Baricuatro: Cebu is 80% ready for ASEAN Summit 2026 on May 7-8

CEBU CITY- Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro declared that Cebu is 80 percent ready for the  48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Cebu on May 7 to 8, 2026 to happen primarily in Lapu-lapu City.

“As head of the Cebu Organizing Committee, I should say that 80% ready nata,” Gov. Baricuatro said during the press briefing of the Cebu Provincial Organizing Committee (POC), today, April 23 at the Capitol. 

Baricuatro, joined by Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and Mandaue City Mayor Jonkie Ouano, Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief Nagiel Bañacia and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 7 Director Simon Arias, who also provided updates on preparations within their respective jurisdictions.

With security, infrastructure, and emergency systems nearing full operational capacity, Cebu Province is entering the final stretch of preparations for the ASEAN Summit, signaling readiness to host one of the region’s most high-level diplomatic gatherings.

The summit is expected to gather in Cebu the heads of state of the 11 ASEAN member states—Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam—to discuss various areas of cooperation and emerging regional issues.

The summit is expected to have spillover effects in neighboring Cebu and Mandaue cities. Around 3,000 delegates—including official representatives, support staff, and members of the international media—are expected to attend.

“As far as the security is concerned, 80% complete na with enhanced measures, emergency response systems and hospital Code Blue readiness in place.  It’s safe to say that in Cebu, we are ready,” Baricuatro added.

The governor noted that several ministerial meetings initially scheduled to be held in Cebu have been canceled or shifted to virtual platforms due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. However, the Leaders’ Summit will proceed as planned.

“This is a momentous event. Cebu being featured over all the 82 provinces; kita’y napilian. That alone would inspire us nga we will do our best nga let’s be hospitable to our guests, give them the warmest Cebuano welcome,” she said. 

Baricuatro discussed the significance of the quantum tourism promotion event for Cebu, emphasizing its importance in boosting tourism with Cebu’s hosting the ASEAN Summit 2026.  She added that the event is described as a major promotion, highlighting Cebu and Manila as the primary focus among all provinces.

“Cebu is positioned as the second city outside of Manila, indicating its strategic importance in tourism.  Because of the national scope of the event, we confirm our role in supporting the Summit regardless of the specific agenda or requests from the delegates,” Baricuatro stated. 

12.0 Freedom Fest, very first biggest mountain rave at La Villa Francisco in Tacloban City

TACLOBAN CITY – The very first biggest mountain rave party is happening at the La Villa Francisco (LVF) at Barangay 100, Diit, Tacloban City on June 12, 2026 dubbed as “12.0 Freedom Fest”—a 12-hour meticulously curated journey to maximize the Philippine Independence Day holiday on a weekend.

“The planning and execution of the 12.0 Freedom Fest event aims to revitalize our La Villa Francisco, a premier mountain resort with affordable rates for the Taclobnons and nearby towns in Leyte.  The event is intended to be affordable and family-oriented, with a focus on expression and community,” said Jimmy Clemente, president & CEO of La Villa Francisco during the media launch and site facility tour in April 2026.

Clemente bared that the goal of re- establishing the resort to offer affordable family fun to Taclobanons and nearby towns and to open the facility to a broader audience, not just the local community, and hosting the 12.0 Freedom Fest rave party from 1:00PM on June 12 to 1:00AM on June 13 makes a difference and the impact on the overall image and marketing of La Villa Francisco. 

“The goal is to attract a more premium market, including the middle class, and ensure the event's success. We are aiming to accommodate over 3,000 people with three ticket categories: general admission, VIP, and BVIP, with the latter being further divided into two sections,” shared Ailhenne Zoe Cabalan, LVF operations manager.

Cabalan said that the event team and management are finalizing the ticket package rates and structure so that tickets are ready to go on sale on April 27 with publish social media announcements over the next few days on the official Facebook page detailing ticket sales timing and categories.

What to expect at the 12.0 Freedom Fest?

Elvira Torre, proprietor & CEO of Dreambox Multimedia Marketing Campaign Services explains that Freedom Fest is the definitive mountain rave, timed for June 12, the Philippine Independence Day long weekend, engineered as a perfect 12-hour experience from 3:30 PM to 3:30 AM, emphasizing the importance of expression through music and events. The celebration kicks off early as the gates open at 1:00 PM.

“Rising above the city, 12.0 Freedom Fest is More than a party, it is a strategic marketing initiative to elevate La Villa Francisco Mountain Resort, transitioning its mass-market appeal into Tacloban’s ultimate "High Ground" premium destination.  This immersive 12-hour journey is a meticulously programmed mountain takeover that marks the inauguration of an iconic tradition, kicking off a new era of resort activities,” Torre said.

