Cebu to cement role as PH aviation hub with Airworks at core

Insider Spotlight

• Cebu will host the Cebu Aviation Summit 2025 on Sept. 19.
• Airworks CEO Vincent Ong cites strong regulator and government support.
• Cebu’s airport, universities, and ESL schools will drive talent inflow.
• Tourism and quality of life will boost Cebu’s appeal for global students.

Cebu is set to showcase its growing role as the Philippines’ aviation hub when leaders from airlines, regulators, and schools gather for the Cebu Aviation Summit 2025.

Spearheaded by Airworks Aviation Academy, the event will highlight the convergence of infrastructure, education, and industry partnerships positioning Cebu as the country’s aviation capital.

Airworks’ view

Airworks CEO Vincent Ong will stress the alignment among regulators and local officials that has created a favorable ecosystem.

Vincent Ong

The chief of one of the country’s best flying schools says Cebu has all the ingredients needed by the growing aviation needs of the country.

“Cebu is blessed with the confluence of progressive regulator (MCIAA), governor, mayor and presence of aviation schools. MCIAA recognizes that what underpins the growth of the airlines are the schools who provide the crucial supply of aviation professionals,” he told InsiderPH over the weekend.

“So aside from giving us a seat at the table, MCIAA continues to invest in facilities that enables us to grow while purposively ensuring rates are reasonable,” Ong explained. “The governor has deep experience in the aviation industry and knows the huge importance airlines play in bringing in commerce and tourism. Tourism is the bread and butter of Lapu-Lapu City so the mayor is very supportive as well.”

Talent and ecosystem

Cebu’s central location and international connectivity, Ong noted, will make it a magnet for students

“Centrally located and having excellent connectivity internationally, Cebu is a natural catch basin for talents with the presence of multiple universities and educational institutions. Add to this the largest number of ESL schools then you have the perfect ecosystem to support the aviation industry globally,” he said.

Airport and lifestyle edge

The summit will also highlight Mactan Cebu International Airport, which Airports Council International this month awarded Best Airport in Asia-Pacific for the 5M to 15M passenger category.

Ong added that lifestyle will matter for the next generation of aviation professionals.

“Of course, in all these, we shouldn’t forget the fact that Cebu has the best airport in the Philippines, and that the province is blessed with beaches/tourist attractions, which are very important for local and international Gen Z students, since they look for study and life balance.”

Speakers

This year’s lineup features leaders from both the public and private sectors:

• Gov. Pamela Baricuatro – Governor, Province of Cebu; former Cathay Pacific cabin crew
• Julius Neri – General Manager, Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), recently awarded Best Airport in Asia-Pacific by Airports Council International
• Capt. Noel Pablo – Assistant Chief Pilot Compliance, Cebu Pacific Air
• Maj. Raymond Ralph Gamboa, PAF – Squadron Commander, 223rd Airlift, Philippine Air Force; graduate, United States Air Force Academy
• Rico Ugdoracion – General Manager, APLUS Aviation, one of the largest MROs in the Philippines
• Steven Virata – Executive Director, Philippine Association of Aviation Colleges and Institutions, Inc.
• Eugene Vallez – Field Support Representative, Textron Aviation, the world’s largest general aviation manufacturer

— Edited by Daxim L. Lucas