CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) -- The P1.5-billion Mactan Expo Center that will soon rise in Barangay Mactan, Lapu-lapu City is seen to boost not just tourism but also land development and job generation in the region. 

In his speech during the capsule laying ceremony for the center on April 27, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. lauded the project, saying that it will promote the city as a key tourism destination in the country.

“This township will further strengthen the city’s position as a major destination for key businesses in both the local and international market,” said President Marcos. 

He also highlighted its future contributions not only in land development but also in building communities. 

“We have long ago learned that it is not sufficient when you talk about housing or you talk about urban development, that you just build homes. You also have to build communities,” he added. 

The Mactan Expo Center is expected to boost the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) industry in Cebu. 

Seen to be completed in 2025, the facility is the first-of-a-kind development in Cebu as currently, there is no standalone convention center in the province.  

Megaworld has employed 20,000 workers for the center’s construction, and is expected to hire more in the coming months.

Conducive for MICE events

Mark Anthony Ynoc, president of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., believes the project would be beneficial for the entire Cebu island.

“MICE events would also contribute to employment in different sectors. Located right in the geographical center of the country, Cebu is a vital transportation hub for both domestic and international travelers which is quite conducive for MICE events,” said Ynoc.

He added that multinational companies with branches all over the country would prefer to converge in Cebu. 

Lapu-lapu Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan defines the project as a giant step towards tourism promotion and economic development potentials.

Chan said that with the rise of the new project, more opportunities will open for the local communities especially with the hosting of the ASEAN summit in 2026.

Hosting of large scale summits

Megaworld chief executive officer Kevin Andrew L. Tan said the Mega Expo Center is their answer to the president’s mandate to push the tourism industry further.

“We have been planning to build this convention center for quite some time now, unfortunately, it was shelved because of the pandemic. And I clearly remember you (Mr. President) during a conversation in a summit, saying that we need to have a venue outside Manila that can host large scale summits,” said Tan.

Tan said they aim to finish construction of the center by next year “in order to host big international summits and conferences.”

The two-level facility will offer almost 10,000 square meters of MICE space.