Now on the 30th year, CBM formally launched on May 22, gathering business and government leaders, consuls general and representatives of Japan, the People’s Republic of China, and the European Union (EU), entrepreneurs and other stakeholders at the Sky Hall of SM Seaside City, Cebu.
This year’s theme, “Padayon Cebu” (Move Forward, Cebu), resonates strongly as the local economy navigates the ripple effects of global instability.
Organizers said the theme reflects Cebu’s resilience amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have driven fuel and petroleum prices to unprecedented highs and increased operational costs across all sectors.
Keep moving forward
In his welcome remarks, CCCI president Regan Rex King said CBM comes at a time when “the world is shifting faster than many of us anticipated. Supply chains are being disrupted. Markets are becoming more volatile. Industries are transforming almost overnight.”
But Cebu doesn’t sit still, it keeps moving forward, he added.
King said that for three decades, CBM has served as CCCI's flagship platform for dialogue, collaboration, and economic engagement, bringing together leaders and sectors to strengthen partnerships, create opportunities and showcase the full depth of potential of CBU's economy.
“CBM is an annual declaration that Cebu is open. Cebu is competitive and Cebu is moving forward,” he added.
King said CBM 2026 is designed to do more than simply bring people together — it aims to turn conversations into commitments, ideas into investments, and partnerships into programs that create meaningful impact on communities and people’s lives.
“As we officially open CBM 2026, we are recommitted to each other, to this city, to this province, and to the belief that what we build together will outlast all of us. The future of Cebu will be built by the people in this room,” he added.
From day to months
CBM began in 1991 as Cebu Business Day before evolving into Cebu Business Week. In 1996, Presidential Proclamation No. 748 signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos declared the month of June as Cebu Business Month.
It later transformed into a “Premier Business Festival" that kicked off as early as May and became a multi-month initiative that featured summits, expos and networking events for local businesses.
Four summits and a conversation
The lineup for CBM 2026 includes the MICE and Tourism Summit, the Investment and Entrepreneurship Summit, the Technology and Innovation Forum, and the Good Design and Good Business Summit.
Bryan Yap, CBM 2026 overall chair, said during the launch that the initiative goes beyond a series of events, with each summit designed to build on the momentum and outcomes of the previous one.
“CBM 2026 was not built by simply filling up a schedule. It was designed as one connected progressive summit series under a single master plan. One conversation about Cebu’s future,” he added. “So I encourage you to come to all four summits because if you only experience one chapter, you will miss the full story. “
Unity and resilience
In her message, Gov. Pamela Baricuatro called for unity and resilience as Cebu continues to face economic and social challenges.
“Today more than ever, we need this spirit of collaboration and optimism because Padayon Cebu is more than just a slogan — it is a reflection of who we are as Cebuanos. Resilient. Hopeful. Hardworking. Forward-looking,” Baricuatro said.
The governor also pointed out the need for Cebu to continue moving forward despite difficult times, stressing that cooperation between sectors remains crucial to sustaining growth and opportunities in the province.
"We continue strengthening investor confidence, opening opportunities for businesses, supporting MSMEs, improving government services, and building stronger partnerships because we want every Cebuano to feel that development is real and inclusive," the governor said. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
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