Ideas That Can Shape
Cebu's Next Decade
Meet the leaders, strategists, policymakers and thinkers taking the stage at Cebu Economic Forum 4.0.
The future of Cebu will be shaped by forces
far beyond its borders—from global economic
realignment and technological disruption
to national investment policy, regional integration, peace, infrastructure
and the decisions Cebu makes today.
Cebu Economic Forum 4.0 brings
these perspectives into one room.
Not simply to discuss what is happening.
But to ask what Cebu should do next.
GOV. PAMELA S. BARICUATRO
The People’s Governor
Province of Cebu
Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro leads the Province of Cebu with a people-centered vision focused on inclusive growth, better public services, stronger communities, and
expanding economic opportunities.
At Cebu Economic Forum 4.0,
she welcomes business leaders, investors, policymakers, and
partners to a continuing
conversation on building a more
competitive, investment-ready,
and globally connected Cebu
whose progress creates meaningful opportunities for Cebuanos.
Ideas That Can Shape
Cebu's Next Decade
Meet the leaders, strategists, policymakers and thinkers taking the stage at Cebu Economic Forum 4.0.
The future of Cebu will be shaped by forces far beyond its borders—from global economic
realignment and technological disruption to national investment policy, regional integration,
peace, infrastructure and the decisions Cebu makes today. Cebu Economic Forum 4.0
brings these perspectives into one room. Not simply to discuss what is happening.
But to ask what Cebu should do next.
GOV. PAMELA S. BARICUATRO
The People’s Governor
Province of Cebu
Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro leads the
Province of Cebu with a people-centered vision focused on inclusive growth, better public services, stronger communities, and expanding economic opportunities. At Cebu Economic Forum 4.0, she welcomes business leaders, investors, policymakers, and partners to a continuing conversation on building a more competitive, investment-ready,
and globally connected Cebu whose progress creates meaningful opportunities for Cebuanos.
SEPTEMBER 08, 2026
DAY 1 — UNDERSTANDING
THE OPPORTUNITY
Philip Lo will deliver a message of support representing the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, underscoring the importance of stronger regional coordination, investment promotion, and
economic collaboration across the Visayas.
His participation reflects the broader regional support for Cebu’s continuing role as a
major center of growth and development.
Regan King, President of the Cebu Chamber
of Commerce and Industry, Inc., will deliver
a message of support from one of Cebu’s leading business organizations.
His participation highlights the essential
role of the private sector in strengthening competitiveness, encouraging investment, supporting enterprise growth, and helping shape Cebu’s long-term economic direction
Mark Anthony Ynoc, Immediate Past President of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.
Mikee Empaces will provide the official overview of Cebu Economic Forum 4.0,
setting the context, objectives, and
strategic direction of the two-day
gathering. The overview will help delegates
understand how the Forum’s keynotes, investment discussions, policy briefings,
business matching, special topics,
and recommendations connect
toward a common objective:
translating Cebu’s economic potential
into stronger partnerships, investments,
and actionable development opportunities.
Dr. Brian To is a global strategist with extensive experience advising corporations, governments, institutions, and senior leaders navigating complex economic, geopolitical, and organizational environments. Through “We Live in a World — Part IV,” he will examine the global forces reshaping economies and explore what Cebu must understand and do today to strategically position itself for the opportunities of tomorrow.
Professor Alexander R. Magno is a
Filipino political scientist, academic, and commentator whose work examines
Philippine politics, governance, economic policy, and institutional development. His keynote will provide a wider perspective on the economic, political, and institutional forces affecting the Philippines and the region—and what these developments could mean for Cebu’s competitiveness and future growth.
Paulo Uy plays a key role in advancing Cebu Province’s investment and promotion agenda. His presentation will provide delegates with
an overview of Cebu’s economic landscape, highlighting opportunities, emerging sectors, investment possibilities, and areas
where stronger partnerships between
government and the private sector can accelerate the province’s development.
July Anne C. Guibone is a Supervising Investment Specialist at the Board of Investments (BOI) Cebu Extension Office
with over 14 years of experience in investment promotion and economic development.
