MANILA, Philippines — The COVID-19 pandemic has crippled the country’s economy, causing it to go into the longest recession in its recent history.

Local government units are pressed to choose between continuing strict lockdown measures to curb the spread of the virus or opening up cities to benefit the economy. But it doesn’t have to be an either-or situation.

Cebu is setting an example in this balancing act, reporting an economic recovery of up to 95% a little over a year into the pandemic. After becoming the second COVID-19 epicenter in the Philippines, Cebu was quick to flatten the curve. It was able to bounce back economically, too, without having a second lockdown. 

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry attributes this recovery rate to businesses reopening and shifting online as well as their adjusting to the new norm. Its employment rate is also up by 92%, from 80% in the past year.

Constant growth

As the country’s second-largest and fastest-growing economy, Cebu boasts unrivaled business and leisure facilities. Not only does it have the second largest international airport in the country, but it’s also one of the most accessible areas in the Philippines with both domestic air and sea linkages than any other city.

On top of that, this booming economy has cultivated a thriving environment for further growth, backed by its strong BPO, real estate, and industrial sectors.

To further bolster this growth, South Coast City was launched in January 2020, a waterside district envisioned to be a gateway growth center and entertainment capital in the Visayas.

This 26-hectare development, located in South Road Properties, Cebu City, will be a premier lifestyle and business hub anchored by an arena, a convention center, a one-hectare park, a commercial center and other mixed-use facilities.

Connecting North and South Cebu, this entertainment and commercial center is set to bring new experiences and growth opportunities to the local and international markets.

Burgeoning business

Within South Coast City will rise District Square, a commercial area designed to attract and spur business investments in the province. The 2.7-hectare mixed-use development offers commercial lots ideal for offices, hotels, and other commercial uses.

Its strategic location makes it highly accessible through major highways including the Cebu South Coastal Road and the upcoming Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway or CCLEX (3rd Mactan Bridge). It’s also in proximity to other landmarks such as the SM Seaside City Cebu, Cebu Ocean Park, UP Cebu SRP Campus, Alta Vista Golf Course, and other residential and retail developments.

Following Ayala Land’s track record for developing sustainable estates, District Square will feature highly networked and walkable open spaces, dedicated bike lanes, access to transport stops, energy-efficient facilities and up-to-date utilities and technologies.

Developed by the consortium of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., Ayala Land, Inc., and Cebu Holdings, Inc., South Coast City aims to contribute to Cebu’s economic recovery efforts.

By further enhancing the region’s offerings, this project is expected to generate P90 billion in investments over the next 15 years.