Pam backs north economic zone

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro is supporting the proposed North Cebu Economic Zone (NCEZ), but stressed that the initiative must be integrated into a broader provincial development strategy rather than pursued as a standalone economic project.

In a letter to Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco, which Board Member Celestino “Tining” Martinez III shared on social media, Baricuatro said northern Cebu had already been identified as a potential growth area under the province’s previous development framework, but the initiative was not pursued further.

She emphasized the importance of sustaining long-term development plans despite changes in administration, saying continuity is crucial to translating strategic proposals into actual projects.

“This experience underscores the importance of continuity in development planning, where strategic initiatives and long-term development directions are carried forward beyond administrative transitions to ensure their eventual realization,” Baricuatro said.

The governor said the proposed NCEZ should be viewed as part of a wider northeast Cebu development strategy, taking into account its economic and spatial linkages with Metro Cebu and western Cebu.

She also stressed the need to consider environmental concerns, particularly in the aftermath of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck northern Cebu in September 2025 and whose effects continue to affect communities.

Baricuatro's response followed Soco's appeal for her support for the proposed economic zone, which aims to attract investments, generate jobs and expand economic opportunities in northern Cebu.

As earlier reported by The Freeman, Soco asked the governor to incorporate the initiative into the provincial government's development and investment plans and bring it before the Regional Development Council (RDC), which Baricuatro chairs.

The proposal covers the City of Bogo and the municipalities of Medellin, Daanbantayan and San Remigio, where economic centers are envisioned to serve as hubs for trade, investment, technology, livelihood, education and industry.

Soco also proposed the establishment of a dedicated freeport zone within the development area, operating as a separate customs territory similar to the Freeport Area of Bataan.

In her letter, Baricuatro noted that northern Cebu's development potential had already been recognized in the draft Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP) for 2019 to 2028.

However, she said the initiative was not pursued after being incorporated into the previous development framework, underscoring the need for consistent implementation of development priorities to prevent long-term plans from being sidelined by administrative transitions.

Baricuatro said northeast Cebu could emerge as an additional growth area through improved connectivity, infrastructure support and complementary economic activities.

Developing the area, she added, would help spread economic opportunities beyond existing urban centers and strengthen economic linkages across the province.

“In this regard, the objective is not to create competing growth centers but to establish complementary areas of development that collectively contribute to Cebu's overall economic growth,” she said.

The governor also said the local government units in the Fourth District had been considered in the formulation of the Provincial Development Plan, recognizing their strategic location and potential to support the growth of Central Cebu.

She cited the recently updated and approved Regional Development and Physical Framework Plan (RDPFP) 2026-2050, which she said was advanced during her chairmanship of RDC VII.

Baricuatro also acknowledged the participation of Board Member Lakambini Reluya, chairperson of the Committee on Commerce and Industry, in the activities of the Economic Enterprise Council and the Provincial Development Council's Economic Development Committee.

She recommended closer coordination between Soco's office and the committee to help advance the province's economic development initiatives.

The governor likewise welcomed the Sangguniang Panlalawigan's support for institutionalizing the Cebu Provincial Investment and Economic Office, describing it as an important step toward strengthening the province's economic roadmap.

Soco's proposal also seeks to ease urbanization pressures in Metro Cebu, particularly traffic congestion and recurring flooding in Cebu City, Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City, while tapping northern Cebu's potential for planned economic expansion.

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

To move the proposal forward, Soco called for funding for feasibility studies and the preparation of a comprehensive master plan to determine the requirements and direction of the proposed development.

Baricuatro, however, emphasized that the provincial government's executive department could not pursue the development agenda alone, stressing the need for cooperation among provincial officials and local government units.

“But, like I said, the executive department cannot do this alone. Hence, we look forward to continued collaboration and constructive discussions toward a more balanced, connected, and sustainable development of our province,” reads a portion of the letter. (CEBU NEWS)