12.0 Freedom Fest offers a seamless atmospheric transition from a premium sunset lounge session to a high-energy rave featuring an exclusive all-female headline DJ line-up, amplified by spectacular production and the explosive performances of the Rebel Force Dancers, Torre bared.

“We would like to transform the resort into a premier music festival destination and to solidify its reputation as a premier destination for large gatherings, kicking off with the highly anticipated 12.0 Freedom Fest, a 12-hour immersive music and lifestyle experience,” Torre said.

As the sun sets, the resort transitions into a high-energy nocturnal spectacle, starting with the relaxing sundown and golden hour grooves of local DJs Jong Garcia, NJR, and Nolit.  As the night progresses, the energy hits its peak with an explosive, all-female Manila DJ lineup featuring Mia Fernandez, Christine Alcantara, Lovezy, Jennifer Lee, and Dara Carmina. Amplified by the commanding presence of The Hype Syndicate (Aj Laranas, King John, and Ice Rosales) and the visual choreography of the Rebel Force Dancers.

“12.0 Freedom Fest highlights La Villa Francisco’s capability to host large-scale, premium audio-visual spectacles. Guests can immediately enjoy the resort facilities—including the pool, water slides, and expansive grounds—alongside interactive zones like The Glam Hub and a curated Food Village,” Clemente shared.

According to Clemente, guests walk through dynamic entry barricades into a space filled with lush summer colors, fluorescent neon accents, string lights, canopy-draped VIP corners, and colorful festival pole flags.

Torre shared a preview of what to expect at the event.  Arriving early at 1:00 PM means first dibs on the ultimate content haven. Highlight the 8x12ft event photo op wall, the self-shoot interactive photo booths (complete with unlimited polaroid prints and props), and lifestyle stations offering hair braiding and henna/face painting.

Tease the massive concessionaire setup. Guests can enjoy everything from classic ice cream and street food to pizza and customized crafts at the pop-up station. Never Go Thirsty. The party won't stop for a drink run, thanks to strategically placed satellite bars, brand activations, and beer stations covering the VVIP, VIP, Gen Ad, and pool areas.

Some VIP experience with the general admission (GA) Poolside and Mountain Side Canopy Lounge Reservation available for groups of 15 and 20 persons, VIP and VVIP Sections with premium seating complete with premium bottle service, exclusive satellite bar and waiter service, and the absolute best view of the 12-hour stage production especially for VVIP A Ticket Holders.

Key features of the 12.0 Freedom Fest include a 12-hour continuous entertainment with DJs from Cebu, MCs from Ozamis, Leyte and Manila, Hype Performers from Cebu, All-Female Manila DJ lineup, Merchandise and F&B Stalls, Activity Corners, Pool Foam Party, Giant Pool Slide and more!

Festival Attractions include Pool Foam Party, Interactive Photo Booths, Hair Braiding & Face Painting, Henna Stations, Food Village & Craft Pop-ups, Satellite Bars, CO2 & Confetti Spectacles.  Music Starts at 3:30 PM for the 12-Hour continuous entertainment with young professionals, tastemakers, and festival-goers looking for an elevated, high-energy highland escape.

Let’s tour La Villa Francisco Mountain Resort

Located just a short drive from the Tacloban City center, La Villa Francisco Mountain Resort is highly accessible for both local residents and out-of-town visitors. Guests looking for a seamless, hassle-free journey can easily book a ride directly to the resort using online ride-hailing platforms like Grab. For those commuting, standard public transportation options, including local buses are also readily available, making the highland escape completely within reach whether you are driving private or commuting.

Amenities cater to both children and adults. The Children’s Waterpark features water slides designed for younger guests, while adults can enjoy a swimming pool and a giant pool slide. Beyond these, guests can commune with nature through the resort’s landscaped garden, complete with walkways that are illuminated at night, offering a serene environment for evening strolls.

Today, La Villa Francisco features 17 rooms, including options for couples, small groups, and families.  Room types range from standard for two to triple and family rooms.  For larger groups, Casa Amistad and Casa Bonita can each accommodate up to 10 persons, offered at an overnight rate of P10,000 inclusive of breakfast.

These additions position the resort as an ideal venue for barkada getaways and family bonding experiences.  Complementing its accommodations is an on-site restaurant that serves both day visitors and overnight guests. Every weekend, the resort hosts Acoustic Night, where live band performances create a relaxed and social dining atmosphere.

The resort has also strengthened its position as an events destination. Its function hall can accommodate up to 500 guests, making it suitable for weddings, birthdays, and corporate gatherings. This large-capacity venue adds to its appeal as a go-to location for celebrations in the Tacloban area.

