The ecozone expansion is expected to further boost economic and social activity in Cebu, particularly in Balamban—about 50 kilometers west of Cebu City—known as the “Shipbuilding Capital of the Philippines.”
Economic zone expansion
Seven land parcels with a combined area of 69,490 square meters in Barangays Arpili and Buanoy in Balamban have been added to the West Cebu Industrial Park–Special Economic Zone under Proclamation No. 1105 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Dec. 4, 2025.
This brings the total land area of the West Cebu Estate to about 600 hectares from 540 hectares.
The West Cebu Estate is a joint venture between the Aboitiz Group and Japan’s Tsuneishi Holdings and is home to shipbuilding firms known for their technical expertise and high-capacity vessels, positioning the estate as a key hub for advanced shipbuilding in Southeast Asia.
As a Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-registered Special Economic Zone, West Cebu Estate currently hosts 12 locators from medium to heavy industries and provides employment to over 14,000 skilled workers.
Phased growth strategy
According to Aldwin Dumago, assistant vice president and head of Cebu operations at Aboitiz Economic Estates (AEE), the parcels of land, which are adjacent to the current estate footprint, were consolidated using the company’s standard acquisition approach to support long-term development and create economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
Over time, he added, these areas will host investors whose operations would compliment the estate’s industrial ecosystem.
“Engagements are carefully paced to ensure responsible growth and positive local impact,” Dumago said.
The decision to include the seven parcels is also part of AEE’s broader vision to create more local employment opportunities, attract investors, and strengthen the area’s long-term economic role, he said.
Logistics-ready expansion
The process followed the usual coordination among relevant stakeholders, guided by a shared commitment to sustainable regional development.
Dumago said the inclusion of the seven parcels is expected to strengthen the estate’s long-term structure, ensuring that investor demand continues to be met while fostering balanced growth for the local community.
“This extended footprint benefits from direct access to major road networks, allowing businesses to manage operations and logistics efficiently. Connectivity links locators to city centers, airports, seaports, and regional logistics hubs, while the estate also features its own internal port,” he added.
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