Cebu’s real estate industry has joined the wider business community in calling on newly elected local government officials to act swiftly on their campaign promises and address persistent governance challenges.
Anthony O. Leuterio, president of A Better Real Estate Philippines (ABREP) and founder of property platform Filipino Homes, said there is mounting public demand for visible progress following the electoral transition.
“Now is the time to prove they made the right decision,” Leuterio said.
Leuterio urged local leaders to prioritize structural reforms, including universal healthcare access and the gradual replacement of short-term financial aid programs, such as “ayuda,” with long-term economic solutions.
He proposed forming an entrepreneurship committee to support startups and small businesses through training and improved access to capital.
“Businesses generate employment. The government must engage the private sector and identify how it can facilitate growth,” he added, stressing the importance of regular dialogue between policymakers and business stakeholders.
He also highlighted the need for closer coordination between Cebu City and the Province to ensure unified development planning.
Leuterio expressed support for the continuation of the P20 rice program to ease food insecurity and assist low-income households. He also called for greater investment in tourism, which he described as a largely untapped national asset.
“Tourism is the true wealth of the Philippines, yet it remains overlooked,” he said, adding that targeted campaigns could drive revenues surpassing those of regional competitors like Thailand and Vietnam.
His remarks underscore growing expectations for inclusive economic development and reflect the business sector’s call for more effective public-private collaboration to boost Cebu’s—and the country’s—competitiveness on the global stage.
Business News Asia