La Villa Francisco Mountain Resort offers visitors a refreshing escape where leisure and nature meet. Spread across 9.5 hectares of developed land within a 25-hectare property, the resort combines sweeping greenery, cool highland air, and modern amenities to create a destination where leisure meets nature.

Looking ahead, the Clemente family plans to expand the resort’s offerings. Planned developments include additional villas and cottages, as well as new attractions such as a proposed kart zone and horseback-riding facilities. These enhancements aim to broaden the resort’s appeal while supporting the continued growth of tourism in Tacloban. (Photos: MBCN/LVF)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MCIA prepares for the ASEAN Summit 2026 in Cebu in May

LAPU-LAPU CITY – The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) with its private operator, the Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC) and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), in coordination with the different agencies including the ASEAN National Organizing Committee (NOC), TIEZA Site Enhancement Team, and other law enforcement and security units activated a joint operational preparation plan for the upcoming ASEAN Summit 2026 in May, to ensure a seamless, secure, and world-class arrival and departure experience for the  Heads of States (HOS), international delegates, and global media.

In a joint media tour and briefing today, April 20, organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA-7), Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), and Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), MCIA officials and the joint team shared its comprehensive preparations for the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Cebu in May.

"Our teams are executing a comprehensive operational plan to ensure our infrastructure and services are fully ready.  From refreshing our VIP Lounges to fine-tuning our airside operations, we are focused on connecting our guests to a better, more seamless experience that guarantees a smooth and vibrant journey for the delegates, without compromising the comfort of our regular passengers," shared Ricia Montejo, General Manager for Mactan-Cebu International Airport under Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation.

The unified approach highlights MCIA’s public-private partnership in delivering unparalleled service and showcasing the signature Cebuano hospitality on a global stage, MCIA team said that the preparations are done in several key areas at the airport.

First focus is a signature welcome reception by dedicated Passenger Service Assistants (PSAs) to hand out welcome leis and guide leaders through the facilities and a space for showcasing Filipino craftsmanship with locally-sourced furniture and lounge setup, highlighting local delicacies that reflect the Cebuano and Filipino cuisine to delight delegates.

MCIAA’s site enhancement and infrastructure projects

"Mactan-Cebu International Airport is deeply honored to serve as the first and last impression for the distinguished heads of state and delegates attending the ASEAN Leaders' Summit. Through our seamless coordination with ACAC, the local government, and national security agencies, we have laid out meticulous protocols that reflect the very best of Cebuano hospitality. We are fully prepared to welcome our Southeast Asian neighbors with warmth, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational excellence,” said Julius Neri, Jr., MCIAA General Manager and CEO

Neri bared that part of its preparations, MCIAA has undertaken key site enhancement and infrastructure projects to ensure operational readiness and a world-class airport environment.  These include the improvement of the General Aviation Terminal Building and its perimeter fence, water tank restoration and water supply improvements, the repainting of General Aviation apron pavement markings, as well as the repainting of both primary and secondary perimeter fences.

MCIAA has also facilitated the designation of aircraft parking positions to ensure efficient airside operations and accommodate ASEAN-related flights. Further developments include the concreting and widening of the Ibo Access Road, complemented by street lighting and landscape enhancements, improving landside access, mobility, and overall airport aesthetics. In partnership with TIEZA, MCIAA also facilitated the installation of the LED wall at the General Aviation area, as well as lamp post banners and signages across the MCIA vicinity.

Neri shared that MCIAA has also procured ASEAN uniforms for its Liaison Officers and officials, in support of official facilitation.  These uniforms are sourced from Hinablon sa Argao, a community-based initiative under Cebu Technological University- Argao Campus that preserves Cebuano weaving traditions and supports local livelihoods; and Liong Garments, a Cebu-based manufacturer creating quality apparel with purpose.

“These are complemented with accessories crafted by local shell artisans from the Mactan Shrine Souvenir Vendors Association, showcasing Cebu’s culture and craftsmanship,” Neri added.

Meanwhile, in preparation for the vital movements of guests and delegates, ACAC executes critical site enhancements and operational requirements, including providing designated areas in Terminals 1 and 2 for ASEAN-assigned vehicles, handling the replacement of some lights, providing power supply at lounges, and overseeing the repainting of the ramp which completion is firmly scheduled on the last week of April. (Photos: MCIA/Google Images)

 

 

Aboitiz InfraCapital leads tourism dialog on how to navigate current industry challenges

LAPULAPU CITY -- Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), the operator of Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) convened tourism stakeholders and hotel executives in Cebu to a strategic tourism dialog on how to proactively address the potential impacts of the ongoing Middle East crisis.

