The Freeman ProgreCEBU: The rise of Cebu South Road Properties

CEBU, Philippines — In celebration of The Freeman’s 105th anniversary, we reflect on one of Cebu’s milestones — the Cebu South Road Properties (SRP), a vibrant coastline of economic growth, tourism, and the aspirations of the Cebuanos.

While the older generations knew it by heart, the younger ones might not recognize SRP’s transformation. The area back then was completely surrounded by water, separating Kawit Point from mainland Cebu City. Today, the area is dotted with infrastructure and establishments, marking it a prime location for businesses and social and cultural activities.

The reclamation began in 1988 when then Cebu City mayor Tomas Osmeña secured Japanese government assistance to fund several economic intervention projects under the Metro Cebu Development Project (MCPD).

A key focus was the reclamation of 300 hectares of land along the eastern coast of Cebu where the construction was completed in 2004. The reclaimed land stretches from the shores of the mainland to Talisay City, addressing the city’s urbanization, population growth, and limited land availability for development.

From a body of water offshore, SRP now hosts high-end resorts, casinos, malls, and residential buildings, boosting employment in the region. An arena with a seating capacity of 16, 000 and a convention center are under construction, poised to become prime venues for local and international concerts, sports events, and among others.

The establishment of the South Coastal Road shifted the traffic from the old South Road providing convenient accessibility from the City to the southern towns. On its other end, SRP also links mainland Cebu to Cordova and Mactan Island through the newly completed Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway.

SRP is one of the many developments that signify Cebu’s progress over time, embodying the vision and ambition of its people, serving as a beacon of hope for the quality of life for Cebuanos. — Jhelia Mae Baring, UP Cebu Online Intern