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Cebu real estate sector urges newly elected officials to act on reform pledges

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Anthony O. Leuterio, president of A Better Real Estate Philippines (ABREP) and founder of property platform Filipino Homes.

Cebu’s real estate industry has called on newly elected local government officials to fulfill their campaign promises and address longstanding governance issues, as pressure mounts for reforms to drive economic growth.

Anthony O. Leuterio, president of A Better Real Estate Philippines (ABREP) and founder of Filipino Homes, said public expectations are rising for meaningful outcomes following the recent elections.

Leuterio urged local leaders to focus on systemic reforms such as universal healthcare and shift away from short-term financial aid programs like “ayuda” toward more sustainable economic initiatives. He also proposed the formation of an entrepreneurship committee to support small businesses and startups through training and access to capital.

He said stronger collaboration between the private sector and the government is necessary to create jobs and facilitate economic expansion. Leuterio also called for improved coordination between Cebu City and the Province to align development efforts.

In addition, Leuterio voiced support for the P20 rice subsidy program as a way to ease food insecurity among low-income families.

He highlighted tourism as a key area for investment, describing it as an underused national resource. Leuterio said enhanced promotional campaigns could help the Philippines generate revenues comparable to regional tourism leaders like Thailand and Vietnam.

His comments reflect growing demand from the business sector for newly installed officials to prioritize inclusive economic policies and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in the region.

CebuBusinessNews.ph

SM Supermalls Expands First-in-Cebu Dining Concepts Across Its Malls

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SM Supermalls is introducing a wave of first-in-Cebu dining experiences across its properties in the city, bringing in Michelin-recognized brands, globally renowned restaurants, and local culinary favorites as part of its effort to elevate Cebu’s food scene.

At SM Seaside City Cebu, one of the largest retail complexes in the Visayas, recent additions include Italian restaurant Cibo and Taiwanese chain Lugang Café. These join earlier international names such as Hawker Chan and Tim Ho Wan, both of which have received recognition from the Michelin Guide.

SM JMall is also expanding its culinary footprint with the Cebu debut of Hoshino Coffee, a Japanese café known for hand-drip coffee and soufflé pancakes, and Yakiniku Like, a solo-dining grill concept from Japan. The mall will also house Twist & Buckle, a churro specialist brand listed in the Michelin Guide for three consecutive years.

At SM City Cebu, the locally founded ABACA Baking Company has opened its first café concept within an SM mall, offering handcrafted pastries and Cebuano-rooted coffee blends. The mall will also see the launch of a Starbucks branch that incorporates native Filipino design elements—marking the brand’s first store of this kind in the country.

In the coming weeks, more brands are expected to open their first Cebu locations, including Ooma and Manam from The Moment Group, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, and Nagi Izakaya. These additions are part of a broader strategy to offer diverse dining options that appeal to both local preferences and global trends.

SM Supermalls said the new offerings aim to cater to Cebu’s evolving lifestyle, providing options for solo diners, families, and food enthusiasts seeking both convenience and high-quality cuisine. – Cebu Business News

Philippine Airlines revitalizes pilot training with Airways Aviation partnership

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Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines Relaunches PAL Aviation School, Partners with Airways Aviation

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is set to relaunch its PAL Aviation School as a premier training hub for aspiring pilots, forging a strategic partnership with the globally renowned Airways Aviation Group.

The collaboration aims to deliver best-in-class pilot training, reinforcing PAL’s long-standing commitment to operational excellence, safety, and workforce development.

Following a rigorous evaluation, Airways Aviation’s Australia-based training academy was selected for its proven track record in providing high-quality, internationally recognized pilot training programs.

This partnership underscores PAL’s dedication to ensuring its cadets receive consistent, world-class instruction that adheres to the highest global aviation standards.

“Airways Aviation met our stringent requirements and demonstrated their robust emphasis on safety culture and competency-based training methodologies,” stated PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Capt. Stanley K. Ng. “We value the importance of in-house training in shaping pilots with a global outlook, armed with the exceptional skills and innovative spirit required to meet the challenges of the future.”

