Local officials said Cebu is ready to host the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, with security, traffic, and venue preparations in place ahead of the high-level gathering in May.
As this year’s ASEAN chair, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will join leaders from the 10 member states during the summit scheduled from May 7 to 8.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro said preparations are nearing completion, assuring that the province is ready to receive visiting heads of state and delegations.
“We in Cebu, we are ready,” Baricuatro said, adding that security measures are about 80 percent complete, with hospitals on heightened alert and emergency response systems on standby throughout the event.
She said rehearsals and coordination drills will be conducted ahead of the arrival of foreign leaders to ensure smooth operations.
Most summit activities will be held in Lapu-Lapu City, particularly at the newly built Mactan Expo in The Mactan Newtown. Local disaster officials said preparations in the area began as early as December, including traffic rerouting plans and public information campaigns.
Nagiel Bañacia of the Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said road closures will be limited to convoy movements and will be reopened immediately after. He also assured that both bridges connecting Mactan Island to mainland Cebu will remain open.
“We understand that daily life must continue even as we host this summit,” Bañacia said, adding that 70 to 90 percent of emergency readiness measures are already in place.
Authorities have identified designated routes from the airport to major hotels in Mactan where most delegates will stay.
In Cebu City, Mayor Nestor Archival said traffic management systems are in place, with no full-day road closures expected. Coordination with law enforcement and traffic agencies continues, particularly along key routes such as the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway.
In Mandaue City, Mayor Thadeo Ouano Jr. reported ongoing infrastructure improvements, including road resurfacing, upgraded street lighting, and solar installations along major roads. Barangay units have also been mobilized for clean-up drives and repainting.
The Department of Public Works and Highways said national road preparations have been completed and urged the public to help maintain cleanliness during the summit.
Baricuatro expressed optimism about Cebu’s role as host, calling on residents to extend hospitality to visiting leaders and delegates.
“This is a momentous event. Cebu has been chosen among all 82 provinces. Let us show our best and give our guests a warm Cebuano welcome,” she said.