NEWS
MPIC Bridges the Gap for Cebu-Cordova’s Economic Growth
Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) maintains its crucial role as a reliable partner in nation-building, reaching a major construction milestone for its P30B Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) this month.
CCLEX, MPIC’s first toll road project outside Luzon, has finally closed the two-meter gap that separated the main bridge decks of Towers 1 and 2. Despite unprecedented challenges brought upon by the pandemic, the major construction feat now successfully connects the modest town of Cordova in Mactan Island to Cebu City, providing an alternative route to decongest the traffic-choked channels that preceded it.
Implemented through Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC), a wholly owned subsidiary of its toll road arm, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, CCLEX becomes an integral component in MPIC’s goal towards progress for the whole country. Beyond the reduction of traffic and the improvement of accessible travel, the project is expected to positively impact trade activities and create larger economic opportunities for Cebu and the rest of the Visayas region.
An Iconic Bridge
In partnership with the local government units of Cebu City and the Municipality of Cordova, the complex project spanned more than three years of non-stop construction, now cited as an “engineering marvel” and expected to become a tourist attraction within itself.
“It is with pride that we commemorate this milestone for CCLEX, given the current circumstances that could have easily hindered our progress,” said MPIC President and CEO Jose Ma. K. Lim. “Through the resolve of all sectors involved, primarily MPTC and CCLEC, we are gradually reigniting the economy of one of the most dynamic metropolitan areas in the country. It is a strategic step towards spurring industrial growth all throughout the Visayas region.”
CCLEX measures 8.5 kilometers long and rises 51 meters from sea level, poising it to become the country’s largest water-crossing infrastructure. The bridge is built with a navigational clearance to allow large vessels to safely traverse a path underneath the bridge.
The bridge expressway will have two lanes in each direction and will feature the main twin cable-stayed bridge, viaduct approach bridges, a causeway, and toll facilities. Spanning eight kilometers from the mouth of the Guadalupe River to Shell Island and then Cordova, the project will connect mainland Cebu to the Municipality of Cordova and is expected to serve at least 50,000 vehicles daily.
The 8.9-kilometer CCLEX will be open to the public for commercial operations in the first quarter of 2022. The bridge will be using a full electronic toll collection system and is fitted with several state-of-the art equipment, including a Road Weather Information System that provides weather watches and warning for public safety.
A Good Pull for Investments
MPIC’s investment in the region has continuously been cited as an integral factor in the municipality’s rapid economic development. Akin to what the conglomerate has done for Metro Manila, the bridge project is effectively set to help in the daily lives of Cebuanos.
Preceding its completion, CCLEX is already generating positive economic growth for the municipality of Cordova, exhibited by the significant rise in land prices within the proximity of the project site. Prices have reached P5,000 per square meter in January 2020, a drastic leap from the P500 per square meter at most before the start of construction in 2018.
This dramatic boom in real estate value within a short time span, directly increased the Cordova’s demand in the market. A good pull for investments, this attracted the attention of several of the country’s biggest conglomerates including Ayala Corporation, SM Prime Holdings Inc., and the Gokongwei Group. The economic growth, partially brought about by the opening of CCLEX, has incited the need for business owners in Cordova to create their own chamber of commerce organization.
In 2019, business stakeholders were initiating moves to groom Cordova as the ‘Sentosa’ of Cebu. Similar to the island resort off Singapore’s southern coast, Cordova was set to become the “crown jewel” of tourism and business in Metro Cebu.
“The influx of infrastructure brought about by the completion of CCLEX is already generating socio-economic impacts that truly benefits all our constituents,” said Cordova Mayor Mary Therese “Teche” Sitoy-Cho. “We are grateful for the work that MPIC and their tollways arm has dedicated into helping us achieve our goal of becoming a more advanced and smart municipality. Aside from improving the convenience of travel, this project has been integral in creating more employment opportunities and uplifting our local tourism as another means of livelihood for our community.”
Linking Progress and Purpose
Beyond the infrastructural advancement that the bridge’s construction entails, CCLEX has become an avenue for the socio-economic development of its fenceline communities, all while integrating an environmentally conscious approach to its blueprint.
