"Cebu can lead again": Sabin Aboitiz at investment forum

Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) President and CEO Sabin Aboitiz reaffirmed the Aboitiz Group’s deep roots and ongoing investments in Cebu during the Cebu Business Investment Forum on 9 July 2025, emphasizing the province’s critical role in the company’s growth and the broader national economy.

Speaking at the event organized by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Aboitiz highlighted the longstanding relationship between the Aboitiz Group and Cebu, describing the province as central to the company's identity.

“Cebu isn’t just our roots — it’s part of our identity. You can’t talk about Aboitiz without Cebu. And I’d like to think you can’t talk about Cebu’s progress without mentioning Aboitiz,” he said.

He outlined the Group’s major contributions to Cebu’s economic landscape, from early trading to developing infrastructure, power plants, shipbuilding facilities, and financial services. AboitizPower’s energy investments and Aboitiz InfraCapital’s projects — including the Mactan-Cebu International Airport — were cited as examples of how the Group supports Cebu’s growing industries and connectivity.

He also pointed to developments like the Mactan Economic Zone 2 Estate and West Cebu Estate in Balamban. These PEZA-registered industrial hubs offer complete infrastructure and utilities, while supporting workforce development and diversification in the region’s industrial sector.

UnionBank’s strong presence in Cebu, along with its subsidiaries CitySavings Bank and Petnet, was also cited as vital to expanding access to financial services and business growth.

Aboitiz further spotlighted the Group’s joint venture with Tsuneishi in Balamban, which transformed the town into a global shipbuilding hub and generated thousands of jobs. Through the Aboitiz Foundation, he noted, the Group also backs environmental sustainability initiatives such as the CarbonPH program, which promotes carbon sequestration and supports local livelihoods.

As Lead Convenor of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), Aboitiz emphasized the need for closer collaboration between the private sector and government.

“That’s where PSAC comes in. When President Bongbong Marcos created PSAC, his vision was clear: bring the private sector to help speed things up, to bring the corporate way of doing things — fast, nimble, no-nonsense,” he said.

Aboitiz added that PSAC initiatives aim to improve ease of doing business, streamline public services like PhilHealth, enhance food security, and support projects like the continued modernization of Cebu’s airport.

He closed by calling on all sectors to work together for long-term sustainable growth.

“Now, more than ever, Cebu can lead again — not just in numbers, but in how we do things. The private sector is ready. Aboitiz is ready. Our new governor is on a mission, and we’re ready to go on that mission with her. Let’s build something that lasts. Something that outlives us all,” he said.