Organizers cite role of Cebu’s LGUs: ASEAN Summit hailed a success

CEBU, Philippines —  Hailed as a success, the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings staged in Cebu is touted as a showcase of the Filipino spirit.

Following months of preparations, the organizers of the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings consider the event a reflection of Filipino hospitality and bayanihan, crediting the effort to close coordination among government agencies, private partners, volunteers, and local communities.

The ASEAN 2026 National Organizing Council–Office of the Director-General for Operations (ASEAN NOC-ODGO), the implementing arm of the National Organizing Council under the Office of the President, thanked the various sectors involved in hosting the regional gathering.

Among those recognized were national government agencies, security and protocol personnel, healthcare and emergency teams, logistics and transport groups, technical staff, media workers, and volunteers who helped ensure the smooth conduct of the summit activities.

Held under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the summit also highlighted cooperation between government and private institutions across Cebu’s tri-city area.

ASEAN NOC Director-General for Operations Hellen B. De La Vega said the event’s success reflected the “shared commitment, close coordination, and collective spirit of service” of everyone involved.

“We are deeply grateful to every agency, partner, worker, volunteer, and especially the people of Cebu, whose dedication and support allowed us to showcase the best of the Filipino spirit to ASEAN and the world,” De La Vega said.

Organizers also cited the role of Cebu’s local governments in the preparations for the summit, particularly the Provincial Government of Cebu and the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue, as well as the Municipality of Cordova.

According to the organizing council, the cooperation among local government units demonstrated Cebu’s readiness to host major international events.

Private sector partners, including Megaworld Corporation and The Mactan Newtown, along with hotels, tourism stakeholders, accommodation providers, and mobility partners, were also acknowledged for assisting delegates and guests during the summit.

The organizing council likewise thanked MSMEs, cultural performers, production teams, service providers, and workers behind the scenes for contributing to what it described as a professionally managed summit.

De La Vega also expressed appreciation to residents affected by heightened security and traffic measures during the event.

“Most especially, we thank the people of Cebu, particularly the residents of Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cordova, for your patience, discipline, understanding, and wholehearted support throughout the Summit,” she said.

The Philippines continues to hold the ASEAN chairmanship throughout 2026.

A rundown of Asean’s key highlights

The leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) reaffirmed their commitment to regional unity, peace, stability, and sustainable development during the 48th ASEAN Summit held on May 8 in Cebu, Philippines.

In the Chair’s Statement released after the summit, ASEAN member states expressed support for the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026 under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” emphasizing the region’s shared commitment to addressing global and regional challenges through cooperation and solidarity.

The summit was chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and convened in accordance with the ASEAN Charter.

ASEAN leaders underscored the importance of maintaining ASEAN unity, centrality, and solidarity while strengthening adherence to a rules-based regional architecture amid evolving geopolitical and economic conditions.

The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the key priorities of the Philippine chairmanship, including reinforcing peace and security through dialogue and cooperation, enhancing maritime cooperation, deepening economic integration, and accelerating digital transformation across the region.

The statement highlighted ASEAN’s focus on promoting inclusive, people-centered, and sustainable development, as well as strengthening resilience against emerging threats, climate change, and other cross-cutting challenges.

They also reiterated their shared commitment to maintaining peace, security, and stability in the region through the settlement of disputes and respect for legal and diplomatic processes.

The leaders stressed the importance of refraining from the threat or use of force and reaffirmed adherence to international law, including the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

ASEAN leaders likewise emphasized respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity while promoting dialogue, consultation, preventive diplomacy, and confidence-building measures to address tensions and strengthen regional trust.

The 48th ASEAN Summit gathered leaders from Southeast Asian member states in Cebu to discuss regional cooperation, economic growth, security concerns, and strategies for navigating global uncertainties together.

At the same summit, ASEAN leaders formally began the implementation of the ASEAN 2045 “Our Shared Future” agenda, which reaffirms the commitment to building a more resilient, innovative, and people-centered regional community.

ASEAN leaders also stressed the importance of translating long-term goals into clear and measurable actions supported by regular progress reviews and transparent reporting to ensure that the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 delivers concrete benefits to the region’s more than 700 million people. — (FREEMAN)