Soco wants master plan for North Cebu ecozone

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco is seeking a comprehensive master plan for the proposed North Cebu Economic Zone (NCEZ) to draw investors, encourage industrial growth and generate more jobs in the northern part of the province.

Soco is calling for coordinated action among government agencies and other stakeholders to establish a development framework for the proposed economic zone, according to his endorsement seeking joint support for the initiative.

The proposal seeks to spread economic activity beyond Cebu’s existing growth centers, with northern Cebu eyed as another destination for businesses and industries that could provide employment closer to local communities.

“Cebu’s economic growth should not be concentrated in only a few areas. We need to create new growth centers where investments can come in, industries can expand, and more Cebuanos can find quality jobs closer to home,” said Soco.

The proposed zone could accommodate manufacturing, logistics, information technology and business process management, among other industries that could contribute to local economic activity and provide jobs.

Aside from attracting large companies, the initiative could open opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises to become suppliers and service providers to businesses operating in the area, allowing local entrepreneurs to expand their markets.

Soco said the development should link investment growth with benefits for communities, particularly through employment opportunities, stronger local enterprises and increased economic activity in areas with untapped development potential.

A comprehensive master plan will identify suitable sites for development, determine priority industries, and assess the infrastructure and utilities needed to support business operations. It would also establish the policies and partnerships required to guide the project over the long term.

The proposed framework would need to account for essential infrastructure, dependable utilities, telecommunications and streamlined government processes to help make the area attractive to prospective investors.

The initiative could also explore applicable fiscal and non-fiscal incentives under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, subject to existing requirements and the necessary approvals.

Soco stressed that establishing an economic zone would require more than selecting a location, emphasizing the need for coordinated planning, a clear development direction and sustained government commitment.

The planning process would also have to consider environmental sustainability, the needs of host communities, workforce preparedness, and the ability of local governments to support the expected expansion of economic activity.

Government agencies and other stakeholders are expected to play a key role in evaluating the proposal, shaping the master plan, and determining the steps needed to move the initiative forward.

Soco said northern Cebu’s workforce, resources, and existing local industries could serve as foundations for economic expansion if supported by a more organized investment strategy.

“North Cebu has people. It has talent. It has resources. What we need is to build the right platform for investment and opportunity,” he said.

The proposed NCEZ is envisioned as a way to extend Cebu’s economic gains to more communities, with its potential impact measured not only by investments attracted but also by jobs created, businesses supported, and livelihood opportunities opened to Cebuanos.

The proposal, however, remains subject to further planning, coordination, and the necessary approvals. — (FREEMAN)