MICE Alliance, CCCI and DOT launch Cebu MICE tourism guidebook

CEBU CITY – The Cebu MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) Alliance, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) launched the “Cebu MICE Guidebook” on January 28 in time for the ASEAN Tourism Forum’s Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) event, a major component of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, held at the Mactan Expo, Newtown Mactan in Lapulapu City.

The Cebu MICE Guidebook is a 200-page comprehensive resource designed to promote Cebu as a premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE). the guidebook consolidates information on Cebu's venues, facilities, accommodations, and service providers.

“The Cebu MICE Guidebook is a milestone we are pleased to celebrate with the Cebu MICE Alliance, Cebu chamber and all our partners in the tourism industry.  I commend the Cebu MICE Alliance and its members for the discipline and coordination behind this work. This guide reflects a shared commitment to professional standards, MARKET CLARITY and reliable delivery qualities that global partners and event organizers look for a destination as the first comprehensive mice guide for Cebu,” DOT secretary, Cristina Garcia-Frasco said in her keynote message.

She said that tis guidebook serves a clear purpose as in one reference, the venues, services, capabilities that position Cebu comparatively in the regional and international MICE market. It gives planners clarity, and it gives Cebu stronger visibility in global bidding.

The Department of Tourism and the tourism promotions board are proud partners in this effort. “We gladly supported the production and printing of the Cebu MICE Guidebook 2025 because competitive destinations require credible tools resources that present capability clearly and inspire confidence among global buyers,” Frasco added.

Cleofe Albiso, MICE Alliance president and managing director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts shared that the Cebu MICE Alliance was formed from a shared belief that Cebu’s greatest strength lies in collaboration. From the beginning, it was envisioned as a platform where public and private sectors move together—hotels, venues, suppliers, government agencies, and communities—guided by one purpose: to build a MICE destination that is competitive, inclusive, and future-ready.

“Today, we proudly launch the Cebu MICE Guidebook—a tangible expression of this shared vision. This project was motivated by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and its industry leaders, whose long-standing commitment has been to position Cebu as both a tourism and business hub and this guidebook was conceived during Cebu Business Month 2025,” Albiso recalled.

She added that the guidebook is designed as a strategic resource for international event planners, associations, and corporate organizers. It tells the story of a province ready to host gatherings that bring together people from different cultures, ideas, and purposes—done with care, professionalism, and heart.

Within the pages of the guidebook are nearly 300 establishments and service providers—hotels, venues, transportation partners, event organizers, and suppliers—each bringing mastery of their craft and deep local knowledge.

“Together, they represent a MICE ecosystem that is ready, reliable, and rooted in Cebuano hospitality.  For international planners, the Cebu MICE Guidebook offers something essential--confidence. It simplifies engagement, eases business transactions, and opens doors to trusted partners who understand both global standards and the unique character of Cebu,” Albiso noted

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) president, Jay Yuvallos, in his staunch advocacy for multi-sector collaboration, the Cebu MICE Guidebook is a product of Cebuanos who have long championed initiatives positioning the province as both a tourism and business hub.

Yuvallos’ LEAD-A MUST advocacy of business leadership inspired private sector stakeholders and public agencies to spawn this MICE Guidebook for its timely release at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, to provide visitors and delegates with accommodation options available daily, a growing portfolio of venues, and an established mix of dining, retail, and lifestyle experiences, the destination is equipped to host events of varying scale and complexity while delivering memorable delegate experiences beyond the meeting room. 

According to CCCI that the launch of the Cebu MICE Guidebook signals Cebu’s steady evolution into a future-ready MICE destination, anchored on collaboration, service excellence, and community engagement. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

ATF 2026 launches the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan 2026-2030

CEBU CITY – Department of Tourism secretary, Cristina Garcia-Frasco led the launching of the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan (ATSP) 2026-2030, at today’s ASEAN Tourism Conference, January 29 at NUSTAR, Kawit Island, Cebu City, as the ATF 2026 nearing its conclusion.

