Cebu is pursuing a new set of technology and manufacturing ventures that could start creating jobs in 2027, with proposed investments ranging from artificial intelligence security research to electric motorcycle production. Rather than relying solely on large industrial projects, the province is exploring smaller-scale ventures that can gradually expand as business opportunities develop.
Several proposals are now undergoing due diligence and partnership discussions following the Cebu Economic Forum 4.0, according to global strategist Brian To, a consultant to the Cebu provincial government. The forum, organized by the Economic Enterprise Council of the Province of Cebu on Sept. 8 and Sept. 9, gathered 515 participants from 13 countries. To, husband of Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, said the investment team expects companies to sign memorandums of understanding, memorandums of agreement, letters of intent and joint venture arrangements before the end of 2026.
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AI Security and Electric Motorcycle Ventures Under Study
One proposal involves three startup companies, including one based in Cebu and two from China and South Korea, that are considering an AI research and development (R&D) center focused on security.
“We’ve secured three companies,” To said.
The firms are preparing a unified business plan detailing their proposed collaboration, investment needs, and potential employment opportunities. To clarified that the facility would be an office-based R&D center rather than a data center, concentrating on the safety and reliability of AI platforms used for research and decision support.
The companies have yet to settle the center’s location, funding, projected workforce, or implementation timeline, although To said an announcement identifying the firms is expected soon. He cited Cebu’s technology workforce, English proficiency and adaptability as strengths in attracting businesses requiring specialized expertise in emerging technologies.
A separate proposal would establish an electric motorcycle manufacturing operation, beginning with battery assembly and potentially expanding to motorcycle components and complete vehicles. The venture is associated with entrepreneur Sheldon Lee, co-founder of Singapore-based electric mobility company Kilats. Discussions are still covering possible production sites, permits, logistics, manufacturing requirements, and raw material sources. The company has not disclosed its proposed investment, production capacity, location, or employment targets.
To said a phased rollout could help investors build manufacturing capabilities over time while limiting the risks of setting up large industrial facilities immediately. Domestic suppliers could also gain business if the operation eventually sources components locally.
Smaller Investments and Continued Investor Support
Beyond the two proposed ventures, Cebu is pursuing investments in micro- and light manufacturing and waste technology. These projects are expected to require less initial capital and smaller workforces, with room to expand as commercial opportunities emerge.
The provincial government is also working to help prospective investors navigate government procedures, prepare business plans, identify partners, and obtain financing. Startup guidance sessions are being planned to help entrepreneurs overcome common obstacles that prevent early-stage ventures from advancing.
All the projects remain under development, and investors must still finalize business arrangements, secure funding, and meet regulatory requirements before operations can begin. The province is also preparing for Cebu Economic Forum 5.0 in March 2027, which is expected to feature international economic, business, and policy speakers from the United States and China.
“The economy is not once a year. The economy is every month, every day,” To said, underscoring the need to maintain investment efforts throughout the year.
If these ventures move from proposals to operating businesses, their impact will depend on more than investment announcements. The real measure of Cebu’s strategy will be whether it creates stable jobs, develops local technical skills and gives homegrown suppliers a meaningful place in the province’s next stage of economic growth.
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