Capitol pitches 3 prime sites to private investors

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has offered three prime province-owned properties in Cebu City to private investors for possible partnerships as the provincial government seeks to expand its economic base.

The properties are the proposed Sudlon Innovation and Technology District, Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue Development Project, and Camputhaw Urban Boutique Development.

Baricuatro presented the three projects to international investors and business leaders during the Philippine Investment Forum on Sept. 17, held as part of the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2026 in Nanning, China. The Philippines was this year’s Country of Honor, while Cebu was featured as the Province of Charm.

Baricuatro said the Province is open to various partnership structures depending on the expertise of potential investors and the long-term needs of Cebu.

These include public-private partnerships, joint ventures, long-term leases, and build-operate-transfer arrangements, where applicable.

“We are not looking at investment simply as a transaction. We are looking at investment as a partnership,” Baricuatro said during her 20-minute presentation.

She said the Province intends to combine government assets and public purpose with private-sector capital, technology, expertise, innovation, management, and market knowledge.

The largest of the three properties is the proposed Sudlon Innovation and Technology District, a 51,985-square-meter, or about 5.2-hectare, property in Barangay Lahug.

The property is envisioned as an integrated, mixed-use innovation district that could include an innovation and technology hub, government service center, residential communities, commercial areas, green infrastructure, and public spaces.

Another property is the approximately 8,180-square-meter Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue Development Project near Cebu IT Park.

The Province envisions the site as a multipurpose institutional and innovation complex that could accommodate wellness, livelihood and enterprise, learning, and commercial facilities.

The third property is the 2,056-square-meter Camputhaw Urban Boutique Development along St. Moritz Road.

The site could accommodate a premium mixed-use development with possible hospitality, serviced residences, retail and dining, co-working spaces, or health and wellness facilities.

Baricuatro said the Province is not prescribing a single development model for the three properties, allowing potential partners and market conditions to help determine the appropriate use based on their expertise and Cebu’s long-term needs.

She also positioned the properties within Cebu’s broader investment proposition, citing the province’s strategic location, connectivity, infrastructure, diversified economy, and established business ecosystem.

Cebu has established strengths in IT-BPM, manufacturing and shipbuilding, tourism and hospitality, real estate, creative industries, and startups.

Baricuatro, however, said Cebu’s strongest investment asset remains its people, citing the pool of skilled, educated, and adaptable workers produced by its colleges and universities.

“At the heart of every successful investment is human capital. Cebu has a deep pool of skilled, educated, and adaptable workers,” she said.

Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque, in her keynote address, also recognized Cebu as a premier investment destination, citing its strengths in IT-BPM, logistics and services, world-class infrastructure, and international connectivity.

Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime A. FlorCruz likewise expressed support for Cebu’s efforts to attract greater international investment and highlighted opportunities for stronger economic and business linkages between Cebu and potential partners in China.

Baricuatro said the Province wants investments to go beyond the development of government properties, emphasizing that successful investments should generate jobs, create opportunities for local suppliers and entrepreneurs, and stimulate surrounding communities.

“When our investors succeed, Cebu succeeds. And when Cebu succeeds, our people benefit,” she said.

“See us not simply as a market. See us as a potential partner. Do not simply invest in Cebu. Grow with Cebu. Build with Cebu. And together, let us build Cebu's next growth story," the governor emphasized. (CEBU NEWS)