Cebu is today regarded as the most dynamic metro area in the country, with growth rates generally twice as high as the national average. It is home to a surprising range of industries, including semiconductors, shipping, education, watchmaking, food-processing, high-end furniture, and of course tourism.
Cebu City is the centre of a metropolitan area called Metro Cebu, which includes the cities of Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu and Talisay. Metro Cebu has a total population of about 2 million people. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport, located in Lapu-Lapu City is only a twenty-minute drive away from Cebu City. To the northeast of the city are Mandaue City and the town of Consolacion, to the west are Toledo City, the towns of Balamban and Asturias, to the south are Talisay City and the town of Minglanilla. Across Mactan Strait to the east is Mactan Island where Lapu-Lapu City and an aquarium attraction are located.
Cebu is known as the Queen City of the South, the Tourism Gateway for the Central and Southern Philippines. and is the second largest city and fastest growing economy in the Philippines. Aside from its very rich wonderful culture, the province is also famous for its natural beaches, resorts and hotels, sweet mangoes, guitars, delicious lechon (roasted pig), the Sinulog Festival and its great hospitable people.
It is already proven that Cebu has demonstrated capability with an excellent economic track record specifically its export which growth rate for the past 5 years has averaged close to 20% considerably higher than that of the country and any other province in the Philippines. It is the most accessible place in the Philippines, with more domestic and international flights as well as sea linkages than Manila.
Cebu offers quality of life with a very outstanding record with regards to it peace and order. Quality housing is abundant in Cebu and rentals are less expensive than other cities in the region. Geographically, Cebu is not an earthquake zone or typhoon belt, nor are there volcanoes in the island. The development of its infrastructure is balanced; it has all the ingredients necessary to be competitive and sustain investments. It is a cosmopolitan area with all the support facilities and amenities needed for an ideal lifestyle.
