Megaworld’s 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown has been officially declared the Tourism, Culture, and Investment Capital of Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, recognizing its contributions to tourism growth, cultural appreciation, investment, and economic development.
The designation was formalized through Executive Order No. 2026-072, signed by Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” Chan. Announced on October 13, 2026, the recognition highlights the township’s role in strengthening the city’s identity as a destination for visitors, businesses, and investors.
The Mactan Newtown brings together residential condominiums, office spaces, hotels, retail and commercial establishments, and tourism and recreational facilities, supporting a range of activities that contribute to the city’s development.
Megaworld’s Vision for The Mactan Newtown
The executive order recognizes The Mactan Newtown’s significant role in promoting tourism, providing venues for cultural activities, and attracting investments that generate employment and support economic growth in Lapu-Lapu City.
Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, president and CEO of Megaworld, said the recognition affirms the company’s vision of developing an integrated township where tourism, culture, and investments work together to unlock a city’s potential.
Megaworld also reaffirmed its commitment to creating opportunities for local communities and delivering long-term economic value to Lapu-Lapu City.
The declaration further strengthens The Mactan Newtown’s position as a key development supporting the city’s growth as a destination for tourism, culture, business, and investment.
The Mactan Newtown Strengthens Cebu’s MICE Tourism Sector
Tourism is a major driver of The Mactan Newtown’s growing influence. According to Megaworld, the township is home to more than 1,000 hotel room keys across two hotels: Savoy Hotel Manila and Mercure Mactan Cebu.
The township also features Mactan Expo, described as Cebu’s first stand-alone convention center with beach access.
Mactan Expo hosted leaders of Southeast Asian nations and thousands of delegates during the 48th ASEAN Summit earlier in 2026. Its facilities further support Lapu-Lapu City’s development as a competitive destination for meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) tourism.
By bringing together hotel accommodations and convention facilities, The Mactan Newtown contributes to the city’s ability to accommodate visitors and business events.
Festivals and Tourism Events Drive Local Economic Activity
The Mactan Newtown also hosts festivals and major tourism-related events that attract visitors and help stimulate economic activity throughout Lapu-Lapu City.
These events include:
- Cebu Mangoes Festival — A festival featured among the township’s tourism-related events.
- Ironman 70.3 Mactan — A sporting event that attracts participants and visitors.
- Cebu Lechon Festival — An event showcasing Cebu’s food culture.
These gatherings contribute to the township’s tourism activities while providing opportunities for local businesses and communities to benefit from increased visitor activity.
Through its events and attractions, The Mactan Newtown continues to support Lapu-Lapu City’s position as a destination for tourism and cultural appreciation.
Mactan World Museum to Highlight Cebu’s History and Heritage
The soon-to-open Mactan World Museum is expected to further strengthen The Mactan Newtown’s cultural significance.
The museum will complement the township’s existing hospitality, dining, retail, and recreational offerings with a destination dedicated to Cebu’s rich history and heritage.
Its addition is expected to expand the township’s cultural attractions and reinforce its role in providing venues for cultural appreciation and activities.
The planned museum also aligns with the broader objectives of the city’s designation, which recognizes the importance of culture alongside tourism and investment.
Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Add to The Mactan Newtown’s Commercial Offerings
Beyond tourism and cultural activities, The Mactan Newtown continues to attract businesses and investments through its growing portfolio of offices and commercial establishments.
Among these are Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips and Gordon Ramsay Street Burger, two dining concepts identified by Megaworld as the first of their kind in the Philippines from multi-Michelin-starred British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.
These establishments contribute to the township’s commercial activity by generating employment, supporting local livelihoods, and creating opportunities for entrepreneurship.
Their presence also complements the township’s existing dining, hospitality, retail, and recreational offerings, helping strengthen its appeal to visitors and businesses.
Megaworld and Lapu-Lapu City to Support Sustainable Development
Under Executive Order No. 2026-072, Megaworld and the Lapu-Lapu City Government will continue collaborating with public and private stakeholders to develop programs and initiatives that promote tourism, cultural activities, investment, employment, and sustainable local development.
The partnership aims to build on The Mactan Newtown’s existing contributions while creating further opportunities for the city’s residents and business community.
The designation marks a significant milestone for the township, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for Lapu-Lapu City’s continued economic development.
By combining hospitality, convention facilities, festivals, cultural attractions, residential developments, and commercial establishments, The Mactan Newtown continues to support the city’s transformation into a thriving center for tourism, culture, and investment.