She previously served with the Cebu Investment Promotions Office and the Department of Trade and Industry and
played a key role in establishing the Cebu Investment Promotions Office under the Provincial Government of Cebu. She holds
a BS in Management Accounting and an
MBA from the University of San Carlos, a
Diploma in Professional Education
from Cebu Normal University, and is a
Licensed Professional Teacher. In 2023,
she completed a Certificate in
International Studies as an
Overseas Fellow at IDE-JETRO, Japan.
Legislating for Growth:
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s Role
in Advancing Cebu’s Investment Agenda
SEPTEMBER 09, 2026
DAY 2 — FROM OPPORTUNITY TO INVESTMENT
Morning Networking
and Recap of Day 1
Secretary Mel Senen S. Sarmiento
brings extensive experience in national government, local governance, peacebuilding, and regional development. His keynote will explore how peace, stability, connectivity, and economic cooperation can create stronger opportunities for Cebu, the Visayas, and Mindanao—and how Cebu can strengthen its role as a gateway connecting markets, investments, enterprises, and communities across the southern Philippines.
EV Transformation
Investment in Cebu Province
Fidel Abalos brings an
economic-development and
access-to-capital perspective to
the discussion, focusing on the
conditions businesses, entrepreneurs,
and investment projects need to become
more investment-ready. He will help explore
how promising economic opportunities
can be strengthened, financed,
and developed into sustainable ventures.
Pathways to Investment
Public-Private Partnership
Atty. Aristotle Batuhan brings the
private-sector perspective to the discussion, helping connect government initiatives and investment opportunities with the realities faced by businesses and investors.
His participation will provide insight
into the conditions, partnerships, policies,
and enabling environment necessary to
encourage stronger private-sector participation in Cebu’s development.
Pathways to Investment
Access to Capital (Bank/Equity)
Ruben Licera is a growth strategist, entrepreneur, and business builder whose work focuses on identifying opportunities and translating strategy into practical systems
for growth. As moderator, he will guide the discussion toward actionable insights on connecting Cebu’s opportunities
with capital, government support,
private-sector participation,
and the partnerships necessary to move
projects from conversation to execution.
Sheldon Lee, Co-Founder of KILATS Group,
will discuss the emerging future of electric mobility in the Philippines and the opportunities being created by the transition toward electric vehicles. His presentation will explore how developments in EV technology, mobility, infrastructure, charging ecosystems, and investment could shape new economic opportunities for Cebu and the wider Philippine market.
Paulo Uy plays a key role in advancing Cebu Province’s investment and promotion agenda.
His presentation will provide delegates with
an overview of Cebu’s economic landscape, highlighting opportunities, emerging sectors, investment possibilities, and areas
where stronger partnerships between
government and the private sector can accelerate the province’s development.
SEPTEMBER 08, 2026
DAY 1 — UNDERSTANDING THE OPPORTUNITY
Philip Lo will deliver a message of support representing the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, underscoring the importance of stronger regional coordination, investment promotion, and
economic collaboration across the Visayas.
His participation reflects the broader regional support for Cebu’s continuing role as a
major center of growth and development.
Regan King, President of the Cebu Chamber
of Commerce and Industry, Inc., will deliver
a message of support from one of Cebu’s leading business organizations.
His participation highlights the essential
role of the private sector in strengthening competitiveness, encouraging investment, supporting enterprise growth, and helping shape Cebu’s long-term economic direction
Mark Anthony Ynoc, Immediate Past President of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.
Mikee Empaces will provide the official overview of Cebu Economic Forum 4.0,
setting the context, objectives, and
strategic direction of the two-day
gathering. The overview will help delegates
understand how the Forum’s keynotes, investment discussions, policy briefings,
business matching, special topics,
and recommendations connect
toward a common objective:
translating Cebu’s economic potential
into stronger partnerships, investments,
and actionable development opportunities.
Dr. Brian To is a global strategist with extensive experience advising corporations, governments, institutions, and senior leaders navigating complex economic, geopolitical, and organizational environments. Through “We Live in a World — Part IV,” he will examine the global forces reshaping economies and explore what Cebu must understand and do today to strategically position itself for the opportunities of tomorrow.