CCLEX was built as a “fishermen’s bridge” with additional clearance and channels designed into the structure to give local fishermen and their boats access to their traditional fishing grounds. When over 380 fisherfolks from Barangays Bangbang and San Miguel in Cordova town were required to temporarily cease their operations to allow for the filling activities for the causeway segment, CCLEC ensured the appropriate compensation, providing financial assistance and rice for them and their families.
The bridge was carefully designed and built to protect the existing 278-hectare mangrove ecosystem. With Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF), MPIC, and the Cordova LGU, CCLEC inaugurated its Mangrove Propagation and Information Center in Barangay Day-as, as part of MPIF’s flagship environmental program, Shore It Up!
As its legacy project for the entire country, the two-storey facility shall serve as the center for the protection and propagation of mangrove trees in the coastal areas, including the rehabilitation of degraded mangroves in the whole Municipality of Cordova. It will also be an information hub to let locals and visitors appreciate the importance and benefits of mangroves in the ecosystem. The Mangrove Center directly employed four Cordova locals to serve as mangrove eco-guides in the Centers.
“MPIC is driven forward with the mindset that we cannot operate our businesses with just profit in mind. More importantly, we must be driven by purpose – by always doing good while doing well,” said MPIC Chief Finance Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla. “Becoming a partner in nation-building not only entails infrastructural progress but becoming a catalyst in uplifting the lives of all Filipinos.”
The completion of CCLEX is aligned with MPIC’s commitment to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, and 17 Partnerships for the Goals.
NEWS
New year, new flavors: Lusso by Margarita Forés arrives at SM Podium
4:29 p.m. March 11, 2025
SM Podium elevates its sophisticated dining experience with the launch of Lusso by Margarita Forés—the first Margarita Signature restaurant, established by the celebrated chef and restaurateur Margarita Forés, to become part of SM’s prestigious portfolio.
With the festive season in full swing, Lusso offers the perfect setting to celebrate life’s special moments, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a romantic dinner, or a quiet indulgence with loved ones.
Renowned for her world-class culinary artistry, recognized as Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016 by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Forés brings her signature touch of elegance and exceptional flavors to this exciting new addition. Lusso promises an extraordinary culinary journey that combines the finest ingredients, impeccable presentation, and flavors that linger long after the last bite. Known for her innovative approach to Italian cuisine and her dedication to celebrating Filipino flavors on the global stage, Forés brings unparalleled expertise and a passion for excellence to every dish. At Lusso, dining becomes more than just a meal—it’s an experience.
Lusso is the perfect setting for creating unforgettable memories. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner with someone special, hosting a cozy family gathering, or celebrating milestones with your closest friends, the restaurant offers the perfect backdrop to celebrate the season in style.
Lusso is a natural inclusion in SM Podium, seamlessly aligning with its reputation as a haven for elevated experiences through its curated offerings, sophisticated ambiance, and dedication to world-class dining. Offering an exquisite menu designed to indulge the senses, the restaurant is an invitation to savor life’s finer moments.
Signature dishes like the Portobello Mushroom, Asparagus & Goat Cheese Mille-Feuille and the decadent Lobster Linguine highlight Lusso’s commitment to culinary artistry. From sumptuous dishes crafted with precision to an ambiance that radiates understated luxury, Lusso transforms every visit into an unforgettable affair.
Visit Lusso at SM Podium and make this festive season truly special. Whether you’re indulging in a celebratory feast or treating yourself to an unforgettable dining experience, Lusso offers more than just a meal—it’s a taste of refined luxury. Discover more reasons to celebrate, more moments to savor, and more for you at SM, where exceptional dining meets the spirit of togetherness.
SM Supermalls #HomeOfFirsts
At SM Supermalls, we take pride in being the Home of Firsts—bringing you the first-to-market brands, groundbreaking experiences, and culinary destinations you won’t find anywhere else. From world-class dining and retail exclusives to innovative spaces that inspire and connect communities, we’re redefining what it means to have it all. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to sustainability, community empowerment, and delivering memorable moments that make every visit more meaningful. There’s always something new and memorable waiting for you at SM.