PAL OIC Executive Vice President – General Counsel Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez emphasized the broader vision, saying, “Our revitalized Aviation School will help develop this vital workforce: individuals who are not only outstanding in their craft but also globally minded citizens committed to building a sustainable future for aviation. This meaningful collaboration with Airways Aviation draws from the deep well of expertise and shared commitment to excellence that both our organizations are known for.”

The partnership also signifies a significant step in strengthening educational and training ties between the Philippines and Australia, bolstering both nations’ roles in cultivating a safer, more skilled, and resilient global aviation workforce.

Romy Hawatt, Founder and Chairman of Airways Aviation Group, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are honoured to be selected as the official training provider for the next generation of Philippine Airlines pilots. This partnership is not only a recognition of our global training capabilities but a testament to the shared values and vision that bind our two organizations. Together, we are investing in the future of aviation.”

Philippine Airlines has reaffirmed its dedication to nurturing local talent by integrating local investment with global best practices, ensuring its pilots are equipped to operate with the utmost safety and professionalism.

Janet Dalby, CEO Australasia and Pacific, Airways Aviation Group, added, “Our goal is to create a seamless, globally connected training experience that benefits cadets and the broader industry.

This collaboration allows us to support Philippine Airlines with the latest in aviation education technology, while also contributing to national workforce development objectives in the Philippines.”

Mr. Hawatt further highlighted the strategic nature of the alliance: “This is more than a training programme; it’s a strategic alliance built on trust, ambition, and a shared commitment to aviation excellence and sustainability.”

The initial cohort of cadets will begin their Foundation training and undergo assessment and selection processes in the Philippines. They will then proceed to Airways Aviation’s Australian campuses for further aviation theory and practical training, benefiting from comprehensive instruction delivered by expert faculty, industry-leading technology, and hands-on practical experience.

Cebu Business News

Aboitiz Infracapital gears up for expansion of Cebu airport

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Aboitiz Infracapital Cebu Airport Corp.
Photo by Anna Gru on Unsplash.

Aboitiz Infracapital Cebu Airport Corp. (ACAC), the operator of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), is actively pursuing expansion plans to accommodate the airport’s increasing passenger volume and to solidify Cebu’s position as a key gateway for both tourism and commerce.

ACAC is collaborating with Ricondo, an aviation consulting firm, to develop a comprehensive master plan for the airport’s future development.

The initiatives under consideration include expanding airport capacity and optimizing operations through the integration of advanced technologies.

Mactan-Cebu Airport Authority (MCIAA) General Manager Julius G. Neri expressed confidence that the master plan will set new benchmarks in airport development, paving the way for MCIA to become a global leader in air travel.

The expansion is a strategic response to the growing demand for air travel to and from Cebu, a major economic and tourism hub in the Philippines.

Cebu Business News

Philippine used car finance market sees Cebu as key growth area  

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Cebu Car Finance Market
Photo by Obi - @pixel9propics on Unsplash.

The Philippines’ used car finance market is poised for continued expansion, with the Visayas region, particularly Cebu, identified as a significant growth driver, according to a new report.

The study highlights Cebu’s increasing population and well-established network of organized vehicle trading channels as key factors fueling demand for financing options.

The report also points to a nationwide trend of rising disposable incomes, making vehicle ownership more accessible to a broader segment of the population.

Easy availability of financing, with financial institutions offering more flexible loan terms, and increasing urbanization rates, driving the need for personal transportation in cities like Cebu, are further contributing to the market’s growth.

Analysts anticipate that the emergence of fintech solutions will further democratize access to used car loans, particularly for lower-income individuals.

This digital transformation is expected to reshape the used car market landscape in the Philippines, with Cebu playing a central role in this expansion.

