Cebu nearly ready for ASEAN Summit

CEBU, Philippines — With only weeks left before the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Summit 2026, Governor Pamela Baricuatro said Cebu’s preparations are nearing completion.

During an ASEAN press briefing held Thursday at the Capitol, Baricuatro and local chief executives from highly urbanized cities (HUCs) said preparations across infrastructure, security, and logistics are steadily progressing, with critical systems already in place.

The governor noted that readiness levels have significantly advanced.

“As far as this is concerned, 80 percent complete na with enhanced measures, emergency response systems... Safe to say na in Cebu, we are ready,” said Baricuatro.

She added that the province is merely augmenting national preparations as this is a “national event.”

Baricuatro emphasized that coordination with national agencies continues, with the National Organizing Committee (NOC) expected to be fully on-site by April 30.

Security and Emergency preparedness

A final inter-agency security briefing involving the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Armed Forces, and other security stakeholders is scheduled on April 28 to finalize arrangements for the summit.

Officials stressed that heightened security measures are already in motion given the attendance of heads of state and high-level delegates.

Baricuatro underscored that emergency response systems are already activated across host areas, while security protocols are being reinforced in coordination with national authorities.

On concerns regarding safety, she said preparations are in place although final operational control remains with national security forces.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to attend, although exact timing remains undisclosed.

While no ASEAN events will be held in Mandaue City, the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) assured that it is preparing around 500 police personnel to be deployed to ensure the safety of delegates. They will be assigned specifically for route and hotel security for ASEAN-related duties.

MCPO Director Police Colonel Cirilo Acosta Jr. said they have not yet received any schedule from headquarters for activities to be held in Mandaue. However, he emphasized that the MCPO is prepared, especially for ceremonial routes.

“We have already prepared, nakalatag na ang atong security,” said Acosta.

Traffic management and limited road closures

The Cebu Organizing Committee (COC) assured the public that there will be no full-day road closures, with traffic disruptions limited only to convoy movements of visiting dignitaries.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival clarified that coordination with police and transport agencies indicates minimal disruption.

“So far, we were able to talk to the police group, there's none. Wala gyud ta. If there is a situation nga kinahanglan, we’re very ready for that,” Archival said.

Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Head Nagiel Bañacia said that while closures are expected, these will be temporary and convoy-based only.

Lapu-Lapu City will serve as the main venue for most of the scheduled events.

“There will be road closures. However, the closure will only be kung dunay moagi nga convoy… after makaagi ablihan,” he said.

He added that the main affected corridor will be from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to Shangri-La, Mactan Newtown, and JPark Hotel. The Mactan Expo at Mactan Newtown has been confirmed as the main summit venue.

Hotels in Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, and Cebu City are reportedly fully booked during the summit period.

Authorities estimate the presence of at least 11 heads of state and more than 2,000 international media personnel, with the exact number of delegates still being finalized by the NOC.

HUCS beautification efforts

Infrastructure and beautification efforts across Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu are in their final stages, with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reporting near-complete works, including lighting, asphalting, and installation of solar streetlights.

“We’re almost prepared, malinis na malinis na ang lahat… everything on the part of DPWH is ready,” said DPWH 7 Director Engr. Simon Arias.

He also appealed to the public to maintain cleanliness during the summit period.

“Every single garbage that we throw, it throws back to all of us,” Arias said.

Archival said Cebu City remains on standby to provide auxiliary support, particularly for transport corridors passing through the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) and South Road Properties (SRP).

“We are ready for security and traffic. Everything is set,” he said.

 Archival also clarified the use of ASEAN-themed tarpaulins at the SRP, saying these are part of preparations for the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit 2026 and should not be misinterpreted as an attempt to conceal problem areas.

“Dili pasabot nga gi-taguan nato ang lugar. Ang tinuod, nagpadayon ang atong cleanup sa Pasil ug uban pang areas,” Archival said.

He added that preparations for ASEAN are being used as an opportunity to accelerate long-term cleaning efforts while ensuring that Cebu is properly presented to visiting delegates in the coming weeks.

Mayor Jonkie Ouano of Mandaue City also said preparations are in the final stretch, particularly along key transit routes.

“We’re on our final stretch of preparations… everything is set,” Ouano said.

He noted that road works and traffic systems are already operational.

Event schedules across LGUs have also been adjusted, including the relocation of some marathons and public events to avoid disruption along major routes.

Baricuatro also appealed to the public to support the event by keeping Cebu clean and showing hospitality.

“Let’s keep Cebu clean for the duration and after ASEAN as well… let’s be hospitable to our guests,” she said.

She added that Cebu being chosen as host among 82 provinces is a major recognition that should be met with cooperation and pride.

“We are so glad that we have been chosen. As Cebuanos, we have to be grateful,” Baricuatro said. – Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon, Jonnavie Villa, and Kristin de Dios with Sandara Laurente and Ashley Chad Jopia, CTU-Tuburan Interns/MRM (CEBU NEWS)