The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is cheering on Central Visayas’ strong economic performance — but they’re also reminding everyone: now is not the time to relax.

In a statement released Sunday, the chamber said the 7.3 percent growth posted by the region in 2024 is both impressive and encouraging, though not entirely unexpected.

“We must continue to work hard and build on these gains to ensure sustained growth in the midst of global uncertainties,” CCCI emphasized.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, Central Visayas — which includes Cebu and Bohol — grew from P1.19 trillion in 2023 to an estimated P1.28 trillion in 2024. That growth not only shows momentum but also outpaced the national average of 5.3 percent.

The chamber credits this performance to several key sectors identified in its LEAD A-MUST agenda, which focuses on logistics, education, agri-business, digitalization and tourism.

Among the top growth drivers: the services sector. The chamber highlighted the role of the Academe-Industry Alliance in aligning education with real-world skills, helping close the gap between graduates and the workforce.