President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., on Saturday led the capsule laying ceremony in Mactan Cebu for Megaworld’s grand township Mactan Expo Center as he underscored its future contributions in nation-building, particularly in tourism investments.
“I am delighted to be here in Mactan Newtown to lead the capsule laying of the Mactan Expo Center, which is a part of the grand township being developed by our friends in Megaworld,” President Marcos said in his speech shortly after the capsule laying ceremony in Mactan Newtown, Lapu-Lapu City.
“Over the years, the Alliance Global Group, as ably led by Kevin, has always been committed and reliable partner to the government in nation-building, particularly in terms of tourism investments and in general development, land development,” he stated.
The chief executive recognized Megaworld’s role in shaping the Philippines to becoming the hub of progress through its pioneering live-work-play township development in Mactan Newtown, citing it as the latest proof of the developer’s passion, dedication and brilliance; and envisioning it as a major destination for key local and international business events.
“Because through their pioneering live-work-play township development, they have cemented their role as a crucial player in shaping the Philippines as a hub of progress. The Mactan Newtown is the latest testament to their team’s passion, dedication, and brilliance–and new concepts, and new ideas on how to develop our country. This township will further strengthen the city’s position as a major destination for key business events, both local and international,” he said.
As the President led the ceremonial capsule laying for the PhP1.5-billion Mactan Expo Center, he hailed it as the source of pride, not just for Cebu but for the entire Philippines, as well as a first-of-a-kind development in the province.
“Today, we will witness the laying of another cornerstone in this township as the Alliance Global Group set to build a world-class convention center that will be a source of pride not just for Cebu, but for the entire country,” President Marcos said.
“Currently, there has yet to be a standalone convention center in the province and this 1.5-billion peso Mactan Expo Center is truly a first-of-a-kind development here in Cebu,” he noted.
The President expressed the township’s potential in generating more employment and business opportunities; in solidifying the current country’s position as events destination; and in enticing more investments through the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.
“By tapping the huge potential of the Meetings, Incentives, and Exhibitions or the MICE sector, the Mactan Expo Center will enable us to generate more employment and business opportunity to solidify our position as an events destination, and entice even more investments,” he said.
The President also recognized the strategic location of the development, particularly its proximity to Mactan-Cebu International Airport, resorts, and hotel development and the investments opportunities will solidify Lapu-Lapu City and Province of Cebu as the leading driver of growth and prosperity in the country.
“The convention center, being situated here in the beautiful island of Mactan, is a strategic development, especially considering its vicinity to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and the world-class resorts and hotel developments here on the island. There is no better way to end a long day of meetings or conferences than to enjoy the beaches of Mactan, partake in its local food, drinks, and delicacies, take a short trip to nearby Cebu City, experience its sights and sounds. And this investment will certainly solidify Lapu-Lapu City and the Province of Cebu’s position as a leading driver of growth and prosperity in the country,” he stressed.
Before ending his speech, the President reiterated the government’s vow to continuously invest on infrastructure projects in Lapu-Lapu city, which include DPWH’s PhP2.9-billion project; road widening projects in the Mactan Circumferential Road and the Mactan Airport Road; and future major projects on road connectivity such as the ODA-assisted Cebu-Mactan 4th Bridge and Lapu-Lapu City Coastal Road, all aimed to address traffic congestion in Cebu.
“The government, for its part, will also continue to invest in its success, which is why in 2024, the DPWH is funding about 2.9 billion pesos in infrastructure projects here in Lapu-Lapu City alone. These include road widening projects that will help decongest traffic along major thoroughfares such as Mactan Circumferential Road and the Mactan Airport Road. The government will also pursue major projects aimed at improving road connectivity and addressing traffic congestion such as the ODA-assisted Cebu-Mactan 4th Bridge and the Lapu-Lapu City Coastal Road,” Marcos said.
President Marcos visited Cebu to commemorate the 503rd Anniversary of the Victory at Mactan and to recognize the Alliance Global Group, Megaworld, the City Government of Lapu-Lapu for the Public-Private partnership, setting a great example for other localities and businesses. | PND
