The City of Talisay is looking to turn its strategic location, rich history, and reputation as Cebu’s lechon capital into new investment opportunities; to draw more businesses and persuade travelers to stay rather than pass through on their way to southern Cebu.
Mayor Gerald Anthony Samsam Gullas outlined this direction at the 2nd City of Talisay Business Summit and Trade Expo 2026, saying the city’s growth will depend on preparing residents for jobs, developing the Talisay side of the South Road Properties (SRP), and promoting its heritage and tourism attractions.
The summit is presented by the Talisay City local government unit, Talisay Chamber of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Inc. (TCCI), Department of Trade and Industry, and Robinsons Galleria Cebu.
Gullas acknowledged that Talisay still faces challenges but said the city government has identified areas where it can work with the private sector.
Preparing residents for jobs
Gullas said the city is investing in education and skills training to help residents qualify for jobs that new businesses could bring.
Talisay City College, which has nearly 8,200 enrollees this year, offers courses in education, hospitality management, industrial technology, entrepreneurship and other fields. The city also operates a TESDA school in Barangay Lagtang, where residents train for jobs in cookery, electrical installation, welding, bookkeeping and other technical fields.
Gullas said the city wants the Chamber of Commerce to help identify the skills local businesses will need so training programs can better prepare residents for employment.
He has also asked the City Council to pass an ordinance creating a separate department to oversee the city’s technical-vocational programs.
Developing the Talisay side of the SRP
Gullas sees the Talisay side of the SRP as a place where businesses can grow, not simply a road connecting Cebu City to southern Cebu.
He said the area could complement developments on the Cebu City side, including SM Seaside City, NUSTAR and the SMX Convention Center.
Rather than compete with luxury hotels and major commercial establishments, Talisay could attract businesses that cater to visitors looking for more affordable options. These include budget and mid-range hotels, pension houses, restaurants and other establishments that could serve convention attendees and tourists.
The city has established a Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) to guide development along the SRP corridor. Gullas said affected businesses were given a 10-year transition period, with 2030 as the target for compliance with the intended land-use classifications.
The next step is to work with TCCI on an investment code to identify possible incentives and address concerns that could discourage investors.
Gullas called on business leaders to help determine what policies and incentives would make the area more attractive for commercial development.
Promoting Talisay’s history and lechon
Gullas also wants more visitors to discover Talisay’s historical sites and local food.
Among the stories the city can share is that of the Cuatro Aliños, four brothers who helped lead resistance against colonial rule in Cebu. Talisay Landing is another historical site, marking the landing of American forces during World War II to help liberate Cebu.
The city’s lechon is also central to its identity as Cebu’s Lechon Capital.
Gullas said the city must do more than preserve its heritage and promote its food. It must make these attractions accessible and interesting enough for visitors to spend time in Talisay.
Among the proposed projects are improvements to Talisay Landing and the Poblacion boardwalk, the renovation of Talisay City Lechon Park and the rehabilitation of the City Hall Plaza.
The projects are intended to give residents more public spaces and visitors more reasons to explore the city, learn about its history and try its lechon. Gullas said the City Hall Plaza rehabilitation would be carried out in phases, with the first phase including improvements to the grounds and an area for senior citizens.
He added that parks and public spaces are important because they give residents places to meet, hold community activities and spend time with their families.
Getting travelers to stop
Talisay has long served as a gateway to southern Cebu, with travelers passing through on their way to destinations such as Simala and Oslob.
Gullas wants more of them to stop in the city, visit its historical sites and enjoy a meal before continuing their journey.
The city government plans to improve public spaces and heritage sites, while private businesses could provide the restaurants, cafes, shops and tour services that visitors need.
Gullas invited the TCCI and travel agencies to work with the city in developing these opportunities.
TCCI president Carl Cabusas noted that the challenge is to make doing business easier, attract more investments, and ensure that growth also improves people’s lives.
He said meaningful progress requires government and the private sector to work together and turn discussions into action.
The summit’s theme, “Talisay City: Open for Business, Ready for the Future,” reflects that shared goal.
For Talisay, the next step is to translate its plans into opportunities that businesses can pursue and residents can benefit from.
The summit is made possible through the support of Platinum Sponsors BYD Cebu and DITO, Silver Sponsors Bat Man Batteries, Garnet Driving School, Gothong Southern, and Bronze Sponsors ODC PH, Geo Transport, Bethel Insurance, RCBC and Security Bank.