destination — citing its strengths in IT-BPM, logistics and services, world-class infrastructure, and international connectivity, strengths that local economic watchers in Cebu have long pointed to.
That said, the press release does not give any detailed comparison of how competitive Cebu is against other Philippine provinces, or against neighboring Southeast Asian markets, in terms of investment packages or incentives — so we can't put a specific figure or ranking on that in this report without guessing.
Baricuatro's emphasis on "human capital" as Cebu's strongest asset isn't a new idea in local economic discourse — but the way it was framed as the centerpiece of an investment pitch shows a shift from the traditional "tourism-first" marketing approach toward a more holistic economic development narrative. Per the governor, Cebu's colleges and universities continue to produce skilled and adaptable graduates, which she considers the real foundation of any successful investment.
On the wider community impact side, the governor was clear that the goal isn't just to attract capital — it's to turn that into jobs, opportunities for local suppliers and entrepreneurs, and stronger communities. This messaging follows a pattern common among Philippine local governments trying to balance economic growth with inclusive development — though the release doesn't spell out a specific mechanism or timeline for how those benefits will actually trickle down to the grassroots.
Three Properties, Among Many Possibilities
As part of the investment pitch, Baricuatro presented three Province-owned properties in strategic areas of Cebu City that could be opened up for partnership with the private sector. She was quick to clarify that these three are only a sample of the many investment possibilities Cebu has to offer.
The biggest is the proposed Sudlon Innovation and Technology District — a 51,985-square-meter (roughly 5.2-hectare) property in Barangay Lahug, envisioned as an integrated mixed-use innovation district that could include an innovation and technology hub, a government service center, residential communities, commercial areas, and green infrastructure and public spaces.
The second is the Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue Development Project, an approximately 8,180-square-meter property near Cebu IT Park, envisioned as a multi-purpose institutional and innovation complex that could house wellness, livelihood and enterprise, learning, and commercial facilities.
The third is the Camputhaw Urban Boutique Development, a 2,056-square-meter property along St. Moritz Road, which could accommodate a premium mixed-use development — possibly hospitality, serviced residences, retail and dining, co-working spaces, or health and wellness facilities.
Rather than dictating a single development model, Baricuatro said the Province wants the market and potential partners to help shape what gets built, based on their own expertise and on Cebu's long-term needs. The Province is open to different partnership structures, including public-private partnerships, joint ventures, long-term leases, and build-operate-transfer arrangements where applicable.
Practical Details
Event: Philippine Investment Forum, part of the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2026
Date: September 17, 2026 (opening day of CAEXPO 2026)
Venue: Nanning, China
Gov. Baricuatro's presentation: "Charming Opportunities: Investable Properties in Cebu" — 20 minutes
Properties pitched: Sudlon Innovation and Technology District (Lahug), Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue Development Project (near Cebu IT Park), Camputhaw Urban Boutique Development (St. Moritz Road)
Partnership structures open for discussion: PPP, joint ventures, long-term leases, build-operate-transfer
📌 Quick Summary
What: Cebu Gov. Pamela S. Baricuatro pitched investment opportunities in the province, including three Province-owned properties, to international investors
Where: Philippine Investment Forum, 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2026, Nanning, China
When: September 17, 2026
Who benefits: Potential investors in property development, technology, manufacturing, tourism, services, infrastructure, and innovation; and in the long run, Cebuanos through jobs and economic opportunities
Source: Press release from the Public Information Office (PIO) — it's not specified in the release which office (Cebu, Bohol, or Leyte) issued it; the exact PIO source still needs to be verified for accurate crediting.