Malacañang has declared May 6 to 8, 2026 as special non-working days in Lapu-Lapu City and the municipality of Cordova to ensure smooth preparations and heightened security for the upcoming ASEAN Summit.
The declaration, formalized through Proclamation No. 1238 signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, aims to reduce traffic congestion and allow authorities to effectively secure key venues where summit activities will be held.
According to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, the temporary suspension of work in affected areas will help facilitate the movement of delegates and ensure public safety throughout the high-level gathering scheduled on May 7 and 8.
Delegates are expected to begin arriving as early as May 5, with departures continuing until May 12.
Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez earlier confirmed that preparations are in full swing, declaring that the government is ready to host the regional event as the International Media Center in Cebu officially opened.
Castro said all operational, logistical, and security arrangements have been completed and are currently undergoing final testing and coordination among participating agencies.
Despite external challenges such as the ongoing Middle East crisis, the government assured that hosting duties remain on track, with contingency measures in place. Among these is the use of a virtual meeting room system to support hundreds of ASEAN-related discussions.
So far, hundreds of meetings have been conducted both virtually and in person, with more scheduled throughout the year as part of the Philippines’ hosting responsibilities.
The country is hosting ASEAN 2026 under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with key discussions expected to focus on regional security, economic cooperation, energy concerns, and the welfare of ASEAN nationals.
Officials said the summit will bring together leaders from Southeast Asian nations, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
Pre-summit activities such as senior officials’ and ministerial meetings are set to take place from May 6 to 7 at major venues in Mactan, including Dusit Thani Mactan and Shangri-La Mactan.
A special BIMP-EAGA Summit will also be held on May 7, involving leaders from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
The 48th ASEAN Summit will formally open on May 8 at the Mactan Expo, followed by leaders’ meetings and a working lunch. A retreat session will be conducted later in the day.
To conclude the summit, President Marcos is scheduled to hold a press briefing before hosting a gala dinner with First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos for participating leaders and delegates.