Then and Now: How Cebu Has Changed Over the Years

Cebu, known as the “Queen City of the South,” holds a unique place in Philippine history. As the site of the country’s first Spanish settlement and Christianity’s birthplace in the archipelago, Cebu’s roots run deep. Over the centuries, it has transformed from a modest trading port to a vibrant urban center, serving as a major hub for business, tourism, education, and culture.

In this article, we examine Cebu’s incredible journey—then and now—tracing its transformation across urban development, lifestyle, transportation, heritage conservation, and economic growth.

Pre-Colonial and Spanish Period: A Trading Port Turned Spanish Stronghold

Then:

Long before the Spaniards arrived, Cebu was already a bustling center of trade. The native Cebuanos bartered with Chinese, Malays, and Arabs. When Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan landed in 1521, he introduced Christianity, planting the seeds of Catholicism in the region.

Cebu soon became the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines. The iconic Magellan’s Cross was planted near what is now the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, both of which remain major religious and cultural landmarks today.

📍 Historical Reference: Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu

Now: 

Today, Cebu’s religious significance is still strong, with the annual Sinulog Festival drawing millions. However, the area around the basilica and Fort San Pedro has seen significant urbanization, with hotels, commercial buildings, and government offices now surrounding the historical core.

Infrastructure and Urban Development

Then: 

In the 1950s to 1970s, Cebu had a modest skyline, characterized by small buildings, wide streets, and minimal traffic. Most economic activity was concentrated in downtown Cebu, particularly in Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines.

Public transportation included calesas (horse-drawn carriages), jeepneys, and buses with limited provincial routes.

Now:

Fast forward to the 21st century, Cebu IT Park, Cebu Business Park, and the South Road Properties (SRP) have reshaped the landscape. Towering skyscrapers, mixed-use developments, and luxury condominiums are now part of Cebu’s identity.

The construction of major infrastructure projects such as the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX)—currently the longest bridge in the Philippines—has improved accessibility and logistics in the region.

📍 Project Info: Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX)

Transportation: From Horse-Drawn Carriages to Modern Transit Systems

Then:

Transportation in mid-20th century Cebu was heavily reliant on tricycles, jeepneys, and buses. Traffic congestion was minimal, and commute times were relatively short due to lower population density.

Now:

Cebu faces urban traffic challenges similar to Metro Manila. However, modernization efforts are underway. The government is implementing the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, set to streamline public transport and reduce emissions.

Cebu’s reputation as a digital hub is also growing, attracting remote workers from around the world. For insights on this lifestyle, check out our guide to the digital nomad life in Cebu.

Education and Technology: Rising as a Knowledge and Innovation Hub

Then:

Cebu’s academic institutions, such as the University of San Carlos (est. 1595) and University of the Visayas, served as the region’s main centers for higher education.

In the 1980s and 1990s, most students remained in Cebu for tertiary education and either joined local industries or migrated abroad for work.

Now

Cebu continues to grow as an education and BPO powerhouse, attracting global companies and students alike. Tech giants like Accenture, Concentrix, and JP Morgan have set up regional offices in Cebu, creating thousands of jobs in IT and outsourcing.

Modern travelers also seek unique stays like the Treehouse de Valentine, a romantic jungle retreat that highlights Cebu’s shift toward eco-luxury tourism.

Local universities now collaborate with international partners, while more Cebuano professionals are thriving in STEM fields and entrepreneurship.

Cultural Heritage: Preserved, Transformed, or Forgotten?

Then:

Cebu was home to numerous ancestral homes, heritage churches, and preserved Spanish structures, particularly in areas like Pari-an, Carcar, and Argao.

Heritage preservation was not a priority in the 20th century, which led to the gradual decay or demolition of many colonial-era buildings.

Now:

There’s a growing awareness about cultural preservation. NGOs and LGUs have begun restoring historical homes and buildings. The Casa Gorordo Museum, Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House, and Museo Sugbo are some examples of successful heritage conservation.

Still, urban expansion continues to threaten some heritage sites, sparking debates between developers and cultural advocates.

Tourism: From Quiet Island Charm to Global Destination

Then:

Before the 2000s, Cebu’s tourism was modest and largely domestic. Tourists visited for religious pilgrimages, family vacations, and simple beach outings.

Now:

Cebu is a major international gateway, with Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) servicing direct flights to Korea, Japan, Singapore, and more. World-class resorts like Shangri-La Mactan, eco-adventures in Moalboal, and diving in Malapascua attract a global crowd.

The rise of social media influencers and travel bloggers has further boosted Cebu’s visibility, promoting sustainable tourism and local experiences.

The Road Ahead: Cebu’s Vision for the Future

Cebu’s transformation is far from over. In the coming years, several key initiatives are expected to shape its continued growth and resilience:

• Smart City Initiatives: Cebu is gradually integrating digital technologies into public services, infrastructure, and urban management to enhance efficiency, safety, and quality of life.
• Renewable Energy Investments: With growing concerns about sustainability, Cebu is seeing increased investment in solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
• Development of Urban Green Spaces: Plans are underway to create more parks, green walkways, and recreational areas within the city to promote environmental wellness and improve urban living.
• Expansion of Transportation Systems: Long-term projects include the development of a light rail transit (LRT) system, cable car networks, and enhanced inter-island connectivity to ease congestion and promote mobility.
• Strengthening of Disaster Resilience: With Cebu’s vulnerability to natural disasters, there is a focused effort on improving infrastructure, emergency response systems, and climate adaptation strategies.

Yet with growth comes responsibility. Balancing development with heritage conservation and environmental protection remains Cebu’s most pressing challenge.

Final Thoughts

From its colonial past to its modern skyline, Cebu stands as a symbol of adaptability, resilience, and ambition. Its transformation through the years is not merely a tale of urbanization, but a story of a people constantly redefining their identity while holding on to their roots.

Whether you’re a local rediscovering your hometown or a visitor learning Cebu’s story for the first time, understanding where Cebu came from is essential to appreciating what it has become—and where it’s headed next.