“The conference is held in Cebu, a city known for its regional and international exchange, symbolizing the balance between openness and responsibility in tourism that plays a significant role in the Philippine economy, connecting regions, supporting employment, and linking social enterprises to global markets.  The conference aims to advance the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan 2026-2030, focusing on resilience, workforce development, seamless travel, digital transformation, product and market diversification, and sustainability,” DOT secretary Farsco said, in her keynote message.

Frasco highlights the historical significance of Cebu, where the ministerial understanding on ASEAN cooperation in tourism was signed in 1998.  The Philippines, as the chair of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, aims to advance regional collaboration and deliver tangible benefits to communities.

The ASEAN Tourism Conference provides a platform for dialogue, partnership, and cooperation among governments, industry, and stakeholders, addressing shared challenges and opportunities.  Malaysia's leadership as the chair of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025 is appreciated for sustaining momentum and advancing practical cooperation within the tourism sector, Frasco added.

Frasco introduced the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan 2026-2030 which focus on resilience, workforce development, seamless travel, digital transformation, product and market diversification, and sustainability.   The Philippines, as the lead country coordinator, has worked closely with ASEAN member states, dialog partners, the ASEAN Secretariat, and the ADB to sustain momentum and support implementation, she said.

“The plan aims to translate commitments into measurable outcomes, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and technical expertise. The role of local associations, especially from Cebu, is essential in regional strategies, ensuring strong local systems, upheld standards, developed skills, enabled connectivity, and advanced sustainability, Frasco added.

Scott Morris, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice President for East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific highlighted ADBs support and commitment to tourism as it has been participating in the first ministerial of the year.

“Since early 2000’s ADB has mobilized over $4 billion in tourism-related financing across the region and ADB's investments have supported destination infrastructure, product development, skills upgrading, and private sector growth.  ADB has about $3 billion pipeline in new tourism and tourism-enabling investments across ASEAN through 2030,” Morris bared.

Morris underscored tourism's resilience and dynamic role in Southeast Asia's growth noting it supports one in every 10 jobs and the rebound in international travel and the structural transformation of the tourism sector in ASEAN countries are exponential.

ADB's investments and strategic initiatives and support to the ATSP 2026-2030 are its commitment to tourism as drivers of inclusive growth, job creation, and regional integration is reiterated, Morris added that ADB supports ASEAN member states in preparing a regional tourism policy framework is highlighted.

“ADB's vision for the future of ASEAN tourism by 2045 aims to be a global leader in quality and high-value tourism and the plan provides a coordinated regional framework to guide the next phase of tourism development,” Morris concluded.

After the launching of the ATSP 2026-2030, the first session on ASEAN Tourism Recovery Coordination convened with Ministers from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Malaysia to discuss delivering the 2026‑2030 ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan.

 

PCSA meets with MARINA board in Cebu to address challenges in the shipping industry

CEBU CITY—The Philippine Coastwise Shipping Association, Inc (PCSA) held an extensive meeting with the MARINA board in Cebu on January 27 at Radisson Blu Hotel to discuss and address challenges in the shipping industry.

“This is a historic meeting with the MARINA Board, for the first time that the meeting is held in Cebu, attended by various government agencies and a private sector representative to discuss issues affecting the shipping industry, and the aftermath of the sinking and the suspension of the Alesson shipping company,” PCSA Chairman, Lucio Lim told media in a side interview during the event.

Lim bared that the main issue discussed include the licensing of crew, which has led to a severe shortage due to stringent requirements imposed 15 years ago. In a plenary session, some members of PCSA argue that experience should be valued over formal education for domestic shipping roles.

They also criticize the imposition of penalties and suspensions for accidents, noting that 90% of accidents are due to human error. The meeting aims to advocate for more lenient domestic regulations to alleviate the crew shortage and reduce the impact of penalties on ship owners, Lim said.

