Cebu gears up for ASEAN Summit hosting

Local

CEBU Province is all set for its hosting of the ASEAN Summit 2026 scheduled on May 7 and 8.

Gov.Pamela Baricuatro made the announcement during a press briefing on Thursday, April 23, at the Cebu Provincial Capitol in Cebu City, as she reported that preparations continue to advance toward full operational readiness ahead of the high-level regional event.

The briefing was attended by Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and Mandaue City Mayor Jonkie Ouano.

Baricuatro preparations include boosted security with enhanced measures, emergency response systems, and hospital Code Blue readiness already in place.

"It’s safe to say that in Cebu, we are ready," she said.

The ASEAN Summit will gather heads of state from the 11 ASEAN member countries, along with around 3,000 delegates, support staff, and international media.

Across Metro Cebu, local governments have aligned their preparations to support the event.

In Lapu-Lapu City, officials said a work stoppage may be implemented depending on delegate movements, particularly if these coincide with peak traffic hours, while authorities have also strengthened fire prevention measures in anticipation of congestion.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said the city will avoid road closures unless absolutely necessary, noting ongoing coordination for key routes such as the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway and continued cleanup efforts at the South Road Properties.

Mandaue City Mayor Jonkie Ouano said the city maintains road clearing, asphalting, and traffic management operations to keep traffic flow smooth during summit activities.

The Department of Public Works and Highways urged the public to practice proper waste disposal, while the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said gatherings remain allowed as long as they are held indoors.

Meanwhile, at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, authorities intensified coordination and operational preparations as they prepare for the arrival of world leaders and thousands of delegates.

Security screening, passenger flow adjustments, and inter-agency protocols are being implemented while airport operations continue during the summit period.

Infrastructure upgrades across terminals and access roads also continue as Cebu enters the final stretch of preparations for the international event.

Renovations at the General Aviation area, which began on Jan. 28 with a budget of around P39 million, form part of the airport’s summit preparations.

The upgraded facility will accommodate private jets and delegations, while Terminal 2 will handle at least three heads of state arriving via commercial flights.

Authorities said the General Aviation building is being converted into a two-storey structure with lounges and redesigned interiors featuring Filipino-themed and wave-inspired architecture.(MyTVCebu)