Agro-industrial, economic zones eyed in Cebu

Local

THE Cebu Provincial Government is looking to develop new agro-industrial and economic zones in southern and northern Cebu to attract businesses, generate jobs and reduce the concentration of investments in Metro Cebu.

The initiative comes as the provincial government elevates its former Cebu Provincial Investment Promotions Division into a department, the Cebu Provincial Investment and Economic Office (CPIEO).

CPIEO Investments Promotion Officer Paulo Uy said on Friday, Nov. 13, that the province is exploring opportunities in Argao and Medellin to expand industrial development beyond the metropolitan area.

Uy said Argao town is developing a proposed agro-industrial economic zone that could accommodate food processing, canning and other related businesses.

He said the province also wants to establish a major food hub in southern Cebu where businesses can source fresh agricultural produce for processing.

The development could eventually support sardine canning operations in the municipality.

Uy said economic zones could also stimulate supporting industries such as packaging, logistics and food services.

He estimated that a 10-hectare economic zone could generate at least 5,000 to 6,000 jobs.

However, Uy said the province would consider the development priorities and capabilities of individual local government units (LGUs) rather than impose a uniform approach to economic zone development.

"Because being an economic zone, you have your pros and cons. And I think we respect that LGUs have their own personalities," he said.

Medellin in northern Cebu has also proposed an economic zone that could accommodate light industries.

Uy said the provincial office has yet to receive the final layout and development plan. He said the LGU would determine the appropriate land-use classification and pursue any necessary zoning changes to advance the proposal.

Uy also identified yellow corn production as another opportunity for northern Cebu, particularly to supply raw materials for animal feeds.

He said reducing feed costs could help address expensive livestock production and ease the burden on hog raisers.

The provincial government wants to encourage more industries outside Metro Cebu, where economic activity remains concentrated.

Uy cited Balamban's shipping industry and Toledo's mining sector as examples of areas that have developed around established industries.

Southern Cebu, meanwhile, remains more heavily associated with tourism and needs additional industrial investments to diversify its economic base, he said.

The province is also working to strengthen its investment promotion system through the proposed New Investment and Incentives Code of Cebu 2026.

The 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan discussed the proposed ordinance on first reading during its regular session on Nov. 9. First District Board Member Lakambini Reluya authored the measure, which the provincial board referred to the Committees on Laws and Ways and Means.

The proposed code seeks to establish rules for registering qualified investments and granting, administering, monitoring, suspending and revoking provincial investment incentives.

It also proposes creating the Cebu Investment Board as the province's investment review, deliberative and recommendatory body.

The CPIEO will retain its administrative, investment promotion, facilitation, processing and monitoring functions.

Qualified registered investments may receive fiscal and non-fiscal incentives based on their nature, classification, scale, location and economic or developmental contributions.

These incentives will cover only provincial taxes, fees, charges, privileges and other benefits that the provincial government has legal authority to grant or modify.

The measure aims to address existing policy and legislative gaps through a framework described in its explanatory note as more responsive, transparent, objective and development-oriented.

Uy credited Gov. Pamela Baricuatro for supporting the creation of the office and Reluya for championing the proposed investment ordinance.

"We run the department like it is an enterprise," Uy said, describing its approach to investment promotion and revenue generation.(MyTVCebu)