Professor Alexander R. Magno is a
Filipino political scientist, academic, and commentator whose work examines
Philippine politics, governance, economic policy, and institutional development. His keynote will provide a wider perspective on the economic, political, and institutional forces affecting the Philippines and the region—and what these developments could mean for Cebu’s competitiveness and future growth.
Paulo Uy plays a key role in advancing Cebu Province’s investment and promotion agenda. His presentation will provide delegates with
an overview of Cebu’s economic landscape, highlighting opportunities, emerging sectors, investment possibilities, and areas
where stronger partnerships between
government and the private sector can accelerate the province’s development.
July Anne C. Guibone is a Supervising Investment Specialist at the Board of Investments (BOI) Cebu Extension Office
with over 14 years of experience in investment promotion and economic development.
She previously served with the Cebu Investment Promotions Office and the Department of Trade and Industry and
played a key role in establishing the Cebu Investment Promotions Office under the Provincial Government of Cebu. She holds
a BS in Management Accounting and an MBA from the University of San Carlos, a
Diploma in Professional Education
from Cebu Normal University, and is a Licensed Professional Teacher. In 2023,
she completed a Certificate in
International Studies as an
Overseas Fellow at IDE-JETRO, Japan.
Legislating for Growth:
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s Role
in Advancing Cebu’s Investment Agenda
SEPTEMBER 09, 2026
DAY 2 — FROM OPPORTUNITY TO INVESTMENT
Morning Networking
and Recap of Day 1
Secretary Mel Senen S. Sarmiento
brings extensive experience in national government, local governance, peacebuilding, and regional development. His keynote will explore how peace, stability, connectivity, and economic cooperation can create stronger opportunities for Cebu, the Visayas, and Mindanao—and how Cebu can strengthen its role as a gateway connecting markets, investments, enterprises, and communities across the southern Philippines.
EV Transformation
Investment in Cebu Province
Fidel Abalos brings an
economic-development and
access-to-capital perspective to
the discussion, focusing on the
conditions businesses, entrepreneurs,
and investment projects need to become
more investment-ready. He will help explore
how promising economic opportunities
can be strengthened, financed,
and developed into sustainable ventures.
Pathways to Investment
Public-Private Partnership
Atty. Aristotle Batuhan brings the
private-sector perspective to the discussion, helping connect government initiatives and investment opportunities with the realities faced by businesses and investors.
His participation will provide insight
into the conditions, partnerships, policies,
and enabling environment necessary to
encourage stronger private-sector participation in Cebu’s development.
Pathways to Investment
Access to Capital (Bank/Equity)
Ruben Licera is a growth strategist, entrepreneur, and business builder whose work focuses on identifying opportunities and translating strategy
into practical systems for growth. As moderator, he will guide the discussion toward actionable insights on connecting Cebu’s opportunities
with capital, government support,
private-sector participation,
and the partnerships necessary to move
projects from conversation to execution.
Sheldon Lee, Co-Founder of KILATS Group, will discuss the emerging future of electric mobility in the Philippines and the opportunities being created by the transition toward electric vehicles. His presentation will explore how developments in EV technology, mobility, infrastructure, charging ecosystems, and investment could shape new economic opportunities for Cebu and the wider Philippine market.
Paulo Uy plays a key role in advancing Cebu Province’s investment and promotion agenda.
His presentation will provide delegates with
an overview of Cebu’s economic landscape, highlighting opportunities, emerging sectors, investment possibilities, and areas
where stronger partnerships between
government and the private sector can accelerate the province’s development.
ONE FORUM.
MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES.
ONE ECONOMIC FUTURE.
Cebu Economic Forum 4.0 brings together complementary perspectives
around the decisions that will shape Cebu’s
next phase of development.
Cebu Economic Forum 4.0
September 8–9, 2026
ONE FORUM.
MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES. ONE ECONOMIC FUTURE.
Cebu Economic Forum 4.0 brings together complementary perspectives
around the decisions that will shape Cebu’s next phase of development.
Cebu Economic Forum 4.0
September 8–9, 2026
Copyright © 2026. Cebu Economic Forum 4.0
Organized by Economic Enterprise Council of the Province of Cebu.
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