Insider Spotlight
In a statement, the property developer said the next phase of the township will include more branded residences, adult-wellness facilities, tourism-related infrastructure, and the Mactan World Museum, further building on one of its flagship mixed-use developments in the Visayas. The announcement was made during a lunch meeting at Mercure Mactan Cebu attended by local officials.
The big picture
The continued investment comes as Lapu-Lapu City seeks to strengthen its position as a premier destination for tourism, culture, and business, with The Mactan Newtown serving as a centerpiece of that strategy.
Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi King Chan welcomed Megaworld's continued expansion, saying the company's investments have contributed to transforming the city through job creation and economic activity.
"Your previous investment has already transformed landscapes, created jobs, and strengthened our local economy. Today, as we look ahead, we see an even greater horizon. By expanding your investment in your township, you are building communities, opportunities, and legacies," Chan said.
The mayor also said the city government remains committed to supporting investors through streamlined processes, infrastructure development, and a business environment that encourages innovation, adding that The Mactan Newtown will continue to play a major role in the city's long-term growth.
Driving tourism
The township has increasingly become a venue for major international events, including the recently concluded ASEAN Leaders Summit at the Mactan Expo. It also hosted the IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu Cebu, which drew nearly 1,500 triathletes from around 50 countries and more than 40,000 spectators.
South African triathlete Henri Schoeman, who won the race, praised the township's integrated design in a personal video message to Megaworld president and CEO Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso.
“Megaworld has created something really special here. You have everything in one place—from the hotels, restaurants, and residential spaces to the incredible new Mactan Newtown Expo. Whether you’re here for a short stay, a holiday, or a longer-term stay, you have so much flexibility. And for athletes, especially for IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu Cebu, everything is so accessible, which makes The Mactan Newtown a really special place,” Schoeman said.
The city's recent hosting of international events, coupled with the Lapu-Lapu Arnis de Abanico team's 50-medal performance at the 18th WEKAF World Championships in India, underscores its growing appeal as a tourism and sports destination. Megaworld's continued investment in The Mactan Newtown is expected to further support that momentum. —Daxim L. Lucas | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
