There is a lot in store for Cebu in 2018. The new year will see major development projects in the city. A number of condominium buildings are expected to be completed during the year. The much-anticipated Cebu Safari and Adventure Park will also open its doors to the public in 2018.
The following are just some of the developments Cebuanos can look forward to this year.
1. Metro Cebu Expressway
The Metro Cebu Expressway will cut travel time between Naga and Danao. (Image: Federal Philippines)
Cebuanos can soon travel faster from Naga City to Danao City. Current travel time between the two cities takes about three hours. With the completion of the Metro Cebu Expressway, this will be cut in half. In addition, the 74-km. project will ease the current traffic situation in Metro Cebu. Construction of the PhP50-billion expressway will start in 2018. It will be completed by 2022.
2. Taft East Gate
Taft East Gate offers residents more than just a place to stay. (Image: Taft East Gate - Sumilon Tower)
The real estate market in Cebu has grown by leaps and bounds in the past few years. Taft East Gate aims to offer something new to Cebuanos. All corner studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units will have their own garden balcony.
The first tower of the mixed-use development is scheduled to be completed in 2018. Unit prices start at PhP2.6 million.
3. Astra Centre
Astra Centre is a project of local developer Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (Image: Astra Centre Cebu)
Condominiums are also sprouting in the neighboring city of Mandaue. The two towers of Astra Centre developed by Cebu Landmasters, Inc. is located along A.S. Fortuna Street, Mandaue City. It is right across Oakridge Business Park. The first tower features a 200-room hotel, residential studios, and condominium units. The second tower offers commercial spaces for lease.
The project is set to be launched in January 2018. Other projects by Cebu Landmasters, Inc. include 38 Park Avenue and San Jose Maria Village in Balamban, Cebu.
4. Oakridge IT Centre 2
Oakridge IT Centre 2 is a part of a three-year development plan. (Image: Oakridge Business Park)
The BPO industry in Cebu has found another welcoming hub with the launch of Oakridge IT Centre 2. The 12-storey PEZA-registered building creates a well-balanced environment for people to work and play. It increases the leasable space at Oakridge Business Park to 30,000 square meters.
Oakridge IT Centre 2 will have a good combination of startups and established companies. The building is part of the first phase of new developments within the park. Future developments include Oakridge IT Centre 3 and an atrium linking the two buildings.
5. Cebu Safari and Adventure Park
Cebu Safari and Adventure Park joins, a new eco-tourism destinations in Cebu (Image: Stephanie Lhui)
Cebu Safari and Adventure Park is a 100-hectare safari located in the northern town of Carmen. Once fully operational, it is expected to boost local tourism. Owned by Michel Lhuillier of the well-known M Lhuillier pawnshop chain, the park is designed with international standards in mind. The park is currently offering exclusive group previews and will open to the public in the first quarter of 2018.
Cebu Safari and Adventure Park will be home to zebras, tigers, camels, and 60 bird species. The park also features adventure rides and accommodations. As of this writing, interested parties may book group previews for PhP800 per person inclusive of lunch buffet. Entrance fees and other rates are yet to be officially announced.
6. Cebu Airport Terminal
Terminal 2 of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (Image: Cebu ni bai)
With the opening of new tourism destinations in Cebu, local officials expect tourist arrivals to increase. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport is set to meet this influx with the timely opening of Terminal 2 in June 2018. The new terminal features eight airplane parking stands and a bridge connecting it to Terminal 1.
The new terminal will also have 48 check-in counters. Its modular design allows operations to continue even as another expansion takes place. When Terminal 2 opens, officials expect passenger arrivals to reach 12.5 million per year.
7. Cebu International Container Terminal
The new container terminal aims to reduce current traffic in Metro Cebu.
Cebu will also have a new international container port. Construction of the Cebu International Container Terminal is expected to start by July 2018. Located in the northern town of Consolacion, the new terminal is expected to decongest the Cebu International Port (CIP).
Even with plans to increase the CIP yard space, it is only a temporary solution to its current congestion problem. The new container port will serve as a long-term solution to the issue.
With these 2018 developments in Cebu, the city continues to expand and grow as a thriving tourist and business destination.
