Talisay City in Cebu is stepping up efforts to attract investors and strengthen partnerships with local businesses as it seeks to transform its portion of the South Road Properties (SRP) into a thriving commercial corridor, create more jobs and encourage tourists to explore the city.
Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr. outlined the development strategy during the second Talisay City Business Summit and Trade Expo, held from October 26 to 28. He called on entrepreneurs, investors and business organizations to work with the local government in shaping the city’s economic future.
The plan focuses on three major areas: expanding commercial opportunities along the SRP, preparing residents for jobs through industry-driven education and training, and developing Talisay’s historical and cultural attractions into tourism destinations.
Talisay Wants Its Own Commercial Corridor Along the SRP
One of the city’s priorities is developing the Talisay side of the SRP into an economic corridor offering services and commercial establishments for motorists, tourists and visitors attending major events in Metro Cebu.
Rather than directly competing with large developments on the Cebu City side, including SM Seaside City, NUSTAR and the SMX Convention Center, Talisay wants to attract businesses that serve visitors looking for more affordable accommodation and services.
Potential investment opportunities include budget and mid-range hotels, pension houses, restaurants, cafés and convenience stores.
Gullas said the city should look beyond the SRP’s role as a road connecting Cebu City, Talisay and southern Cebu. He envisions an area where visitors can stop, dine, shop and stay rather than simply pass through.
To support the strategy, he proposed working with the Talisay City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) to review and develop an investment code suited to the corridor’s commercial potential.
The proposed framework would identify priority business sectors, appropriate incentives, zoning requirements and obstacles that government can address to encourage private investment.
The city’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan already provides a long-term framework for development along the SRP. Businesses affected by the land-use classifications were given a transition period, with 2030 set as the target for compliance.
City Wants Education and Training to Match Business Needs
Talisay’s development strategy also places emphasis on ensuring that local residents benefit directly from new investments.
Gullas urged business leaders to identify the skills their companies need so the city can align education and technical-vocational training with actual employment opportunities.
Talisay City College recorded nearly 8,200 enrollees this year and has produced almost 8,000 graduates from 2017 to 2026.
Its academic offerings include education, hospitality and industrial technology, alongside newer programs in political science, physical education, entrepreneurship and tourism management.
The city has also expanded technical-vocational training through its government-operated Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) center in Barangay Lagtang.
The facility produced 600 graduates this year, bringing its total number of graduates for 2025 and 2026 to approximately 1,400.
Training programs cover bookkeeping, culinary arts, electrical installation, driving, welding and computer systems servicing.
To strengthen coordination with employers, Gullas asked the City Council to pass an ordinance establishing a separate department for technical-vocational programs. The proposed office would coordinate directly with businesses to prepare workers for available positions, including jobs for welders, electricians and service personnel.
Heritage Sites and Local Food Could Attract More Tourists
Beyond commercial development, Talisay is looking to turn its historical landmarks, public spaces and culinary identity into stronger tourism attractions.
The city wants to encourage travelers heading to popular destinations in southern Cebu, including Simala, canyoneering areas and whale-watching sites, to spend more time in Talisay.
Several public infrastructure projects are targeted for completion by late 2027. These include improvements to the Talisay Landing and Poblacion Boardwalk, renovation of the Talisay City Lechon Park and rehabilitation of the City Hall Plaza.
The projects are intended to highlight the city’s history, including its World War II liberation landing site and the legacy of the resistance-leading Quatro Alinos brothers.
Talisay also hopes to capitalize on its reputation for lechon, a well-known part of its local culinary identity.
However, the local government recognizes that public infrastructure alone will not create a sustainable tourism economy. Private businesses will also need to establish restaurants, accommodation facilities, shops and other services around these attractions.
Commercial spaces will be made available for lease or private investment, subject to government regulations.
Business Leaders Call for Concrete Investments
TCCI President Macario Cabusas II supported the mayor’s call for closer cooperation between government and the private sector.
He urged business leaders to turn discussions about Talisay’s economic potential into actual investments that can improve the local business environment and generate opportunities for residents.
The three-day summit and trade expo brought together the city government, business organizations and other stakeholders to discuss investment, workforce development and commercial opportunities.
For Talisay, the challenge is to convert its strategic location between Cebu City and southern Cebu into a lasting economic advantage.
Gullas emphasized that the success of development should not be measured only by the amount of money invested in the city, but also by the jobs, livelihood opportunities and improved prospects created for its people.
If the plans move forward, the city hopes its SRP corridor, workforce programs and heritage attractions will work together to establish Talisay as a stronger business and tourism destination in Metro Cebu.
