Cebu readies tourist attractions for ATF delegations

Local

FROM whale sharks in Oslob to river cruises in Aloguinsan, Cebu is polishing its best-known attractions as it prepares to welcome Southeast Asian tourism leaders for the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026.

The Cebu Provincial Government is organizing guided tours for local and foreign delegations participating in the ATF as part of preparations for the international event.

Gov. Pamela Baricuatro said the visit of world leaders and other delegates is an opportunity to showcase Cebu’s natural wonders and heritage sites.

Baricuatro said tourist and heritage destinations, most of which are in southern Cebu, are now being prepared.

She added that part of the augmented work includes ensuring that toilets in tourist areas are usable and presentable.

Among the sites being readied are the whale-watching experience in Oslob, the Bojo River experience in Aloguinsan, and the provincial-run Museo Sugbo in Cebu City.

The governor also said that during a meeting with the Department of Tourism-Central Visayas (DOT-7), she was asked to ensure that medical teams and ambulances are ready during the ASEAN events.

She added that the provincial government is coordinating with national agencies to augment security efforts.

Cebu has declared its readiness to support the national government as the Philippines prepares to host a series of ASEAN meetings this year.

DOT-7 said the province will host 14 ministerial meetings and 19 senior officials’ meetings, including the ATF 2026.

The ASEAN Tourism Forum will be held at the NuStar Convention Center in Cebu City, while its Travel Exchange component is scheduled at the Mactan Expo Center in Lapu-Lapu City from Jan. 27 to 30, 2026.

The events are expected to draw tourism ministers, senior officials, exhibitors, buyers, and media representatives from across Southeast Asia.

Coordination meetings between national agencies and the provincial governments of Cebu and Bohol have already been conducted to align preparations, ceremonial routes, host circuits, and pre- and post-event tours.

Earlier, Baricuatro said that she wants to show that Cebu is capable of hosting these events.

She emphasized the importance of cooperation among government agencies, local government units, and the public in demonstrating Cebu’s capability as an international host.

She also urged Cebuanos to be supportive and helpful during the ASEAN meetings, noting that the events offer a chance to highlight the province’s hospitality and organizational capacity.

Asked informally how Cebu might present its local culture to ASEAN delegates, Baricuatro cited lechon as a top choice should the province be given the chance to showcase Cebuano cuisine, saying it reflects the province’s food heritage and hospitality.

The Philippines is chairing this year’s ASEAN Summit after Myanmar skipped its turn.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. agreed to assume hosting duties even though the country was originally scheduled to chair the regional bloc in 2027.(MyTVCebu)