“PCSA wants to review several memorandum circulars that the MARINA Board has issued through the years that are related to fines, penalties, and crew licensing for the shipping industry in the Philippines.  MC-109 for instance was issued on July 13, 1995 that establishes a comprehensive schedule of administrative fines and penalties for violations related to vessel registration, licensing, documentation, and safety regulations.  There are more of these MCs that have been issued, revised and amended.  We want to go through them, review then line by line, if possible so we can prepare comments or propose changes to suit a win-win solution for the industry,” Lim told the media.

Department of Transportation (DoTr) Acting Secretary, Atty. Giovanni Lopez, in his keynote message emphasized the importance of maritime security and disaster response. He vowed to support the modernization of the Philippine Coast Guard's assets and personnel, saying, "The DOTr will support and provide the PCG with the resources and infrastructure, as well as policy measures needed to fulfill your mission.”

"We have faced both challenges and opportunities as individual regions, but the call and commitment for a collective Visayas-wide voice, action, and solidarity remain crucial. We should work as one,” Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro said.   

Lim bared that the Philippine Coastwise Shipping Association, Inc. (PCSA) General Membership Meeting focused on strengthening domestic shipping through government and stakeholder collaboration.

“PCSA advocates for maritime industry governance reform, specifically splitting the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) into two entities for international and domestic shipping,” he added that the shortage of qualified crew members is a significant challenge in the shipping industry.”

Meanwhile, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is proposing stiffer penalties for shipping firms that violate safety and administrative regulations including fines ranging from P100 to P16,000, depending on the vessel's Gross Register Tonnage (GRT) for operating vessels without proper certificates or licenses; False statements or misrepresentations in applications can lead to P10,000 fines and vessels operating without valid insurance or passenger manifests face fines of P10,000 to P30,000.

Unauthorized route changes, port abandonment, or capacity increases can lead to fines of P200 to P2,000 per day and overcapacity and passenger ticket violations can result in fines of P10,000 to indefinite suspension.  Falsification or tampering of documents can lead to fines of up to P200,000; Operating without insurance can result in fines of up to P300,000 and MARINA can also suspend or cancel licenses for repeated offenses.

These issues on fines and penalties were extensively discussed at the plenary session during the meeting as well as in the consultative meeting with the MARINA Board, Lim said that most of these fines and penalties usually result in money losses for the shipping company.

Competency mapping

Lim further said that another crucial challenge of the shipping industry is the issue of competency mapping, a crucial process in the maritime industry, ensuring seafarers possess the required skills and knowledge to perform their duties safely and efficiently.

MARINA introduced competency assessment system (CAS) that integrates theoretical and practical testing to reflect real-world maritime operations, ensuring fair accurate and transparent evaluations.  However, PCSA argues that experience should be valued over formal education for domestic shipping roles.

“These issues of crew licensing, strict requirements over the past 15 years have led to a severe shortage of crew on domestic shipping.  The current licensing rules are seen as anti-poor, as they require college graduates to be seamen, despite STCW allowing for flexibility in rules,” Lim said.

Lim added that “experience” is emphasized as a crucial factor, with domestic shipping allowing individuals with elementary or high school education to become officers.  There is a need for corrections in the licensing rules to allow for more crew and address the shortage.

These complications arose from international conventions which affect domestic shipping regulations.  “The need for circular numbers to clarify and approve the new rules, the impact of these conventions on penalties and fines for violations is a key concern. There is difficulty in navigating the complexities of international and domestic shipping regulations,” Lim added.

PCSA hopes that the Marina Board will provide sufficient time to discuss and address the issues raised, for clearer and practical solutions to the licensing and accident management issues of the domestic shipping industry, Lim concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASEAN-Russian Federation Tourism dialog to advance cooperation in tourism sector

CEBU CITY -- The Philippines, through the Department of Tourism (DOT) convened senior tourism officials from ASEAN Member States and the Russian Federation as one of ASEAN’s dialogue partners during the 16th Meeting of ASEAN - Russian Federation Tourism Consultation in Cebu City on January 27, 2026.

