Cebu — Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has officially launched CEB-i Hacks, an AI-powered innovation challenge designed to empower young Cebuano minds to reimagine the future of tourism and travel. This initiative is a cornerstone of MCIA’s broader vision to transform Cebu into a smart, creative, and connected tourism hub.
Positioned as part of MCIA’s innovation drive, CEB-i Hacks reinforces the airport’s evolving role—not just as a transport hub but as a catalyst for digital transformation and inclusive growth across the province. The program is strategically aligned with the goal of making Cebu the Philippines’ digitally enabled tourism gateway.
“Through CEB-i Hacks, we are opening the runway for young innovators to co-create solutions that will redefine travel and tourism in Cebu,” said Christine Villanueva, Head of Strategy and Communications of Aboitiz Infracapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), operator of MCIA. “This program reflects our commitment to making MCIA not just a gateway to Cebu, but a gateway to innovation.”
A Platform for Youth-Led AI Innovation
CEB-i Hacks is a six-week idea challenge tailored for college and university students across Cebu. In collaboration with Google Cloud and Globe Business, the program leverages cutting-edge technology—including Google Gemini, Google’s generative AI platform—as a real-world tool for ideation and prototyping.
Student teams will be tasked with developing AI-powered solutions aimed at enhancing:
- Tourism experiences
- Airport operations
- Destination marketing
Participants will also receive capacity-building support through expert-led workshops, mentoring sessions, and hands-on exposure to AI tools. The challenge will culminate in a Demo Day, where top teams will pitch their solutions to a panel of industry leaders and the public.
Youth Empowerment and Cross-Sector Collaboration
Designed to inspire the next generation of Cebuano innovators, CEB-i Hacks fosters strong collaboration between academe and industry, offering students a platform to contribute directly to Cebu’s digital and tourism transformation.
The program encourages multidisciplinary participation, welcoming students from diverse fields such as technology, tourism, business, and design.
“We believe in the creativity of Cebuano youth to reimagine the future of tourism using the power of AI,” added Villanueva.
Toward a Smarter, More Inclusive Tourism Ecosystem
Beyond empowering students, CEB-i Hacks highlights how AI can be a powerful driver for inclusive and sustainable tourism growth. The program positions Cebu as a regional leader in tourism innovation, with the potential to influence development strategies not only in the Visayas but across the country.
By nurturing a pipeline of tech-savvy youth, MCIA hopes to develop future startup founders, industry leaders, and changemakers who will shape the digital future of the tourism and travel sectors.
Applications will be accepted until August 29, 2025.
Partners and Supporters
CEB-i Hacks is organized by The Sandbox Foundation, with support from the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), further strengthening the ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship in the province.
As Cebu continues to rise as a beacon for smart tourism in Southeast Asia, initiatives like CEB-i Hacks signal a bold step forward—one where airports are more than just terminals, but launchpads for innovation.
Program Manual: https://bit.ly/CEBiHacksManual
Application Form: https://bit.ly/CEBiHacksApps
