Inspiring growth: 29th CBM launched

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has officially launched the 29th edition of Cebu Business Month (CBM 2025), a three-month initiative poised to stimulate innovation, sustainability, and inclusive economic growth across the province.

- Ehda M. Dagooc Staff Member

With a renewed emphasis on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), this year’s CBM signals a strategic pivot toward grassroots empowerment amid intensifying global economic headwinds.

Adopting the theme “Padayon Cebu: Inspire. Promote. Grow.”, the event draws from the Cebuano word “Padayon”, meaning “to move forward.” The theme encapsulates the resilience and adaptive spirit of the local business community in the face of economic uncertainty and emerging international trade challenges.

“CBM is not merely a celebration—it is an enabler of growth,” said Anton Mari Perdices, CBM 2025 Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Aboitiz Power's Distribution Business Group.

“This year, we are intentional-ly expanding the reach to support MSMEs and position Cebu as a globally competitive business hub,” Perdices said.

Now entering its 29th year, CBM has evolved from a showcase of Cebu’s corporate strength to a catalyst for inclusive devel-opment.

The 2025 edition aims to dismantle long-standing percep-tions that the festival primarily benefits larger enterprises. In-stead, under Perdices' leadership, CBM is directing resources and attention toward micro-entrepre-neurs throughout the province— delivering programs that foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and upskilling.