DOT Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, Head of the Philippine National Tourism Organization said that the meeting aims to address challenges and facilitate Russian tourist arrivals in the region, while advancing cooperation in the tourism sector.

“Tourism remains a vital tool for economic development, driving job creation, supporting local businesses and empowering communities,” Buencuseso said in her opening message at the consultation.

Buencuseso shared that the meeting between ASEAN and Russia is focused on strengthening their strategic partnership, particularly in trade, energy, and nuclear cooperation.  This key cooperation includes trade and energy, nuclear energy partnerships and economic ties.

On trade and energy cooperation, Russia and ASEAN have seen significant growth in trade, with a 5.8 percent increase in 2024, reaching $23.2B. Energy cooperation is a key area, with Russia exploring nuclear energy partnerships with several ASEAN member states, including Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Nuclear energy partnerships, Russia's state-owned nuclear corporation, Rosatom, has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with ASEAN Centre for Energy to cooperate on nuclear energy, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and floating nuclear power plants (NPPs) including Vietnam, to construct nuclear power plants and research centers.

ASEAN is Russia's 9th largest trade partner, with Russia investing in various sectors, including agriculture, energy, and infrastructure strengthened economic and the ASEAN-Russia Comprehensive Plan of Action (2021-2025) guides their cooperation, focusing on political-security, economic, and socio-cultural areas.

According to Buencuseso, these meetings enhance economic cooperation, promote trade, and strengthen regional connectivity. Russia and ASEAN aim to boost trade, with a target of $30 billion in annual trade turnover. Key areas of cooperation include energy, agriculture, and logistics.

ASEAN and EAEU are exploring a free trade agreement, with Vietnam already having an FTA with EAEU; ASEAN and Russia held a seminar on digital transformation, focusing on sharing experiences and best practices in digitalization

On Energy Cooperation, Russia is exploring energy infrastructure projects with ASEAN countries, including nuclear development partnerships with Indonesia, Myanmar, and Vietnam and infrastructure development with Russia and Thailand collaborating on projects including integrated territorial development and smart cities.

Some notable bilateral agreements include Russia-Vietnam MoU to resume construction of the Ninh Thuận nuclear power plant; Russia-Indonesia feasibility study on NPP construction, and discussions on SMR technology; Russia-Malaysia interest in Rosatom's nuclear technology and floating NPPs and the Russia-Thailand $1 billion investment potential, focusing on energy, infrastructure, and technology.

 

 

 

 

 

China’s 15th 5-Year Plan: China-ASEAN green, digital trade

CEBU CITY—The Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Cebu unveiled its 15^th 5-Year Plan, marking the beginning of the country’s new two-step march towards socialist modernization by 2035 promoting China‑ASEAN green, digital trade, and Taiwan as an internal matter.

“China’s 15th Five‑Year Plan will sustain its role as a major driver of global growth, contributing roughly 30% of worldwide output each year while advancing institutional opening and shaping a fair, inclusive international economic order,” bared Chinese Consul General in Cebu Zhang Zhen, at the New Year Media Briefing Tuesday, January 27 at Mandarin Plaza Hotel, Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Cebu City.

Consul Zhen, in her opening presentation, talked about the evolution of China’s 5-Year Plans and its role in China's development, starting with the first plan in 1953 that focused on industrialization and economic growth.  The plans have evolved over time, incorporating broader goals of social equality, environmental protection, cultural enrichment, and national governance.

She highlighted the 14^th 5-Year Plan with technological breakthroughs including the development of a domestically produced AI model and it accelerated China's green transition and fostered a world-class electric vehicle industry. It marked a significant milestone with China achieving GDP growth without increasing records, focusing on long-term governance.

Zhen talked about the latest developments in China-- the development of a new method to mass produce high-quality indium selenide chips, which outperform current technology. The innovation involves controlling the atomic ratio between indium and selenium, leading to the production of indium 797 and desertification and ecological barriers.

