A dedicated media hub will open in Lapu-Lapu City ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit, as the Philippines prepares to host regional leaders and hundreds of journalists for the high-level gathering.
The International Media Center (IMC), located at the Mactan World Museum, is set to begin operations on May 5, 2026, serving as the main base for accredited local and foreign media covering the summit and related meetings.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to join fellow leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations during the summit proper on May 8, alongside representatives from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste.
Organizers said the IMC is designed to support large-scale coverage, offering workspaces, briefing halls, and high-speed internet to facilitate real-time reporting. Facilities include a main press briefing hall for official announcements and a secondary room for smaller media engagements with delegations.
An International Broadcast Center will also operate within the venue, equipped with broadcast booths, live feed systems, and technical support for television and digital coverage. Journalists will have access to official video and photo materials, as well as monitoring stations for live feeds of summit activities.
Additional amenities such as medical services, dining areas, prayer rooms, and technical assistance desks have been set up to support the needs of media personnel throughout the event.
Officials said the media center reflects the country’s readiness to host the regional summit and its commitment to ensuring efficient and accurate coverage of proceedings.
A press briefing during the opening will be led by Dave Gomez and Ma. Hellen De La Vega, who are expected to outline key summit activities, coverage guidelines, and logistical arrangements.
Local officials, including Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cynthia Chan, are also set to welcome delegates and members of the press during the opening ceremony.
Around 800 to 1,000 journalists from across the region and beyond are expected to use the IMC as they cover one of ASEAN’s major annual meetings.