Dubbed CEB-I Hacks, this AI-powered challenge is a key pillar of MCIA’s vision to position Cebu as a smart, creative, and connected tourism hub.
Nurturing tech-savvy youth
It reinforces MCIA’s role not only as a transport gateway but also as a catalyst for digital transformation and inclusive growth across the province.
By nurturing a pipeline of tech-savvy youth, MCIA aims to cultivate future startup founders, industry leaders, and changemakers who will drive the digital future of tourism and travel.
“Through CEB-i Hacks, we are opening the runway for young innovators to co-create solutions that will redefine travel and tourism in Cebu,” said Christine Villanueva, head of strategy and communications of Aboitiz Infracapital Cebu Airport Corp. (ACAC), operator of MCIA, in a statement.
MCIA a gateway to innovation
“This program reflects our commitment to making MCIA not just a gateway to Cebu, but a gateway to innovation.”
The program is also aligned with the goal of making Cebu the Philippines’ digitally enabled tourism gateway.
CEB-i Hacks, which was launched on Aug. 8, is a six-week idea challenge tailored for college and university students across Cebu.
In collaboration with Google Cloud and Globe Business, the program leverages cutting-edge technology—including Google Gemini, Google’s generative AI platform—as a real-world tool for ideation and prototyping.
According to Villanueva, Cebu university students may submit applications until Aug. 29.
“We believe in the creativity of Cebuano youth to reimagine the future of tourism using the power of AI,” she added.
AI-powered solutions
Student teams will be tasked with developing AI-powered solutions aimed at enhancing tourism experiences, airport operations and destination marketing.
Participants will receive capacity-building support through expert-led workshops, mentoring sessions, and hands-on exposure to AI tools.
The challenge will culminate in a Demo Day, where top teams will pitch their solutions to a panel of industry leaders and the public.
CEB-i Hacks also highlights how AI can be a powerful driver for inclusive and sustainable tourism growth.
Regional leader in tourism innovation
The program positions Cebu as a regional leader in tourism innovation, with the potential to influence development strategies not only in the Visayas but across the country.
CEB-i Hacks is organized by The Sandbox Foundation, with support from the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).
MCIA, operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp. (ACAC), is the Philippines’ premier gateway to the Visayas and Mindanao, serving millions of passengers annually with world-class facilities and services.
Leading international hub
MCIA has been named Best Airport in Asia-Pacific in the 5–15 million Passengers Per Annum category at the 2024 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards, and has also received the Platinum Green Airport Award, Level 1 Airport Carbon Accreditation, and Level 1 Accessibility Accreditation.
Further strengthening its position as a leading international hub, MCIA is the first airport in the Philippines to operate parallel runways, significantly enhancing efficiency and capacity.
Guided by a long-term masterplan, MCIA is committed to delivering a safe, sustainable, and globally competitive airport experience that supports tourism, trade, and national development.
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