Cebu Business News

SM City Cebu kicks off Summer Fun Quest with games, sports, and family activities

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SM City Cebu Summer Fun Quest

SM City Cebu has launched its Summer Fun Quest, a season-long event running from April 7 to May 31, offering interactive activities, games, and family-friendly entertainment across the mall.

Held at the North Wing Atrium, the event features a mini golf zone and themed play areas designed to engage visitors of all ages. Simultaneous activities, including Summer Games at the Rotunda and Main Mall and a futuristic experience at Holoworld, are also ongoing.

On May 10, the mall will host the Pet Olympics at the Event Centre, an event aimed at pet lovers and animal enthusiasts.

The summer campaign is part of SM Supermalls’ broader push to promote sports and active lifestyles. In March, the company unveiled the SM Active Hub at SM Mall of Asia, described as the country’s largest sports engagement platform catering to both casual and competitive athletes.

SM Supermalls continues to position itself not just as a retail destination, but as a venue for lifestyle and community activities.

Cebu Business News

MCWD signs 25-year deal with Vivant Water for Metro Cebu desalination supply

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MCWD Vivant
MCWD General Manager Edgar Donoso shakes the hand of Vivant CEO Arlo Sarmiento during the signing of the JVA between MCWD and Vivant Corp. subsidiary Vivant Water.

The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) has signed a 25-year joint venture agreement with Vivant Hydrocore Holdings Inc., operating under the trade name Vivant Water, to bolster water supply in Metro Cebu amid growing shortages.

Under the deal, Vivant Water will supply up to 20 million liters of desalinated water daily from its plant in Cordova, Cebu, to MCWD, which will distribute the water to its customers.

The agreement comes as Metro Cebu faces mounting pressure on its water supply due to population growth, rapid urban development, and climate-related disruptions. In early 2024, Cebu City declared a water crisis triggered by the El Niño phenomenon, which led to a daily shortfall of 50,000 cubic meters.

The new partnership aims to help address the supply gap and improve water security for the province. Vivant’s desalination facility, operated through its subsidiary Isla Mactan Cordova Corporation, is the first utility-scale seawater desalination plant in the Philippines.

“Vivant is committed to investing in essential infrastructure that enables communities to thrive,” said Arlo Sarmiento, CEO of Vivant Corporation. “This landmark partnership with MCWD reflects our long-term vision of delivering sustainable and impactful projects that support economic growth.”

The joint venture agreement is the culmination of a five-year process initiated by MCWD’s 2020 call for proposals under the National Economic and Development Authority’s joint venture guidelines. Vivant Water was awarded the project in 2022 following a competitive selection process.

Desalination is increasingly seen as a scalable solution for water-scarce areas. MCWD said the partnership with Vivant marks a critical step in reducing dependence on traditional freshwater sources and ensuring a resilient supply system for the region.

“Water security is essential to sustainable development, and this agreement showcases our dedication to innovative solutions,” Sarmiento said.

Vivant Corporation is a publicly listed holding company with interests in power and water infrastructure. Its water portfolio includes desalination, bulk supply, wastewater treatment, and distribution.

Cebu Business News

Welcome to CebuBusinessNews.ph!

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Cebu Business News
Photo by Zany Jadraque on Unsplash.

Welcome to CebuBusinessNews.ph, your comprehensive source for business, finance, events, and travel & tourism news in Cebu and the Central Visayas!

We’re excited to launch this dedicated platform to keep you informed about the dynamic economic landscape of our region. Whether you’re an entrepreneur tracking market trends, a finance professional seeking the latest updates, an event organizer looking for promotion, or a traveler eager to explore Cebu’s attractions, we’ve got you covered.

At CebuBusinessNews.ph, we deliver timely and reliable news, insightful analysis, and engaging stories across various sectors. Stay updated on local business developments, financial insights, upcoming events, and the latest happenings in Cebu’s vibrant travel and tourism industry.

Join our growing community of informed readers. Explore our articles, share your insights in the comments, and connect with us on social media. We’re dedicated to bringing you the news that matters most to Cebu’s growth and prosperity. Welcome aboard!

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