Spanish chamber assures Cebu of continued support

CEBU, Philippines — The Spanish Chamber has assured local Cebu officials of their continued support to propel further the development of the Province by partnering with its infrastructure and energy needs.

La Camara (Spanish Chamber) President Ruben Camba said that with Cebu emerging as a top destination for tourism, shipping, heavy industry, and business processing services, there is a need for more sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy sources to ensure the growth momentum.

Camba, who is also Managing Director for Southeast Asia for Acciona,  said that this growth necessitates significant investments in infrastructure to support diverse industries, particularly in the areas of physical connectivity, water systems, and power generation—all of which the Spanish businesses are willing to partner with the local government units in Cebu.

The Spanish business leader added that the Spanish Chamber values their strong ties with Cebu, and they are committed to deepening this relationship even further.

“Together, through shared knowledge, best practices, and collaboration, we can continue to elevate Cebu’s position as a rising leader in sustainable development, innovation, and global exchange,” Camba said.

Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Miguel Utray said Spain’s relationship with the Philippines is not only built on a shared history, but also on practical, forward looking partnerships.

“Right here in Cebu, we see clear examples of this collaboration. The Cebu-Cordova Bridge, which we can see from here, stands as a great testament to the enduring partnership between the Philippines and Spain. Located in a highly symbolic area of our common history, this bridge connects the past with the future, representing both progress and the deep ties that unite our nations,” Utray said.

For her part, Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia highlighted the importance of such gathering among the business chambers and the government sector where collaboration and cooperation are strengthened.

“This is a synchronicity that can only mean, more good for Cebu, that can only mean more opportunities for this little girl [Gov. Garcia] and the provincial government the help of private sector, to uplift the lives of 5.5 million Cebuanos,” Garcia said.

The Daanbantayan Solar Power Project involves an investment of around USD 130 million and will create a significant amount of direct and indirect jobs during its construction and operational phases.

Garcia was keynote speaker at the “Cebu Rising: Transforming Growth with New Infrastructure, Water, and Renewable Energy” organized by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines.

Also present were Transportation Undersecretary Timothy John Batan, Environment Undersecretary Carlos Primo David, and Energy Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan. — (FREEMAN)