Cebu is at the center of the Philippines. Sitting at the crossroads of trade, transportation and communications links, the island is the natural hub of the archipelago. Cebu is a long narrow island separated by narrow straits from Negros Island in the west and Bohol to the southeast. Several smaller islands ring Cebu, the most important of which are Mactan, Bantayan and the Camotes Islands. A rugged mountain backbone runs the length of the island, creating two narrow coastal regions. The climate is dry with no pronounced seasons and infrequent typhoons.
Cebu does not only hold promise or potential but has clearly shown capability with its excellent economic track record. The second largest city and fastest growing economy of the country, Cebu leads not only in country exports, but also stands as the tourism gateway for central and southern Philippines. It is the hub of transportation in the country, far surpassing the accessibility of the national capital in terms of domestic traffic. Eighty percent (80%) of inter-island shipping and the highest number of domestic air linkages pass through Cebu. The 5,000 square kilometer island is the heart of the Visayas and is centrally located within the South East Asian region. The local population of 4.3 million holds a labor force that is oriented towards non-agricultural lines and considered as one of the most productive in the country.
Cebu has a balanced infrastructure development and has all the necessary ingredients to sustain investments. The Cebu International Airport not only facilitates the movement of passengers by offering numerous flights to many Philippine cities and Asian destinations, but also offers reliable and efficient airfreight services backed by foreign couriers. The seaport of Cebu also offers excellent shipping and cargo services. Operating on a 10-hectare area, the seaport has a cargo back-up area of 20,000 square meter and a ground slot for 2,418 containers. Sea freight operations ply routes to international destinations such as Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, London, USA, Australia, Canada, China and Vietnam. Power and water supply is not a problem in Cebu. Most of the major banks found in the country are already in Cebu or are planning to have branches located in the province. Communication facilities use modern landlines with international direct dialing capabilities, fiber optic data lines and internet capabilities. Analog and GSM digital cellular networks have good coverage in the city and in most of the province as well as support international roaming services.
The investment opportunities in Cebu are supported by special economic zones that are currently being developed following the success of the Mactan Export Processing Zone. They are also supported by incentives like income tax holidays, tax credits, tax and duty free importation and full ownership or control of zone enterprises. Major export firms in Cebu are engaged in production of cameras, electronic components, and communication equipment. Cebu also leads the country in the export of furniture, fashion accessories, carageenan, gifts, toys and houseware items.
Cebu's enviable position in the center of the archipelago makes it an ideal point to locate business operations. Petrochemical, oleo-chemical and sugar based industries can take advantage of the easy access of Cebu from sources of raw materials, the availability of highly skilled labor and its well developed infrasctructure base. The province's large population base also makes it a major consumer market outside of Metro Manila. It is a center for inter-island shipping and shipping support services. Ship repair and shipbuilding activities have thrived in Cebu and will continue to attract investments because of the volume of shipping handled by the ports of Cebu.
The tourist industry in Cebu continues to grow due to the warm hospitality of its people, the natural beauty of its white sandy beaches and the wonders of its coasts lined with coral reefs. The average increases in tourist arrivals from 1992 to 1996 were 17.83% for foreign tourists and 10.67% for local tourists.
Land area: 5,368 sq. kms.; Major Dialects/ Languages: Cebuano, Tagalog, English, Chinese (Fookien and Mandarin); No. of Barangays: 1,203; City/ies: CEBU, Mandaue, Lapu Lapu, Danao, Toledo; Municipalities: (48) Talisay, Minglanilla, Naga, San Fernando, Carcar, Sibonga, Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Boljoon, Oslob, Santander, Samboan, Ginatilan, Malabuyoc, Alegria, Badian, Moalboal, Alcantara, Ronda, Dumanjog, Barili, Aloguinsan, Pinamungajan, Balamban, Asturias, Tuburan, Tabuelan, San Remegio, Medellin, Daanbantayan, Bogo, Tabogon, Sta. Fe, Bantayan, Madridejos, Borbon, Sogod, Catmon, Carmen, Compostela, Liloan, Poro, San Francisco, Tudela, Pilar, Consolacion, Cordova.