CEBU CITY (February 12, 2026) — Danao City convened government leaders, industry stakeholders, and development partners on Thursday at the Social Hall of the Cebu Provincial Capitol for the 2nd Danao City Investment Forum (DCIF2), outlining its roadmap for recovery, resilience, and sustained economic growth.
Carrying the theme “Danao Moving Forward,” the forum builds on the momentum of the city’s inaugural 2023 investment gathering and signals a decisive shift from readiness to sustained action amid evolving economic and environmental challenges.
The event gathered key players from the manufacturing and industrial sector, real estate developers, technology firms, financial institutions, telecommunications providers, hospitality groups, and representatives from chambers of commerce, alongside members of the academe, MSMEs, and development partners— reflecting broad-based confidence in Danao City’s growth trajectory.
Strengthening Resilience Through Strategy
City officials underscored that the forum comes at a pivotal time. In the wake of recent calamities, Danao is not merely rebuilding damaged infrastructure but reassessing its development strategies to strengthen both physical and economic resilience.
The emphasis is on continuity— ensuring that key industries, logistics corridors, and local enterprises remain stable, competitive, and adaptive amid changing risks.
The forum presented priority investment areas and flagship projects spanning infrastructure, digital transformation, sustainability, tourism development, industry support, and utilities enhancement, while highlighting ongoing reforms to streamline governance processes, improve service delivery, and reinforce investor confidence.
Governance and Economic Stability
Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III emphasized the critical role of governance in sustaining economic stability for a city that hosts semiconductor manufacturing, shipbuilding operations, and serves as a logistics hub for Northern Cebu.
While acknowledging that global market forces remain beyond local control, he stressed that responsive leadership, sound policy, and strategic planning can mitigate uncertainty and position the city for long-term competitiveness.
The mayor also reiterated the city’s strong advocacy for infrastructure rehabilitation, particularly the urgent repair of roads and bridges that function as economic lifelines. Local officials continue to seek strengthened coordination with national agencies to ensure post-disaster recovery efforts reflect on-the-ground realities and community needs.
Provincial Support and Water Infrastructure Expansion
Representing Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces affirmed the province’s strategic support for Danao City’s development direction.
He announced that Governor Baricuatro has approved the waterworks project for Danao City, clarifying that it is an expansion of the existing and currently operational bulk water project.
The expansion aims to strengthen the city’s water program and support increasing water demand— not only for Danao’s growing industrial base but also for the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) and the wider Province of Cebu.
Empaces also cited plans to pursue a Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plant in Danao City, alongside another in southern Cebu, to address the province’s solid waste management challenges. He encouraged interested investors and partners to coordinate with the Danao City Government and the Provincial Government Investment Office.
Further provincial initiatives include the establishment of a disaster response warehouse, expansion of sea ambulance services, and the positioning of Danao City as the center of the Governor’s satellite office for Northern Cebu— reinforcing the city’s strategic importance.
He highlighted the province’s recognition of Danao’s geographic advantage and industrial strength, affirming its continued role as the industrial hub of Northern Cebu.
Partnership for Inclusive Growth
Vice Mayor Carmen Remedios “Ivy” Durano, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, provincial investment officials, and leaders from various industries were also present, underscoring unified support across sectors.
In her closing message, Vice Mayor Ivy Durano reinforced the city’s invitation to investors and development partners:
“To our potential partners: Danao City is open for business. But more importantly, Danao City is open for partnership. Let today not be the end of a forum— let it be the beginning of collaboration.”
She emphasized the legislative body’s commitment to responsive, investor-friendly policies that promote inclusive and sustainable growth.
Beyond investment promotion, DCIF2 underscored the broader community impact of economic planning. City leaders framed resilience not only in terms of infrastructure, but also in protecting jobs, sustaining small enterprises, securing utilities, and ensuring that growth translates into tangible benefits for local families.
As discussions concluded, stakeholders pointed to strengthened collaboration between local government, private industry, and development partners as key to advancing Danao’s trajectory—toward a safer, more connected, and economically adaptive future.