NEWS
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11:14 p.m. March 10, 2025
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NEWS
Web3 on Wheels: YGG Pilipinas Hits the Road with the Metaverse Filipino Worker (MFW) Caravan
3:30 p.m. March 9, 2025
YGG Pilipinas is embarking on a four-month tour with the Metaverse Filipino Worker (MFW) Caravan, a traveling roadshow bringing the future of work to six key cities across the Philippines.
From April to August 2025, the MFW Caravan will showcase how Filipinos can level up their skills and access fun new ways to earn online, all without having to leave their hometowns. The multi-stage event is part of a year-long initiative introducing more Filipinos to the rapidly growing digital economy with alternative career opportunities beyond traditional employment and overseas work.
Through hands-on workshops and expert talks hosted by YGG Pilipinas’ educational platform Metaversity, MFW Caravan attendees will learn how they can future-proof their careers with emerging technologies including Web3, AI and decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN). Lessons offered by Metaversity will include resume building, optimizing work through AI, and using decentralized applications (DApps). During each Caravan stop, job boards and career orientation will also be available. Attendees can also partake in event quests to earn rewards, including AI bounties designed and offered by YGG’s Future of Work program, and learn more about how to join a community through the Metaverse Filipino Alliance.
“The MFW movement is proof that anyone can carve out a sustainable future in the global decentralized digital economy. We’ve seen former OFWs return home and find new income streams online, students turn their love for video games into careers, small business owners tap into Web3 to expand their addressable market, farmers explore digital opportunities to supplement their livelihoods, and working moms build careers from home so they never have to leave their children behind. Their stories of resilience and success show that the future of work isn’t just coming—it’s already here. And the best part is that they can do it all from home, right here in the Philippines,” said Mench Dizon, Country Head of YGG Pilipinas.
The MFW movement launched in January 2025 with the YouTube release of the short film, Metaverse Filipino Worker, showcasing real-life stories of Filipinos building digital careers in Web3. The video, available at MFW.Life, hit more than a million views in less than two weeks of its release. The stars of the film will be traveling with the MFW Caravan to meet communities in person and answer questions about their journey, including how they overcame personal challenges and discovered global opportunities.
In true YGG Pilipinas fashion, each leg of the MFW Caravan will feature Web3 game demos, showmatches, and tournaments for popular Web3 gaming titles. For many MFWs, Web3 gaming has been their entry point into the open metaverse. These games serve as a fun and rewarding introduction to blockchain and cryptocurrencies while helping players get started with the support of the YGG Pilipinas community.
“The MFW Caravan reflects a crucial shift in how Filipinos approach work—one that prioritizes digital skills, borderless opportunities, and economic empowerment without the need to go overseas to get it. At the DICT, we recognize the importance of preparing our workforce for these changes by promoting education and upskilling in emerging fields like Web3 and AI. By expanding awareness and opening more pathways to these opportunities, we are laying the foundation for a more inclusive and resilient digital workforce in the Philippines,” said Emmy Lou Delfin, Director, ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB) and Regional Director, MIMAROPA at the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
As industries rapidly evolve with emerging technologies like Web3 and AI, the demand for skilled professionals is surging. According to the World Economic Forum’s whitepaper, The Rise of Global Digital Jobs, there are currently over 70 million digital jobs worldwide, with projections indicating this number could approach 100 million by 2030. At the same time, the Web3 market—valued at over USD $1 billion—is expected to grow sixfold in the next five years, according to Mordor Intelligence. YGG Pilipinas’ goal is to provide digital upskilling opportunities to all Filipinos so they can capitalize on this growth.
The MFW Caravan will launch on April 5, in Davao’s Ayala Malls Abreeza. It will then be followed by stops in Cagayan De Oro’s Ayala Malls Centrio on May 4, Iloilo’s Ayala Malls Atria Park District on June 7, Bicol’s Ayala Malls Legaspi on June 28, Palawan on July 19, and have its final leg in Manila on Aug 2. The MFW Caravan is made possible thanks to partners Ayala Malls, G!G, Coins.ph, Converge and Parallel TCG. The event is also supported by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the City Education and Development Office in CDO.
Experience a royal first: Warabimochi Kamakura opens at SM Megamall
New year, new flavors: Lusso by Margarita Forés arrives at SM Podium
Get that loan even faster with Maya
