PBBM: Philippines ready to host ASEAN Summit in Cebu

Local

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, March 16, expressed confidence that the Philippines is prepared to host the 45th ASEAN Summit in May, with a new convention facility in Lapu-Lapu City set to serve as a key venue for the regional gathering.

Marcos made the remarks during the inauguration of the Mactan Expo Center, where the opening ceremonies and several summit meetings will be held.

Leaders and delegations from across Southeast Asia are expected to attend the event.

“We asked ourselves where in the Philippines we could bring our guests,” the President said, recalling early discussions on where to hold the summit.

“The only place that we could look at was here in Lapu-Lapu City,” he added.

Hosting the regional meeting requires extensive preparation, including venues capable of accommodating large delegations and numerous parallel discussions.

“We’re expecting around 650 meetings, and each leader must have a presidential suite. The logistics are quite daunting,” Marcos said.

The President said the completion of the Mactan Expo Center marks a major step in ensuring the country is ready for the summit.

“Two years ang project. There are things government does well, and there are also things the private sector does well,” he said, praising the private developers for delivering the project in time for the international event.

Kevin Tan, president and chief executive of Alliance Global Group, parent company of Megaworld, said the project stemmed from conversations with Marcos after a previous ASEAN meeting in Indonesia in 2023.

Tan said the company had earlier considered building a convention facility in Cebu before the pandemic but decided to revisit and expand the proposal following the discussions.

“After the ASEAN Summit in Indonesia, definitely we discussed the idea further,” Tan said.

According to Tan, the project was redesigned to accommodate larger gatherings, with upgraded specifications and expanded spaces.

Construction began with a capsule-laying ceremony in April 2024.

“Less than two years, we were able to complete this project,” he said.

At the center of the complex is a large pillarless ballroom intended for high-level meetings and major functions.

The facility also features design elements created by Cebuano artists, highlighting local culture.

Tan said the venue demonstrates Cebu’s readiness to host global events.

“Cebu is ready to welcome delegates to the 45th ASEAN Summit,” he said.

Marcos emphasized the summit also provides an opportunity to showcase Cebu as a tourism and investment destination, noting the province’s accessibility, strong hospitality sector and growing infrastructure.

After the summit, he said the Mactan Expo Center is expected to continue attracting international conferences and exhibitions.(CMM)