1 week Ago By Katlene O. Cacho-Laurejas
LILOAN-BASED Duros Group sets its sights on significant investments in the real estate and tourism sectors this year. During the 12th State of Duros Address at The Events Place in the Woodlands Enclave on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, Duros Group chairman Rafaelito Barino highlighted the conglomerate’s accomplishments in 2024 and unveiled a bold vision for 2025, focusing on sustainability, innovation and legacy-building.
In 2024, Duros Land launched The Mentigi Point, a 16-hectare beachfront development in Daanbantayan, Cebu and inaugurated the Woodlands Event Pavilion in Liloan, setting a benchmark for high-quality community spaces. Looking ahead, Barino said that the company is poised to expand in Moalboal, Oslob, Panglao and Mentigi Point, further solidifying its presence in key tourist destinations. These projects, collectively branded as the Resort Living Series, blend leisure and residential components to create integrated, world-class developments.
Among its upcoming projects for 2025 is the Moalboal development, which will feature multiple condominium and hotel towers, as well as a commercial complex, to create a fully integrated community. In Daanbantayan, Mentigi Point stands as the largest development in the area to date, offering beachfront residential and resort components and positioning itself as a prime destination. The Panglao expansion, meanwhile, includes plans for a business hotel strategically located near the island’s international airport to cater to both leisure and corporate travelers.
Other business units Barino also highlighted notable achievements and plans for the group’s other business units. San-Vic Traders Inc. reaffirmed its leadership in industrial safety with the launch of Duratect Safety and a strengthened partnership with global brand Fluke.
Cebu Eco-Thermal Horizon Inc. continued to advance its reputation in sustainable construction by adopting eco-friendly roll-forming machines and insulation technologies. San-Vic Agro Builders launched a 135,000-head poultry facility powered by solar energy and expanded its operations to enhance food security through sustainable farming practices.
Duros Development Corp., led by newly appointed president Engineer Kim Mantuhac-Raza, expanded its footprint in Cebu, Siargao and Leyte, with a focus on redefining sustainable urban development. Liloan Golf hosted 17 tournaments in 2024 while supporting environmental sustainability by planting over 2,000 trees.
Plans are also underway to launch international golf tour packages, further positioning the course as a premier destination and boosting the country’s global tourism appeal. Meanwhile, the IEC Convention Center continued to be a hub for significant gatherings in Cebu, cementing its cultural and business relevance. Duros Hotels enhanced its hospitality offerings with the addition of Teak Modern Cuisine and Nueva Spa.
In the education sector, the Divine Life Institute of Cebu recorded its highest enrollment, with 1,467 students from nursery to Grade 12. The school’s innovative Work Immersion Program provided students with valuable experience in Duros Group companies. The school also appointed Ingrid Mantuhac-Bohol as its new president.
Moreover, the Duros group also formalized the Mantuhac Family Constitution that ensures smooth generational transition and sustainable stewardship of the business. Barino said initiatives like Duros Cares (Culture, Appreciation, Resilience, Empowerment, Stewardship) and the Rafaelito and Fe Barino Foundation continue to prioritize employee well-being and community outreach, with 10 percent of annual earnings allocated to social programs. With the second-generation stepping up, Barino said they are prepared to take the family legacy forward with fresh ideas and a shared vision.
“As we welcome new leadership, we remain steadfast in our mission to empower communities and build legacies that endure,” he said. / KOC.
