Cebu, Bohol, and Negros Oriental have become the economic heart of Central Visayas, driving growth in tourism, manufacturing, IT, and agribusiness. Yet behind the steady rise of these provinces lies a powerful government mechanism that empowers legitimate enterprises to expand, innovate, and compete globally — the Board of Investments (BOI).
As a government agency under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the BOI administers fiscal and non-fiscal incentives under the Omnibus Investments Code of 1987 (E.O. 226) and the CREATE Act (R.A. 11534). These laws give both local and foreign investors the legal foundation and financial benefits needed to scale their businesses sustainably.
Here’s how the BOI plays a vital role in helping Cebu, Bohol, and Negros Oriental businesses grow and thrive — legally, strategically, and competitively.
1. By Providing Tax Incentives That Support Expansion
The BOI offers generous tax incentives to qualified businesses operating in priority industries such as manufacturing, tourism, agribusiness, renewable energy, and IT services.
Key Incentives Under the CREATE Act:
Income Tax Holiday (ITH) for 4–7 years
Enhanced deductions on power, training, and R&D expenses
Duty-free importation of capital equipment
VAT zero-rating on qualified local purchases
For Cebu-based exporters, Bohol’s eco-tourism investors, or agribusiness operators in Negros Oriental, these incentives can significantly reduce operating costs, allowing businesses to reinvest profits into expansion and innovation.
⚖️ Legal Insight: Once registered, BOI incentives are vested rights under Section 17 of the Omnibus Investments Code — meaning they cannot be arbitrarily withdrawn, ensuring investor protection.
2. By Encouraging Regional Development Beyond Metro Manila
One of BOI’s most important legal mandates is industrial decentralization — promoting business growth outside the National Capital Region.
This policy directly benefits Cebu, Bohol, and Negros Oriental, which are recognized as strategic investment areas under the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP).
This means:
Businesses in these provinces may receive longer tax holidays.
They gain priority approval for registration.
They enjoy additional deductions for employing local workers.
📍 Example: A manufacturing firm in Mandaue City or an eco-tourism project in Panglao, Bohol, can qualify for extended fiscal incentives for locating outside Metro Manila — a clear legal advantage for regional investors.
3. By Attracting Foreign and Local Investment
The BOI serves as a bridge between the government and private investors. Through its Investment Promotion Program, the BOI attracts both domestic and foreign capital to Cebu and neighboring provinces.
Foreign investors are legally allowed to own up to 100% of a BOI-registered enterprise if their activity qualifies as a pioneer or export enterprise under the law.
This legal framework encourages international partnerships and joint ventures, helping Region 7 businesses gain access to new technologies, global markets, and additional capital.
💼 Pro Tip: Always review the Foreign Investments Negative List (FINL) to ensure compliance with nationality restrictions before applying for BOI registration.
4. By Supporting Key Growth Industries in Central Visayas
The BOI’s development agenda for Region 7 is focused on industries that drive inclusive and sustainable growth.
Some of the top sectors receiving BOI support include:
Manufacturing and exports – for Cebu’s industrial parks and shipbuilding sector
Tourism and eco-friendly accommodations – especially in Bohol and Siquijor
Agribusiness and food processing – for Negros Oriental’s sugar, aquaculture, and farm ventures
IT and digital services – for Cebu’s rapidly growing BPO industry
Renewable energy projects – for green development initiatives across the Visayas
Each of these sectors not only enjoys BOI incentives but also contributes to job creation, sustainability, and balanced regional development.
5. By Promoting Ease of Doing Business
Through the BOI One-Stop Shop and the BOI eRegistration System, investors in Cebu, Bohol, and Negros Oriental can now register, file applications, and track approvals online.
This modernization effort reduces red tape and ensures that entrepreneurs can complete the registration process in as fast as 30–45 working days, provided all documents are in order.
💡 Legal Advantage: The BOI’s digital system is backed by the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act (R.A. 11032), ensuring transparency and efficiency in every transaction.
6. By Creating Jobs and Developing Local Talent
The BOI requires registered enterprises to prioritize local employment and skills development — particularly in provinces outside Metro Manila.
For example, a BOI-registered manufacturer in Cebu or a resort in Bohol can claim additional deductions on labor expenses for hiring and training local employees.
This not only helps businesses save on taxes but also strengthens the human capital base of Central Visayas, making the region more self-sustaining and economically competitive.
7. By Promoting Long-Term Legal and Economic Stability
Perhaps the most valuable contribution of the BOI is the legal certainty it provides to investors.
Once registered, enterprises enjoy protection under national law from arbitrary policy changes, ensuring that all fiscal incentives are legally guaranteed for their approved duration.
This assurance encourages both local entrepreneurs and foreign investors to make long-term commitments in Cebu, Bohol, and Negros Oriental — contributing to consistent growth and regional stability.
Final Thoughts
The Board of Investments (BOI) is not merely a government agency — it is a strategic legal partner in the growth of Central Visayas businesses.
By providing tax incentives, promoting regional investment, and supporting priority industries, the BOI empowers Cebu, Bohol, and Negros Oriental enterprises to expand confidently and sustainably.
If you’re a business owner planning to scale up, export, or attract foreign investment, BOI registration could be your gateway to expansion — with full legal protection and financial advantage.
📍 CBOS Business Solutions Inc. assists entrepreneurs and investors across Region 7 in registering with the BOI, securing compliance, and availing of lawful incentives designed to accelerate business growth in the Visayas.
Navigating the business landscape in the Philippines can be both rewarding and intricate. Whether you’re embarking on a new venture or scaling up, ensuring that your corporate endeavors are in line with local regulations is paramount.
At CBOS Business Solutions Inc., we pride ourselves on simplifying these processes for our clients. As a seasoned professional services company, we offer comprehensive assistance with SEC Registration, Visa processing, and a myriad of other essential business requirements. Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring that your business is compliant, well-established, and ready to thrive in the Philippine market.
Why venture into the complexities of business registration and compliance alone? Allow our team to guide you every step of the way. After all, your success is our commitment.
Get in touch today and let us be your partner in achieving your business goals in the Philippines.
Email Address: gerald.bernardo@cbos.com.ph
Mobile No.: +639270032851
You can also click this link to schedule a meeting.
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