Government, private sector unite to promote Cebu in Manila

The government and business sectors in Cebu united to sell the province in Metro Manila through the Manila launching of the Cebu Business Month (CBM 2006) this coming May and June.

Although the CBM 2006 is initiated by the private sector through Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the event, which is considered as the "business festival" in Cebu, has gained strong support from both Cebu City and Cebu Provincial governments.

Carrying the theme "Invest Cebu", CBM 2006 is aimed at inviting large number of investors and businessmen from Metro Manila to participate in the event, and see the fertile opportunities for business in the province.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña particularly highlighted the availability of the sprawling 300-hectare South Road Properties (SRP), which he described as the largest infrastructure project in all local government units (LGUs) all over the country.

"SRP is the most modern real estate development in the country today," Osmeña told Manila-based businessmen, including representatives from multinational companies.

Osmeña boasted about the strong collaboration of the private sector and the government, which is one of the main reasons why Cebu is getting ahead over other regions in the Philippines.

Likewise, Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia assured the investors of the "booming" Cebu, that despite the economic uncertainty, Cebu remained strong, and focus, because stakeholders, both government and private sectors are one in pushing Cebu up.

"Cebu knows where it is going, it is going [up] there, and we want you to be there," the lady Governor told the Manila-based traders.

The Cebu Provincial government has allocated P2 million worth of support the CBM 2006 and another P2 million support from the Cebu City government.

Cebu Investment Promotions Center (CIPC) managing director Joel Mari Yu also highlighted the capability of Cebu as Information Technology, Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs) investment hubs in the country.

CBM 2006 is zooming in to promote three industries that are regarded as the growth engine for Cebu, the ICT (Information Communication Technology), Tourism, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

About 150 Manila-based traders including members of the media attended the Manila launching of the CBM 2006.

CCCI president Francis Monera said this year's CBM will not only drum up investment interest for Cebu from other areas in the country, but also in the international investment community.

He said CBM is Cebu's business festival, complementing the famous religious festival-Sinulog.