LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. officially inaugurated the ₱1.5-billion Mactan Expo on Monday, March 16, marking a major milestone for Cebu’s “MICE” (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) industry. Developed by property giant Megaworld Corporation, the two-level standalone convention center is located within the 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown township and is positioned as a world-class venue for high-level international gatherings.
The inauguration coincided with the 505th anniversary of Ferdinand Magellan’s arrival in the Philippines. During the ceremony, the President was joined by First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos, Alliance Global Group CEO Kevin Tan, and local officials, including Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi Chan.
“We are strengthening tourism in Cebu with the opening of this Mactan Expo,” President Marcos stated in his keynote address. “Facilities such as this are an encouraging sign, and I am excited to explore more ways to elevate Philippine tourism. Cebu will always play a very large part in our plans.”
The Mactan Expo is set to serve as the primary hub for the upcoming 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in May 2026. The facility features:
- Capacity: A high-ceiling, pillarless plenary hall that can accommodate nearly 3,000 guests in a theater-style setup or 1,600 for banquets.
- Versatility: The main hall is divisible into three smaller venues for simultaneous events.
- Amenities: Modern meeting rooms, VIP lounges, expansive foyers, and a veranda that opens to the Mactan Newtown beachfront.
Megaworld’s Kevin Tan emphasized that the project demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships (PPP) in accelerating infrastructure. “The Mactan Expo serves as an important platform for Cebu and for the Philippines, opening new opportunities for tourism, business, and investment,” Tan said.
The President also noted the importance of the facility in narrowing the gap with regional tourism competitors, citing the need for better infrastructure to complement the “Filipino smile” and hospitality. The opening of the expo is expected to stimulate significant economic activity in Lapu-Lapu City and the wider Central Visayas region, particularly as international travel continues its steady recovery.
