Four local government units in northern Cebu are being considered for a proposed economic development corridor aimed at expanding investment opportunities and easing urbanization pressures in Metro Cebu.
Vice Gov. Glenn Anthony Soco has asked Gov. Pamela Baricuatro to support reviving the North Cebu Economic Zone (NCEZ), which would cover the City of Bogo and the municipalities of Medellin, Daanbantayan and San Remigio.
In a letter dated Oct. 22, Soco proposed developing the four areas into economic centers for trade, technology, industries, education, livelihood activities and investments.
The proposal also considers establishing a dedicated freeport zone within the development area, operating as a separate customs territory similar to the Freeport Area of Bataan.
Soco said northern Cebu could accommodate future economic expansion as Metro Cebu continues to face urbanization challenges, including traffic congestion and recurring flooding in Cebu City, Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City.
He identified the undeveloped flatlands and available communities in northern Cebu as potential sites for planned development, provided that expansion follows a long-term framework.
“By planning ahead, the Provincial Government can lead where population, industry, and investment will grow, and give our northern LGUs a real chance to become self-sustaining and resilient,” Soco said.
He asked Baricuatro to include the proposed economic zone in the provincial government’s development and investment priorities and allocate funding for feasibility studies and a comprehensive master plan.
Soco also proposed aligning the initiative with the Provincial Development and Investment Program, Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan, and Comprehensive Development Plan.
He wants the proposal presented to the Regional Development Council (RDC), which Baricuatro chairs, for possible inclusion in the Regional Development Plan and Regional Development Investment Program.
Such inclusion could help secure national government assistance and support for the proposed development, he said.
Soco clarified that the initiative is not intended to shift development away from other parts of Cebu but to give northern municipalities and Bogo greater access to economic opportunities.
The proposal takes inspiration from the corridor-based development approach of the Luzon Economic Corridor and aligns with House Bill No. 6058, or the Cebu Fourth District Special Economic Zone Act, authored by Cebu Fourth District Rep. Sun Shimura.
However, Soco said any establishment of economic centers would have to comply with existing laws, including the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995, the CREATE Act, the Public-Private Partnership Code, the Constitution and the Local Government Code.
He also emphasized the need to assess the environmental and social implications of the proposed development, particularly its effects on communities in the identified areas.
Aside from writing to Baricuatro, Soco said he had communicated with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan about the proposal and furnished Shimura with a copy of the letter to coordinate provincial and national initiatives.
He expressed willingness to discuss the proposal with the governor and contribute to its development.
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