Cebu positioned to become premier international venue

CEBU, Philippines — Following the successful hosting of the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit, the provincial government is now positioning Cebu as a premier venue for future international gatherings.

In a post-summit press briefing yesterday, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro expressed confidence that Cebu has proven its capability to stage large-scale global events.

Baricuatro thanked government agencies, local government units, security forces, healthcare workers, volunteers, private partners, and the rest of the Cebuanos for the collective success in hosting one of the region’s biggest diplomatic gatherings.

She also acknowledged members of the media for helping showcase Cebu to the international community despite the demanding schedules throughout the summit week.

She stressed that the summit’s success was not the work of a single office or individual, but the result of cooperation among various sectors.

“Together we showed the world what Cebu excellence looks like,” Baricuatro said.

Asked whether the summit preparations could serve as a benchmark for future international gatherings or other global events, the governor said the experience has laid a strong foundation for Cebu moving forward.

“Well definitely, this will be a benchmark in future events that will happen in Cebu,” she said.

Baricuatro added that Cebu’s successful hosting reflected a different approach under the current leadership.

“It’s a different leadership in different times, so that’s why different results,” she said.

For the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7, the summit also demonstrated how coordinated planning and multi-agency cooperation contributed to maintaining peace and order throughout the event.

Police Colonel Kimberly Molitas, spokesperson for PRO-7, said around 8,000 police officers and other uniformed personnel were deployed during the summit, which resulted in zero major incidents throughout the event.

She credited the cooperation of Cebuanos, LGUs, and partner agencies for the smooth implementation of security measures.

“Every leader has expressed their happiness and that’s the impression that they left to us — that they’ve been safe and very secured in every corner,” she added.

She also emphasized that security preparations went beyond crime prevention and included disaster readiness and emergency response measures.

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism in Central Visayas (DOT)-7 said the summit significantly boosted Cebu’s international visibility despite the limited time delegates had to tour the province.

Gelena Dimpas said the event highlighted Cebu’s readiness to host world-class gatherings.

“There’s no better way of showcasing the readiness of our destination than international events such as the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit,” Dimpas said.

According to Dimpas, DOT information desks handled more than a hundred inquiries from delegates and guests across eight venues and billeting hotels during the summit.

Among the most common inquiries were transportation arrangements, gala registration details, prayer rooms, tour packages, and directions around Cebu.

She revealed that some delegates managed to explore Cebu on their own despite their tight schedules.

“The Prime Minister of Timor-Leste went all over our heritage sites in Cebu City and availed of our Paglantaw tour,” Dimpas said.

She added that although many tours were not formally booked through the tourism desks, all promotional materials and tour catalogs distributed during the summit were fully consumed.

“Our expectation is they went around on their own given that time was very limited,” she said.

Dimpas also cited the need for more training and orientation for volunteers, drivers, and liaison officers who may assist in future international events.

She said DOT developed a preparation framework called “HARANA,” which stands for “Hosting ASEAN with Readiness, Agility, Nationalism and Authenticity.”

“We’ve seen the difference from those who have undergone it and those who have not undergone it,” she said.

For the tourism sector, Dimpas believes the summit already achieved one important objective: placing Cebu on the radar of international travelers.

“Yes, it made us more visible,” she said.

Baricuatro echoed the same sentiment, saying the extensive international media coverage of the ASEAN Summit gave Cebu valuable exposure worldwide.

“I always believed that first impression is lasting. So, in my end, I made sure that Cebu made a good impression,” the governor said.

“I just found out yesterday that Cebu was all over the world. They covered the ASEAN all over the world so it gives me great joy to know that at least in a certain time, in a certain place, na showcase gyud ang Cebu,” she added. — Ashley Chad Jopia, CTU-Tuburan Intern/IHM (FREEMAN)