A long-idle property in southern Cebu is being eyed for transformation into a large-scale hub that could centralize government services, strengthen food distribution, and create new economic opportunities outside Metro Cebu.
The Cebu provincial government formally entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with MTD Philippines Inc. on May 19 for the proposed development of the Balili property in southern Cebu. The project is being positioned as a large-scale integrated infrastructure estate that could help decentralize key services from Metro Cebu while supporting long-term regional growth.
Gov. Pamela Baricuatro and MTD Philippines Inc. president and chief executive officer Patrick Nicholas David led the ceremonial signing alongside Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, provincial officials, and members of the provincial board.
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Proposed Estate to Include Government, Sports, and Food Hubs
Under the proposed master plan, the 45-hectare development will feature several major components, including a satellite provincial government center, a sports and economic complex, food security facilities, renewable energy systems, transport terminals, and fishery-related infrastructure.
The planned government center is expected to occupy around 40,000 square meters and will centralize frontline and administrative services in a single location.
“We envision a consolidated complex that will bring together administrative offices and frontline services under one roof,” David stated during the signing ceremony.
The sports complex is also expected to include a stadium and aquatics center, each designed to accommodate around 20,000 spectators.
Meanwhile, the proposed food security section of the estate will span around 10,000 square meters and include a fish port, fish market, cold storage facilities, processing areas, and agri-trade infrastructure meant to improve food distribution across Cebu.
Baricuatro explained that Naga City was selected because of its strategic location, which allows easier access for residents coming from both northern and southern Cebu.
“If we have a mega food hub like what we are building in Naga, it would be easy for both north and south to access food,” the governor emphasized.
Project Aims to Boost Jobs and Decentralize Growth
The development blueprint also includes renewable energy and utility infrastructure such as desalination systems, sewage treatment facilities, water supply systems, and a waterfront civic and commercial area designed to support sustainable operations.
Transportation components, including a ferry terminal and public utility vehicle terminal, are likewise part of the proposal.
David said the project is intended to ease congestion in Metro Cebu while encouraging economic growth in nearby communities and improving access to public services outside urban centers.
According to him, the project could generate around 5,000 to 8,000 jobs during the estimated two-year construction period, with priority expected to be given to local workers. He added that modern construction technologies and skills development initiatives would also be introduced during implementation.
Despite the ceremonial signing, David clarified that the agreement remains non-binding and will still undergo feasibility studies, technical assessments, master planning, and procurement processes required under Philippine public-private partnership regulations.
“The MOU we signed is an intent and a framework for cooperation. It’s not yet binding,” he clarified.
For ordinary Filipinos, especially those living outside highly urbanized areas, the proposed estate could eventually mean easier access to government services, more local employment opportunities, improved food distribution systems, and stronger economic activity beyond Metro Cebu. If realized, the project may also serve as a model for regional development and decentralization efforts in other parts of the country.
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