ProgreCebu: Cebu I.T. Park

CEBU, Philippines — Still in line with The Freeman’s 105th anniversary celebration, we look back and celebrate one of the beacons that signify Cebu’s progress — Cebu I.T. Park.

Cebu I.T. Park stands as a significant marker of the province’s continued growth. Before becoming a hub of economic activity, I.T. Park used to be a bare patch of land. It rests on top of what used to be the Cebu Landing Field in Lahug, Cebu City.

On June 24, 1938, the Cebu Landing Field was designated first as a military airport by President Manuel L. Quezon through Executive Order No. 154. After WWII, the landing field was then reclassified as a national airport by President Manuel Roxas Sr. on August 12, 1947 by virtue of Executive Order 75. Its operations ended on April 27, 1966 when the airport was transferred to Mactan.

The site was also where a saint once graced the province. Saint Pope John Paul II held an open-air mass for more than one million people during his 21-hour visit in February of 1981.

I.T. Park became an Information Technology Special Economic Zone on February 27, 2001 as issued by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. From then on, the place became a manifestation of Cebu’s continued progress as seen in the arrival of information technology companies, business process outsourcing firms, condominiums, and a variety of other establishments that cater to the Cebuanos.

It now exists as one of Cebu’s premier business districts, a center for business and commercial infrastructure that offers not only employment but also dining, shopping, entertainment, and leisure experiences. —  Erik Justin Aya-ay, UP Cebu Online Intern