“Striking energy spreading across the Desert in China's mainland, completing a barrier belt along the southwestern edge of the Desert to stabilize the land against desertification. The country has been innovative in anti-desertification measures, combining solar panels with crop plantations. Over 3000 kilometers of ecological barriers have been recognized globally for their effectiveness,” Consul Zhen shared.

The 15th five-year plan is expected to continue China's modernization efforts, building on the achievements of the 14th plan, Zhen said adding that the 14^th plan moved from prescriptive to strategic and the 15^th plan highlighted green transition and AI breakthroughs and promotes Taiwan sovereignty and reunification stance.

“China maintains that Taiwan remains part of its territory and opposes independence, citing the one‑China principle and international support for reunification,” Zhen bared.

She shared that President Xi Jinping announced a Chinese proposal to strengthen global governance, emphasizing justice, peace, and the United Nations’ central role, and received support from over 150 countries in 2025.

China’s global south engagement expanded trade and investment achieving 20% growth in non‑financial direct investment and zero tariffs for least developed countries. China and the Philippines celebrated their 50th diplomatic anniversary, strengthening trade ties and reaffirming mutual cooperation in energy and infrastructure.

Chinese companies are advancing bridge projects in Manila and Taiwan, while China donated $1 million and 1 million RMB to aid Cebu after natural disasters, demonstrating cooperative economic and humanitarian efforts. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sto. Nino Mactan College provides scholarship for Air Force personnel in Cebu

LAPULAPU CITY – The Sto. Nino Mactan College, Inc. (SNMC) and the Air Mobility Command (AMC) in Mactan Island signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), Monday, January 26 at the VVIP Lounge, Base Operations. Brigadier General Benito N Ebuen Air Base (BGBNEAB) in Lapu-Lapu City, to establish a scholarship program for Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel assigned at BGBNEAB, offering full tuition coverage for either the service member or one immediate family member and the PAF will oversee the ROTC program of the SNMC through the 5th ARCEN.

 

“The MOU is a constructive engagement that emphasizes education, training, and human capital development for the Air Mobility Command and the collaboration's role in producing well-rounded, educated personnel and shaping responsible citizen-soldiers,” AMC Commander, MGen. Ramil Oloroso said, in his message at the signing event.

Oloroso described the MOU as very significant and the partnership is said to enhance the quality of the ROTC program at Sto. Niño Mactan College focusing on academic competence and leadership.  He expressed appreciation for SNMC’s support and looks forward to a productive collaboration.

The scholarship covers all educational levels, including basic education, college education, and the College of Law.  The Philippine Air Force personnel can choose from various programs offered by SNMC including bachelor's degrees in education, sports, and performing arts.

 SNMC owner and president, Sunshine Lim, acknowledged MGen. Oloroso and all the officers of Air Mobility Command, as well as the faculty and administrators from Santo Nino Mactan College for the shared values between the Philippine Air Force and Santo Nino Mactan College, particularly the commitment to serving humanity.

“We have academic offerings from the various educational levels and programs offered by the school, including preschool, elementary, senior high school, baccalaureate degrees, and postgraduate courses as well as the introduction of Scholarship Programs especially for members of the Air Force and their families,” Lim said.

Lim mentioned that the scholarship programs available at the school now include the Juris Doctor program offered by the School of Law.   She indicated that the details of the scholarship programs will be discussed later by the program head from the Bachelor of Science in Criminology and she reiterated her appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate with the Air Mobility.

M/Gen Oloroso described the MOU as an agreement of hearts and vision, adding that airmen and their families will only pay miscellaneous fees, receiving the opportunity to uplift their future.  In return, PAF and SNMC talked about the oversight of the ROTC program and the responsiveness to students.

“We hope to impart the concept of service and compliance, the importance of adaptability, resiliency, and dependability as core values to the students, and highlighted role of serving with heart, life, purpose,” M/Gen Oloroso said and expressed his gratitude to SNMC for this collaboration. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

ASEAN SUMMIT 2026 kicks off in Cebu, Philippines

CEBU CITY – The ASEAN SUMMIT 2026 is currently underway at NUSTAR Resort in Cebu, Philippines, with various events and meetings taking place from January 25 to 30, 2026 starting off with the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat (AMM) on January 25-29 with discussions focusing on the Philippines' priorities as ASEAN chair, under the theme "Navigating Our Future, Together" and the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) has begun, January 26-30, featuring policy meetings, activities, and discussions aimed at shaping the region's tourism industry.

