Sailing Toward Sustainability: Cebu Leads Blue Economy Expo and Seafarer Career Hub

This June, Cebu will host BLUERISE2025: Sugbo Maritima Expo & Blue Economy Infrastructure Convention (SME BEIC), one of the most anticipated maritime, coastal development, and blue economy events of the year. Taking place from June 25–27, 2025, at the IEC Convention Center, this first-of-its-kind expo-convention aims to catalyze innovation, sustainability, and investment in the Philippines’ booming blue economy.

With the tagline “Sustainable Seas, Thriving Communities,” BLUERISE2025: SMEBEIC champions marine-based innovations and coastal resilience that directly impact local economies and communities. Organized by Full-Force MarketStrat Gateway (FMG) in partnership with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), Quantum Quatro Ventures Inc. (QQVI), and the Cebu City Government, the event is supported by a powerful coalition of government agencies, maritime organizations, coastal stakeholders, and private sector pioneers.

The name “Sugbo Maritima Expo” and “Blue Economy Infrastructure Convention” reflect Cebu’s historic maritime trade roots while pushing forward an agenda for sustainable ocean development across industries such as tourism, fisheries, renewable energy, ICT, logistics, and marine infrastructure.

Building on the success of the 2023 Cebu City Waterfront Development Summit, BLUERISE2025: SMEBEIC is a strategic response to the country’s urgent need for resilient, inclusive, and future-ready maritime and coastal systems. In 2023 alone, Cebu’s ports handled 69.2 million metric tons of cargo, highlighting the demand for innovative blue economy solutions—from coastal engineering and marine biodiversity conservation to ocean-based renewable energy and maritime ICT.

The BLUERISE2025: SME BEIC experience includes four major events designed to create meaningful conversations, foster collaboration, and drive real economic impact:

• Exhibition Hall. Showcasing groundbreaking products, technologies, and services from various blue economy sectors, including maritime, ICT, tourism, and renewable energy.
• Plenary Hall Conversations. Expert-led discussions on marine infrastructure, climate resilience, governance, and maritime technology.
• Pocket Seminar on RA 12021. A legal empowerment session focused on the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers, addressing their rights, welfare, and protections.
• Seafarers’ Career Fair. On-site job matching and recruitment by top sea-based manning agencies, connecting Filipino seafarers to global employment opportunities.

Why the Blue Economy Matters More Than Ever
The blue economy, which encompasses industries that rely on healthy oceans and coastal ecosystems, plays a crucial role in global climate solutions, food security, and sustainable development. For an archipelagic nation like the Philippines, the blue economy is a key growth engine that directly impacts millions of lives.

BLUERISE2025: SMEBEIC aims to accelerate this momentum by promoting Coastal infrastructure & urban resilience, Marine biodiversity conservation, Port and logistics modernization, Ocean-based renewable energy, Sustainable maritime tourism, and Digital transformation in marine tech.

Calling Industry Leaders And Blue Economy Champions
Are you in aquatic tourism, ocean-based energy, fisheries, ICT, shipping and maritime logistics, or water treatment? This is your chance to align with leading innovators and stakeholders in the blue economy.

Exhibitor registrations are still open. Take this opportunity to reserve your space, promote your brand, and align with leading innovators and stakeholders in the blue economy. For more details, visit the official BLUERISE2025 website or contact the event organizers: sme.beic@gmail.com | +63 927 480 0833