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.
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