Plan to revive economic zone: Soco seeks Pam’s help

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco sought Governor Pamela Baricuatro's support for his proposal to revive the North Cebu Economic Zone (NCEZ), which aims to attract investments, generate employment, and stimulate economic growth in northern Cebu.

In a letter dated October 22, 2026, addressed to Baricuatro, Soco urged the governor to incorporate the proposed development into the Provincial Government’s development and investment plans and bring the initiative before the Regional Development Council (RDC), which she chairs.

Soco proposed establishing planned economic centers covering the City of Bogo and the municipalities of Medellin, Daanbantayan and San Remigio.

These centers are envisioned to serve as hubs for trade, investment, technology, livelihood, education, and industry, providing northern Cebu communities with opportunities for economic development.

He also proposed considering a dedicated freeport zone within the development area, which would operate as a separate customs territory, similar to the Freeport Area of Bataan.

Soco said the proposal seeks to address the growing urbanization pressures in Metro Cebu, particularly in Cebu City, Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City, where traffic congestion and recurring flooding remain among the challenges.

In contrast, he pointed to northern Cebu’s vast undeveloped flatlands and communities as potential areas for planned economic expansion.

“By planning ahead, the Provincial Government can lead where population, industry, and investment will grow, and give our northern LGUs a real chance to become self-sustaining and resilient,” Soco said in his letter.

He clarified that the initiative is not intended to slow down development in other parts of the province but to provide northern Cebu with bigger growth opportunities.

The proposed economic zone draws inspiration from the corridor development model of the Luzon Economic Corridor and is also aligned with House Bill No. 6058, or the Cebu Fourth District Special Economic Zone Act, authored by Fourth District Rep. Sun Shimura.

Soco said any steps toward developing the proposed economic centers would have to comply with existing laws, including the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995, the CREATE Act, the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code, the Constitution, and the Local Government Code.

He also emphasized that the environmental and social impacts of the proposal on affected communities would be given utmost consideration.

To move the initiative forward, Soco asked Baricuatro to include the NCEZ vision in the Provincial Development and Investment Program and align it with the Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan and the province’s Comprehensive Development Plan.

He also called for the allocation of funds for feasibility studies and the preparation of a comprehensive master plan to determine the requirements and direction of the proposed development.

Aside from provincial-level support, Soco urged Baricuatro to bring the proposal before the RDC and support its inclusion in the Regional Development Plan and Regional Development Investment Program to open opportunities for national government assistance.

Soco said he had also written to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan regarding the proposal and furnished Shimura with a copy of his letter to ensure that efforts at the local and national levels would move together.

He expressed willingness to discuss the proposal with Baricuatro and share his time and knowledge to realize the revival.

“The Provincial Government cannot do this alone, and it should not wait,” said Soco.

Soco further urged the governor to help advance the development vision through her roles as provincial chief executive and RDC chairperson. — (FREEMAN)