515 participants from 13 countries hear perspectives spanning global strategy, economics, policy, peace, capital, PPPs, mobility and investment execution
CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Economic Forum 4.0 brought together 515 participants from 13 countries and assembled a wide-ranging group of global strategists, policymakers, business leaders, investment specialists, financiers and practitioners to examine what Cebu must do to compete, attract capital and turn opportunities into actual projects.
Organized by the Economic Enterprise Council of the Province of Cebu, the September 8–9 gathering was designed around a central principle: Cebu’s economic potential must be connected to strategy, investment readiness, financing and execution.
Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro said the Forum deliberately sought to move beyond broad investment promotion.
“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.
The opening program featured Governor Baricuatro, followed by messages of support 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, provided the Forum overview.
Global strategist Dr. Brian To, MCS., O.L., OBE, Senior Fellow at The Wharton School, delivered We Live in a World — Part IV, bringing an international strategy perspective to the economic, technological and geopolitical forces reshaping business.
Professor Alexander R. Magno of the University of the Philippines followed with State of the Economy and State of the Region, placing Cebu’s investment prospects within the wider Philippine economic, political and institutional environment.
The discussion then moved directly toward investment opportunities. Paulo Uy, head of Cebu’s investment and promotions efforts, presented Cebu’s economic landscape of opportunity. July Ann Guibone, Supervising Investment Specialist of the Board of Investments, discussed the Strategic Investment Priority Plan 2026, while Provincial Board Member Lakambini Reluya, Chair of the Committee on Commerce and Trade, addressed the legislative environment for economic growth.
Day 2 opened with a recap by Atty. Karl A. Pagatpat, Investment and Promotions Specialist, before Secretary Mel Senen S. Sarmiento, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, examined how peace, stability and regional integration can strengthen Cebu’s position as a gateway between the Visayas and Mindanao.
The emerging-industry discussion featured Dao Quy Phi, Director of Investment and External Relations of VinGroup Philippines, Chairman of GSM Philippines and CEO of Vgreen Philippines, on EV transformation investment in Cebu Province.
A central component of the Forum was the Pathways to Investment panel, which brought together Fidel Abalos on economic development and access to capital; Assistant Secretary Eleazar E. Ricote, Deputy Executive Director of the PPP Center; Atty. Aristotle Batuhan representing the private-sector and legal perspective; and Luis Martin E. Villalon of Bank of Commerce on bank and equity financing.
The panel was moderated by Ruben Licera, growth strategist and entrepreneur, who guided the conversation around a practical investment journey: opportunity, readiness, structure, capital and execution.
Sheldon Lee, Co-Founder of KILATS Group, later discussed the future of electric mobility in the Philippines, while Paulo Uy led the Forum synthesis and adoption of recommendations and actions.
With 515 participants from 13 countries, CEF 4.0 demonstrated that Cebu’s investment story is attracting a wider audience.
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