Developers fast-track renewable energy, industrial expansion

Cebu developers and energy stakeholders are accelerating plans for renewable energy parks and integrated industrial communities to address rising power demand and sustain the province's economic expansion.

- Ehda M. Dagooc, Staff Member

Provincial Administrator Joseph Ace Durano confirmed that renewable energy park proposals can now move forward under approved Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs), positioning these projects as part of Cebu's ongoing rehabilitation and long-term resilience efforts.

"These developments fall under our reconstruction and transformation agenda, and since land-use approvals are already in place, proponents can proceed," Durano said.

At the West Cebu Estate in Balamban, a major industrial hub anchored by automotive, shipbuilding, and manufacturing locators, a 40-hectare industrial expansion is now underway—with half of the inventory already sold.

Rafael Fernandez de Mesa, president and chief executive officer of Aboitiz Land Inc. and head of Aboitiz Economic Estates, said the next phase will introduce complementary commercial and residential components, including a supermarket, transport terminal, lifestyle retail, and housing.