“The aviation and tourism sectors are deeply intertwined. When global headwinds like surging jet fuel costs put pressure on our airline partners, our industry inevitably feels the impact.  By aligning closely with our hotel partners, developing agile passenger scenarios, we are leveraging the same proactive management model that has driven success across our other gateways. True resilience is built through transparent collaboration and continuous investment in the facilities that matter most to our passengers,” said Athanasios Titonis, CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital Operating Airports, in his opening message.

The strategic meeting focused on safeguarding Cebu’s tourism through collaboration, scenario planning, and leveraging new market opportunities amidst the on-going crisis. Several hotel general managers and industry leaders such as bai Hotel, Shangri-la Mactan Cebu, Tambuli Seaside Resort and Spa, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, Mercure Mactan Cebu, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, Nustar Resort and Casino, Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark Mactan and other industry partners attended the dialog to help address the pressing reality of rising global jet fuel prices.

The dialog centered on how the industry can prepare and work together to manage external pressures like how jet fuel can trigger an increase in fares and can impact passenger traffic and demand.  ACAC shared that if the current global situation persists, travel demand is expected to be challenged from early June onwards.

The ACAC team said that the dialog wanted to ensure that every strategic improvement at the airport level resonates across the entire tourism value chain, creating a unified voice for regional growth and resilience.

Looking forward, MCIA is also strategically eyeing the expansion of new, untapped frontiers, with active discussions underway to bridge direct connectivity of other new emerging markets to Cebu. MCIA reaffirms its commitment to being more than just an airport facility, but a vital economic engine and a dedicated partner to the entire Cebuano tourism ecosystem.

Aboitiz InfraCapital said that the same dialogue setup are organized in the coming weeks at the Laguindingan International Airport in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental and Bohol-Panglao International Airport in Panglao, Bohol, to ensure industry readiness and cooperation to address any industry challenges in the future. (Photos: MCIA/Google Images)

DSWD-7 disburses over P74.2M in cash assistance to 14K tricycle drivers in Central Visayas

CEBU CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Field Office 7 had disbursed a total of ₱74,290,000 in cash assistance under its Cash Relief Assistance (CRA) program for the 14,858 tricycle drivers across Central Visayas distributed during the National Simultaneous Payout as of April 2026.

DSWD Assistant Secretary for Operations Paul Ledesma and Field Office 7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero engaged with the recipients at the event, with beneficiaries coming from the 10 cities in Cebu and Bohol, with each qualified tricycle driver receiving ₱5,000 in financial aid with the local government units facilitating the payout operations.

Dominador Alforque, a beneficiary from Cebu City shared his experience upon receiving the money.  “Dako kaayo ning gamit jud namo tungod sa sige’g saka sa gasolina ron. Ang proseso, wala ray lima ka minuto—approved dayon!” (This is a big help for us due to the non-stop increase in gasoline prices.  The process only took five minutes, approval is immediate.)

Amadeo Pilos, a beneficiary from Tagbilaran City, Bohol agreed on the fast and immediate processing of the documents from verification to approval only took minutes and the DSWD staff were very accommodating.

“Our mission is clear: to ensure that timely assistance reaches our tricycle drivers who are most affected by the rising fuel costs. With the guidance of our Secretary, DSWD-7 successfully carried out the payout through the collective effort of the agency and the LGUs.  Moreover, this initiative would not have been as successful without the trust and cooperation of our beneficiaries,” Lucero said, adding that a special payout will be conducted for beneficiaries who were unable to claim their cash assistance during the initial rollout, with the schedule to be announced soon.

The Central Visayas beneficiaries included those from Tagbilaran City with 2,755 tricycle drivers; Bogo City with 1,649; Danao City with 377; Mandaue City with 1,548; Cebu City with 591:  Lapu-Lapu City with 3,487; Talisay City with 1,749; City of Naga with 148; Carcar City with 1,102; and Toledo City with 1,452 beneficiaries.

Lucero said that the cash assistance aims to help ease the financial burden of tricycle drivers affected by the continuous increase in fuel prices amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. To ensure a fast and orderly distribution of assistance, DSWD-7 deployed personnel across the 10 local government units (LGUs) to facilitate the payout operations.

The agency also worked closely with partner LGUs in providing venues, medical stations, verification teams, and security personnel to ensure a safe, organized, and convenient payout process for beneficiaries. Through active coordination with LGUs and partner agencies, no untoward incidents were reported during the payouts.

Real-Time monitoring and transparency enhanced the smoother flow of the payout operations, which system allowed the agency to efficiently track disbursements, avoid duplication, and ensure transparency and accountability throughout the process. The same system will be used by the Crisis Intervention Section (CIS) team to ensure accurate, fast, and reliable data in future payouts, Lucero said highlighting the strong collaboration among stakeholders. (Photos: DSWD7-FB Posts)