CEBU, Philippines — Megaworld Corporation has secured a major recognition for its ₱30-billion The Mactan Newtown development after the Lapu-Lapu City government officially designated the 30-hectare beachfront township as the city’s Tourism, Culture, and Investment Capital.
The designation, issued through Executive Order No. 2026-072 signed by Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” Chan on October 5, 2026, recognizes the township’s contributions to tourism, business activity, employment, cultural events and investment attraction.
The announcement strengthens The Mactan Newtown’s profile as one of Cebu’s prominent integrated property developments, bringing together hotels, residential towers, offices, restaurants, convention facilities and beachfront recreation within a single community.
But behind the recognition lies an even bigger business opportunity.
Megaworld says roughly 60% of the township has been completed, leaving approximately 40% of its planned development yet to be delivered.
The question now is whether the remaining expansion can turn Mactan into an even stronger destination for international conventions, tourism investments and long-term economic growth.
Lapu-Lapu City Gives The Mactan Newtown Official Recognition
Under Executive Order No. 2026-072, the Lapu-Lapu City government formally recognized The Mactan Newtown’s role in supporting economic activity and the local tourism industry.
The order highlighted the establishment of hotels, office buildings, commercial establishments and recreational facilities within the Megaworld development.
It also recognized the township as a venue for cultural activities, festivals, conferences, exhibitions and other events that attract visitors and generate business opportunities.
The designation creates a framework for stronger cooperation between the city government, Megaworld, tourism establishments, educational institutions, local businesses and community organizations.
These partnerships are expected to support initiatives involving tourism promotion, cultural preservation, investment attraction and livelihood development.
However, the recognition should not be confused with a declaration that The Mactan Newtown is the Philippines’ national tourism or investment capital.
It is a designation issued specifically by the Lapu-Lapu City government.
₱30 Billion Already Invested in the Cebu Township
Megaworld has invested approximately ₱30 billion in The Mactan Newtown, according to the company’s figures reported by InsiderPH.
The integrated development occupies roughly 30 hectares on Mactan Island and forms part of Megaworld’s strategy of building communities where people can live, work, shop and enjoy leisure activities within the same district.
Completed portions include residential condominiums, business offices, hotels, retail establishments and tourism-related amenities.
Megaworld has described the township as approximately 60% developed.
The remaining development program provides opportunities to expand the project’s hospitality, residential, commercial and cultural offerings.
However, the 40% figure refers to the reported remaining development scope. It should not be interpreted as proof that another ₱12 billion will be invested or that a specific financial return has been guaranteed.
Actual future capital expenditure will depend on Megaworld’s development plans, market demand and investment decisions.
Mactan Expo Puts Cebu in the International Convention Spotlight
One of the township’s most significant attractions is the Mactan Expo, a standalone convention facility designed to strengthen Cebu’s position in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions industry, commonly known as MICE tourism.
The facility was inaugurated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on March 16, 2026.
Its two-level design includes a large pillarless convention hall capable of accommodating approximately 3,000 delegates, along with meeting spaces, VIP facilities and beachfront event areas.
Mactan Expo has already supported major international events, including activities associated with the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairmanship.
The facility also hosted Southeast Asian leaders and delegates during the 48th ASEAN Summit.
Such events can generate business for hotels, restaurants, transportation providers and other local service industries.
Unlike purely leisure-driven tourism, business events can attract delegates who require accommodation, meeting facilities, dining services and transportation.
This gives Cebu another opportunity to compete for international gatherings traditionally held in larger metropolitan convention centers.
More Than 1,000 Hotel Rooms Support Tourism Growth
The Mactan Newtown’s hospitality portfolio is another important component of its business strategy.
The township houses Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown and Mercure Mactan Cebu, which together provide more than 1,000 rooms, according to Megaworld.
The concentration of accommodation facilities near convention spaces and tourist attractions allows the development to serve business travelers, leisure visitors and participants in large events.
Mactan Newtown Beach also provides a beachfront recreational option, reinforcing the township’s appeal as a combined business and leisure destination.
For event organizers, the proximity of convention facilities, hotels and dining establishments can simplify logistics.
For tourism operators, it creates opportunities to package accommodations with leisure experiences and local attractions.
However, having more hotel rooms does not automatically mean the rooms are fully occupied or that tourism revenue is growing at a particular rate.
Those outcomes require verified occupancy, visitor and revenue data.
Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Add International Appeal
Beyond hotels and convention facilities, The Mactan Newtown has attracted international restaurant concepts associated with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.
These include Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips and Gordon Ramsay Street Burger.
Their presence contributes to the township’s strategy of offering recognizable dining brands alongside Filipino cuisine and other retail experiences.
Restaurants can support the district’s attractiveness to residents, office workers, convention participants and visitors.
The company has also promoted locally rooted events and food experiences as part of the township’s tourism identity.
Activities hosted within the development have included the Cebu Mangoes Festival, the Cebu Lechon Festival and Ironman 70.3 Mactan-related events.
These initiatives help connect commercial development with the wider cultural and tourism economy of Cebu.
Mactan World Museum Could Become the Next Major Attraction
The township’s remaining development program includes plans for the Mactan World Museum, a cultural project expected to highlight Cebu’s history and heritage.
The museum forms part of Megaworld’s strategy of linking tourism growth with historical and cultural attractions.
Mactan Island has a central place in Philippine history, particularly because of the Battle of Mactan in 1521.
A museum focused on this heritage could expand tourism experiences beyond beaches, shopping and dining.
Additional attractions may also encourage convention participants to extend their visits or explore more of Lapu-Lapu City.
Nevertheless, the Mactan World Museum remains a planned development in the sources reviewed.
Its final opening date, visitor numbers and economic impact should not be treated as confirmed.
Megaworld Plans More Residential and Wellness Developments
In August 2026, Megaworld outlined further plans for The Mactan Newtown, covering additional branded residences, wellness facilities, tourism infrastructure and cultural attractions.
The company indicated that the next phase would advance the township’s remaining development program.
These projects are intended to diversify the township’s offerings and help attract residents, visitors and investors.
Megaworld has also highlighted the potential of Mactan Island’s location, which combines access to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport with Cebu’s established leisure and commercial tourism industries.
The township’s mix of property uses could provide opportunities for developers, service providers and businesses seeking exposure to the region’s economic activity.
But successful expansion will still depend on consumer demand, infrastructure, local economic conditions and the developer’s ability to complete its planned projects.
Why the Recognition Matters for Lapu-Lapu City’s Economy
The official designation reflects the growing role of large integrated developments in shaping local economic activity.
Mixed-use townships bring different commercial functions into a concentrated location, potentially encouraging visitors and residents to spend on hotels, restaurants, shopping and services.
The Mactan Newtown also provides office space for businesses and employment opportunities linked to hospitality, property operations, retail and events.
Local suppliers, transportation operators, small enterprises and tourism service providers may benefit from increased activity in and around the development.
The Lapu-Lapu City government aims to strengthen these economic connections through closer coordination with Megaworld and other stakeholders.
However, the executive order does not provide independently verified figures showing how many jobs were created by the township, how much tax revenue it generated or the value of investment directly attributable to the development.
Its economic contribution is therefore recognized by the local government, but the precise impact should not be overstated.
Can Mactan Become Cebu’s Next Major Investment Magnet?
The new designation comes as Cebu continues to strengthen its role as a destination for tourism, commercial investment and international events.
Mactan’s airport connectivity, beachfront attractions and hospitality sector give it several advantages.
The Mactan Newtown adds an integrated environment in which businesses, accommodations, convention facilities and attractions operate close together.
The new Mactan Expo offers opportunities to attract international conferences and exhibitions, while upcoming residential, wellness and cultural facilities could broaden the township’s visitor base.
Yet competition for tourism investment remains intense.
Other Philippine destinations are also developing hotels, convention centers, resorts and mixed-use communities.
For The Mactan Newtown to maintain its momentum, future development must be supported by sustained demand, infrastructure improvements and meaningful benefits for the surrounding community.
The Bigger Story: Megaworld’s Next 40%
The recognition of The Mactan Newtown as Lapu-Lapu City’s Tourism, Culture, and Investment Capital represents an important milestone for Megaworld’s long-term Cebu development strategy.
After approximately ₱30 billion in reported investments, the township has established a substantial presence in tourism, hospitality, residential property and commercial activity.
Its convention infrastructure has already strengthened Cebu’s ability to host large international gatherings.
Its hotels, offices, restaurants and beachfront attractions have helped create a broader economic destination.
But the project is not yet complete.
With approximately 40% of the planned township development still remaining, the biggest question is whether Megaworld can turn its next phase of expansion into lasting tourism growth, stronger investment demand and wider economic opportunities for Lapu-Lapu City.
