Melo Villareal
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Strengthening transportation and logistics connectivity is key to sustaining Cebu’s growth as a major tourism and trade hub, according to industry leaders and policymakers who gathered for a strategic business forum hosted by 2GO.
(From left) Sharon Musngi-Ngo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Sea Solutions; Ethel Concepcion, Head of 2GO Corporate Marketing and Communications; Assistant Regional Director Evelyn Nacario-Castro of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development; Mr. Felix Taguiam, Regional Governor for Central Visayas of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; President Regan Rex King of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Faye Alonzo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Forwarding; and Francis Chua, Business Unit Head of 2GO Travel
The country’s leading integrated transportation and logistics provider brought together members of the Cebu business community, industry experts, and government representatives to discuss how improved connectivity can support tourism, trade, supply chains, and broader economic growth across Central Visayas.
Held in partnership with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and in coordination with the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Region VII, the forum provided a platform for stakeholders to examine the region’s economic outlook and explore opportunities to strengthen connections between businesses, markets, and destinations.
Connectivity at the Heart of Cebu’s Growth
2GO Marketing Business Unit Head Ethel Concepcion emphasized the importance of listening to businesses and working with stakeholders to develop solutions that address the region’s evolving needs.
“We want to hear your pain points and identify your areas of growth so we can co-create solutions together,” Concepcion said.
The discussion highlighted the increasingly important role of transportation and logistics in supporting Cebu’s position as a gateway for both domestic and international tourism and commerce.
For tourism businesses, reliable connectivity can make destinations easier to reach while helping hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and other tourism enterprises receive supplies more efficiently. For businesses engaged in trade, stronger logistics networks can help reduce bottlenecks and improve access to markets across the country.
CCCI President Regan Rex King underscored the connection between efficient infrastructure and regional competitiveness.
“When connectivity improves, businesses can move products faster and more efficiently. Tourism destinations become more accessible, supply chains build resilience, and new markets open,” King said. “A stronger Cebu requires stronger connections, and those links begin with meaningful cross-sector alignment.”
Supporting Tourism and Trade Across Central Visayas
The partnership between 2GO and CCCI reflects a broader effort to create a more interconnected economic environment in Central Visayas.
Through its multimodal transportation and logistics network, 2GO connects businesses and communities across the Philippines while providing transportation solutions that support the movement of people and goods.
For Cebu, this connectivity is particularly significant given the province’s role as one of the country’s major tourism destinations, commercial centers, and transportation gateways.
Improved connections between Cebu and other destinations can benefit not only large companies but also small and medium-sized enterprises that depend on efficient movement of products, equipment, and supplies.
The tourism sector can likewise benefit from stronger transport links, particularly as travelers increasingly seek destinations outside traditional tourism centers. Better connectivity can help emerging destinations attract visitors while allowing tourism businesses to participate more effectively in regional and national markets.
Central Visayas Eyes a More Connected Economy
During the forum, DEPDev Region VII Assistant Regional Director Evelyn Nacario-Castro presented an economic outlook highlighting Central Visayas’ transition toward a more diversified and interconnected economy.
Central Visayas was identified as the country’s fourth-largest regional economy in 2025, underscoring the region’s importance to the national economy.
The region is also moving toward modernized transportation and freight infrastructure, with 90 Strategic High-Impact Projects (SHIPs) scheduled for 2027.
The planned investments are expected to improve infrastructure and connectivity, creating opportunities for businesses while supporting the movement of people and goods throughout the region.
For Cebu and neighboring provinces, these developments could further strengthen the region’s position as a gateway for tourism, commerce, manufacturing, logistics, and investment.
Industry Leaders Discuss the Future of Connectivity
A key part of the event was the executive panel discussion titled “Strengthening Connectivity for Tourism, Trade, and Regional Growth.”
The panel brought together CCCI President Regan Rex King and 2GO leaders Francis John Chua, Travel; Faye Allonzo, Forwarding; and Sharon Musngi-Ngo, Sea Solutions.
The discussion explored changing business needs and the role of transportation and logistics in supporting regional growth.
From passenger travel and tourism to freight forwarding and sea-based logistics, the panel highlighted how different components of the transportation ecosystem need to work together to create more efficient and resilient connections.
For Cebu’s tourism industry, this is particularly relevant as the destination continues to attract domestic and international travelers while expanding its role as a gateway to other destinations in the Visayas.
Building Stronger Connections for Cebu
The forum also reinforced the importance of collaboration among the private sector, government, industry organizations, and local businesses.
As Central Visayas continues to expand its economy and invest in infrastructure, efficient transportation and supply chain networks will remain critical to ensuring that growth reaches more businesses and communities.
2GO reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with commercial enterprises, government agencies, and trade organizations to develop reliable connectivity solutions across Central Visayas.
For Cebu, stronger connections could translate into more efficient trade, easier movement of travelers, greater access to emerging tourism destinations, and new opportunities for businesses seeking to expand beyond the region.
As the province continues to strengthen its position as a tourism and business hub, industry stakeholders see connectivity not simply as a transportation concern, but as an important foundation for Cebu’s next phase of economic growth.
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