On October 12, 2024, the Stratbase ADR Institute, represented by Ms. Mary Joyce Ilas-Reyes, Deputy Executive Director for Strategic Engagements, Program Managers Ms. Katrina Guerrero and Ms. Joey Perfecto, together with the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, organized a forum entitled ‘Cebu Rising: Transforming Growth with New Infrastructure, Water, and Renewable Energy’ at Fili Hotel, Nustar, Cebu City. The forum was also supported by global sustainable infrastructure firm ACCIONA and sponsored by Prime Infrastructure Capital and Manila Water. 

This event brought together visionaries from government, industry, and civil society to chart a course for Cebu’s sustainable development. The forum featured a series of panel discussions that tackled key issues shaping Cebu’s future. These included promoting sustainable infrastructure through innovative physical connectivity, showcasing the transformative impact of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, utilizing clean energy solutions, and exploring desalination technology as a forward-looking solution to ensure water security in the Visayas. 

We extend our deepest gratitude to our esteemed government officials for their invaluable contributions: Undersecretary Timothy Batan from the Department of Transportation, Undersecretary Carlos Primo David from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan from the Department of Energy, and Hon. Gwendolyn Garcia, Governor of Cebu. We would also like to thank H.E. Miguel Utray for delivering the opening remarks at the forum. 

Additionally, we would like to thank all our distinguished speakers for their valuable contributions to each panel: 

The first panel on promoting sustainable infrastructure featured Engr. Nonato Paylado, Mr. Francisco Moreno, and Mr. Francis David Roque alongside Undersecretary Batan. 

The second panel, discussing the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, included Mr. Allan Alfon, Mr. Ruben Camba, Mr. Anthony Fernandez, and Mr. Ronaldo Elepaño Jr.  

The third panel on desalination technology brought together Mr. Jose Maria Ortega, Mr. Miguelito “Mike” Pato, Mr. Emmanuel “Jocot” De Dios, Mr. Xavier Pascual, and Undersecretary CP David.  

Lastly, the fourth panel on clean energy solutions featured Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan alongside Mr. Anton Perdices, Mr. Rolando Cabacang Jr., and Mr. Ignacio Domecq.  

This forum marks a significant step towards realizing Cebu’s potential as a model for sustainable urban development in the Philippines, fostering collaboration between key stakeholders to pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for the region.