Cebu City

Cebu City, Cebu is within Region VII – Central Visayas, in the Republic of the Philippines.

People of Cebu City

• As of the 2020 Census, Cebu City had a population of 964,169.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 922,611, reflecting a steady growth rate driven by urban migration and economic expansion.
• Cebu City is historically home to the Ati and Lumad groups, though their presence has diminished due to centuries of colonization and urbanization. The city’s cultural roots also trace back to the pre-Hispanic Rajahnate of Cebu, a thriving trade kingdom before Spanish arrival.
• The major dialect spoken is Cebuano, with Tagalog and English widely used in education, media, and governance. While Cebuano shapes local identity, English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and global readiness.

Location of Cebu City

• Cebu City is located on the eastern coast of Cebu Island in the Central Visayas Region (Region VII). Its geographic coordinates are approximately 10.3157°N latitude and 123.8854°E longitude.
• The city spans a land area of 315 square kilometers, with terrain that includes coastal plains, hills, and mountain ranges. It is bordered by the Cebu Highlands to the west and the Mactan Channel to the east. The climate is tropical monsoon, with a wet season from June to December and a dry season from January to May.
• The Cebu City Hall is located in Barangay Santo Niño, adjacent to Plaza Sugbo and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.
• Most people reach Cebu City via air and sea. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City is about 30 minutes away, offering domestic and international flights. The Port of Cebu is one of the busiest in the country, serving inter-island and international cargo and passenger vessels. Bus terminals connect Cebu City to other towns and provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Tourist Attractions of Cebu City

• Magellan’s Cross: A historic Christian symbol planted in 1521 by Spanish explorers.
• Basilica Minore del Santo Niño: The oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines, built in 1565.
• Fort San Pedro: A Spanish-era military fort located near the port area.
• Taoist Temple: A colorful temple built by Cebu’s Chinese community, offering panoramic views of the city.
• Sinulog Festival: Held every third Sunday of January, this grand celebration honors the Santo Niño with street dancing, religious processions, and cultural performances.

Economy of Cebu City

• Cebu City is the economic powerhouse of the Visayas and one of the most developed cities in the Philippines. Its economy is driven by:
  • Business Process Outsourcing (BPO): A major employer with global firms operating in IT parks and business districts.
  • Trade and commerce: The city hosts major malls, export zones, and wholesale markets.
  • Tourism: Heritage sites, festivals, and proximity to beaches attract millions of visitors annually.
  • Manufacturing and shipping: Cebu’s port and industrial zones support regional and international trade.
• In 2024, Cebu City posted a GDP of approximately ₱210.7 billion, ranking among the top five highly urbanized cities in the Philippines.

Educational Institutions of Cebu City

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • University of San Carlos (USC): One of the oldest universities in Asia, offering programs in law, engineering, business, and liberal arts.
  • University of Cebu (UC): A private institution with multiple campuses offering maritime, engineering, and IT programs.
  • Cebu Normal University (CNU): A state university known for teacher education and graduate studies.
  • University of the Philippines Cebu: Offers programs in management, computer science, and public administration.
  • Southwestern University PHINMA and Cebu Doctors’ University: Specialize in health sciences and allied medical programs.

History of Cebu City

• Cebu City is the oldest city in the Philippines, founded on April 27, 1565 by Miguel López de Legazpi. It was built on the site of the pre-Hispanic Rajahnate of Cebu, ruled by Rajah Humabon, who welcomed Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.
• The city became the first Spanish settlement in the archipelago and was a center for Christianity, trade, and governance. The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and Fort San Pedro were among the earliest structures built during Spanish colonization.
• On February 24, 1937, Cebu was officially converted into a chartered city through legislation signed by President Manuel L. Quezon. This granted Cebu administrative autonomy and marked its rise as a major urban center in the Visayas.
• Today, Cebu City is known as the “Queen City of the South,” a title earned through its historical significance, economic vitality, and cultural richness. It continues to lead in innovation, governance, and regional development.

Elected Officials of Cebu City

• As of the 2025 elections, Cebu City is led by:
  • Mayor: Michael Rama
  • Vice Mayor: Raymond Alvin Garcia
  • Representative (North District): Rachel del Mar
  • Representative (South District): Eduardo Rama Jr.
  • City Councilors: Refer to the official Halalan 2025 results for the complete list.
• For full election results and updates, visit: Cebu City Election Results.

Featured News of the Philippines