The ASEAN SUMMIT 2026 brought together leaders from the 11 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) namely; Brunei - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodia - Prime Minister Hun Manet, Indonesia - President Prabowo Subianto, Laos - Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Malaysia - Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Myanmar - Pro Tem President Min Aung Hlaing, Philippines - President Bongbong Marcos (host country), Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Thailand - Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Timor-Leste - Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão (joined ASEAN on October 26, 2025), and Vietnam - Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính.

Dialog partners and observers like Australia, Canada, China, European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and the United States are also here to participate in the discussions, meetings and other events. The summit will focus on regional cooperation, economic growth, security, and cultural exchange.

“We are reminded that the future of tourism in our region will not be shaped by any one country alone. It will be shaped by how well we align our strategies, our standards, our innovations, and most importantly, our resolve to ensure that tourism remains a force for good,” Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary and Head of the Philippine National Tourism Organizations (NTO), Verna Buensuceso said in her opening message on behalf of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

Speaking before heads of national tourism organizations during the 63rd ASEAN National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) Meeting in Cebu City Monday, January 26, Buensuceso emphasized that the regional meetings over the week must deliver tangible policies and benefits for tourism stakeholders and the need for ASEAN Member States to move forward not as competing destinations but as a unified region.

She added that 63rd NTOs meeting is officially part of the week-long series of high-level meetings, consultations, working group sessions, and discussions central to ASEAN tourism cooperation, guided by this year’s theme, “Navigating our Future, Together.”

“As we exchange best practices and strengthen cooperation, may our discussions lead to outcomes that are concrete and forward-looking. Outcomes that support sustainability without sacrificing growth, that accelerate digital transformation while protecting trust and safety, and that keep communities at the heart of the tourism economy so that the benefits of travel are felt not only in arrivals but in myriad opportunities,” Buensuceso said.

In the coming days, key officials across Southeast Asia and the world also convene for more decisive and high-level meetings, including the 48th ASEAN Plus Three NTOs Meeting; 16th Meeting of ASEAN Plus Three NTOs; ASEAN-Australia Inaugural Dialogue for Tourism; 34th ASEAN–India Tourism Working Group Meeting; ASEAN Tourism Forum; ASEAN Tourism Conference; 29th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers; 25th Meeting of ASEAN, China, Japan, and Republic of Korea Tourism Ministers (25th M-ATM+3); 13th Meeting of ASEAN – India Tourism Ministers (13th M-ATM Plus India); and the Fifth Meeting of ASEAN - Russian Federation Tourism Ministers, among others.

Buensuceso also welcomed Timor-Leste as the 11th Member State of ASEAN. “Your presence enriches our regional community and reminds us that ASEAN’s strength has always come from widening the circle, grounded in trust, friendship, and a shared commitment to progress.”

The ASEAN TOURISM FORUM 2026 is slated to formally start in a ceremony on Wednesday January 28 at the Nustar Convention Center, while the main ASEAN Leaders’ Summit will be held in Cebu on May 8 to 9, 2026, and in Pasay City on November 10 to 12, 2026.

Other activities included in the Summit are the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) to be hosted by the Mactan Expo, the Liberty Shrine in Lapulapu City and the IC3 Convention Center in Cebu City and also cultural events showcasing Cebuano heritage and Philippine tourism are also part of the program.

The Summit is expected to boost Cebu's economy, with increased hotel occupancy, transportation, and retail sales. Local businesses are expected to benefit from the influx of delegates and visitors.

Over 5,000 security personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety of delegates and visitors and a gun ban is in effect across Central Visayas from January 17 to February 1, 2026. (Photos: ASEAN Summit/PCO/PIA7)