Cebu’s SRP gains momentum as commercial activity grows

CEBU, Philippines — The skyline at City di Mare (CDM) is changing fast. More buildings are going up, more businesses are opening, and more investors are asking about commercial lots in the area.

As Metro Cebu continues to expand south, attention is shifting to the South Road Properties (SRP). At the center of it is City di Mare, the largest master-planned township in SRP and now one of the city’s most talked-about growth areas.

For businesses looking to set up or expand in Cebu, CDM is offering something that’s getting harder to find: large commercial lots inside a master-planned estate, and at prices that are still considered an early entry point.

Ready infrastructure, better connections

One of CDM’s biggest advantages is that much of the heavy work is already done.

Roads, utilities, and core infrastructure are in place. That means businesses can start building and operating faster, without waiting years for basic services.

The township also has direct access to the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX). This makes it easier to move people and goods between Cebu City, Mactan Island, and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Inside CDM, commercial areas are not isolated. They are mixed with residential communities, open spaces, and waterfront destinations. Nearly 30% of the estate is dedicated to parks and open spaces. A new pedestrian bridgeway now links CDM Open Park to IL Corso Mall, making it easier for people to walk between key areas.

The goal is clear: build a district that works for business, but also remains livable as it grows.

Two types of commercial lots, different opportunities

CDM offers two main commercial blocks, each designed for different kinds of businesses.

The Greenway Block has lots ranging from 1,505 to 2,189 sqm. It sits beside the estate’s 1.3-hectare Linear Park. The steady flow of people from nearby homes and the park makes it ideal for lifestyle retail, restaurants, wellness centers, and mixed-use projects that thrive on community activity.

The Coastal Block offers bigger oceanfront lots from 3,333 to 4,614 sqm. The seaside location and larger lot sizes give businesses room to build destination retail, hotels, offices, or commercial centers with high visibility. Waterfront properties like this are rare in most Cebu business districts.

Both blocks are positioned to become landmark addresses as SRP continues to develop.

Businesses are already here

Investors often ask: “Is anyone actually doing business there yet?” In CDM, the answer is yes.

IL Corso, the township’s waterfront lifestyle mall, is now a major draw. It combines dining, shopping, and leisure with a view of the sea, and continues to attract visitors from across Metro Cebu.

Global brands like Puma, Adidas, and Converse have opened there. Car brands VinFast and BYD also have showrooms in the mall.

Outside the mall, more establishments are setting up shop. Bo’s Coffee, Jollibee, Chowking, and Future Golf Driving Range already have branches in CDM. MP Coffee, the café brand of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, recently broke ground for its flagship store in the district.

The mix of big brands and local concepts shows that commercial activity is no longer just a plan — it’s happening.

“The perfect time to invest is today”

According to Don Ubaldo, First Vice President and Head of Filinvest Townships, the best opportunities often come before an area is fully built.

“CDM reflects a deliberate approach to district building, where every element is planned to support long-term use and continuity. As infrastructure improves and activity builds, you can already start to see how the estate will function at scale,” Ubaldo said.

“For investors, this is where foresight makes all the difference. Entering during this phase allows you to fully participate in the next stage of CDM’s growth.”

To make it easier, qualified buyers can avail of limited payment schemes for prime commercial lots.

With more businesses moving in and infrastructure improving, early investors in CDM stand to benefit from the long-term value of a township that is still growing, but no longer starting from zero.

For companies eyeing Cebu’s south, CDM is positioning itself as the address to watch.