In the island province of Cebu, Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh met with officials of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and things are looking bright for a potential partnership between the Jewish State (including its investors and capitalists) and the business chamber, according to news reports by Sun.Star Cebu (click here and here).
In the November 20 report, Ambassador Kursh confirmed that Israel is pursuing long-term and mutually beneficial partnerships, and sees potential in Cebu as it is already a crucial part of the economy of the Philippines. For insight, posted below is an excerpt from the report. Some parts in boldface.
ISRAEL sees “tremendous” potential for deeper economic, tourism and innovation partnerships with Cebu, Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh said during a courtesy visit to the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025.
Kursh, who arrived in the Philippines three and a half months ago, said she chose Cebu for her first business trip outside Manila because of its strategic role in the economy.
“Cebu is a crucial part of the economy of this amazing nation,” she said. “After an hour and a half of discussions with the chamber, I am even more certain that investing in the paradise of Cebu is a must.”
During the engagement, CCCI Jay Yuvallos presented the chamber’s L.E.A.D Agenda. Kursh’s visit was facilitated by the Honorary Consul of Israel to Cebu, Emily Benedicto-Chioson.
Kursh said Israel is pursuing long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships and sees Cebu as well-positioned for collaboration in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, medical and tourism-related technologies and sustainable solutions.
With nearly 70 percent of Cebu’s economy driven by services, she said Israeli firms are looking closely at the province’s innovation potential. Kursh said one area where Israel can immediately contribute is talent and teacher training.
“We can bring experts to work with your teachers on artificial intelligence, innovation and future skills. This is something we can easily do together,” she said.
Trade, investment prospects – Kursh said Israel aims to revive bilateral trade and investment flows, which had slowed due to global uncertainties. She said trade reached about US$500 million before declining because of the war and other external factors.
“My goal is to raise that again — not alone, but in partnership with the Philippine business community,” she said.
She noted that even at the height of the conflict, Israel’s Economic Minister Nir Barkat visited Manila in July this year and met with Trade Secretary Cristina Roque to advance discussions on a Philippines–Israel Free Trade Agreement.
“Even with war, we must look to the future. And the future is the partnership between our nations,” she said.
Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan earlier said any deal that enhances trade would benefit the Philippines, citing potential gains from Israel’s technology and innovation transfer.
In Sun.Star Cebu’s November 23 report, the CCCI showcased to Israel Cebu’s growing tech and startup ecosystem and potential for global partnerships. For insight, posted below is an excerpt from the report. Some parts in boldface.
THE Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has invited the Israeli Embassy and Israeli tech firms to partner in developing its planned innovation hub, saying Israel’s strength in research and development could accelerate Cebu’s push to build a stronger innovation ecosystem.
Speaking at a dialogue with Israel’s Ambassador Dana Kursh on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, CCCI president Jay Yuvallos said the chamber is converting the second floor of its building into an innovation hub aimed at supporting startups, strengthening industry–academe links and positioning Cebu as a center for technology-driven growth.
“Across all industries, Israel is a leader in innovation. That is one of our main thrusts — developing an ecosystem for innovation,” Yuvallos said.
He cited Singapore’s rise as an R&D hub, noting how a single foreign research center eventually “overflowed to the whole community and ecosystem.”
Yuvallos said CCCI is pursuing the project aggressively and is “dreaming big,” stressing that a partnership with Israeli companies or the embassy would provide a “big boost” to Cebu’s innovation agenda.
“This is an invitation for the embassy or Israeli companies to be a partner of this innovation hub. Your comments actually make us more confident that we are on the right track,” he said. “We’d love to welcome whatever you want to bring, and we hope to reciprocate the energy and passion you’ve shown.”
He added that the chamber is ready to support Israel’s initiatives in Cebu and ensure that collaboration between Cebu and Israel “works on the ground.”
CCCI is set to open a P20-million Innovation and Startup Hub to accelerate local entrepreneurship and link Cebu’s innovators with global markets.
For the newcomers reading this, I used to work and live in Cebu long before I even visited Israel. I have witnessed the Cebu business community’s determination to modernize and innovate, and their efforts on attracting foreign investors (including direct foreign investment) have been consistently strong. A partnership with Israel and its business community could be realized in the near future benefitting both Cebu and the Philippines as well. Pray to the Lord in support of Israel-Cebu partnership!
To my fellow Filipinos reading this, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!
I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel, to love and bless the Jewish people, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful, you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel and love the Jewish people no matter what. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.
Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus!
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