Cebu is ready and all set for the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Summit, as local officials assured that security, traffic, and venue preparations are in place ahead of the high-level gathering in May.
As chair of this year’s ASEAN, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will join his fellow heads of state from 10 other member countries of the regional bloc during the Leaders’ Summit on May 7 and 8.
During an ASEAN press briefing, Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro said the province is prepared to host the leaders and their delegations for the summit.
“We in Cebu, we are ready,” Gov. Baricuatro said.
She said security preparations are already “80-percent complete,” with enhanced emergency response systems and hospitals on “code blue” alert throughout the summit.
Rehearsals and dry runs will likewise be conducted prior to the arrival of heads of state and delegates.
Delegations from 11 ASEAN member states are expected to be concentrated in Lapu-Lapu City, where key summit activities will take place, including meetings at the newly constructed Mactan Expo in Mactan Newtown.
Nagiel Bañacia, head of the Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said preparations in the city have been underway since December 2025, including extensive information campaigns and traffic management planning.
Bañacia noted that road closures will be limited to convoy movements and will be reopened immediately after. He added that the two major bridges connecting Lapu-Lapu to mainland Cebu will remain open throughout the summit.
“We understand that daily life must continue even as we host this summit,” he said, adding that 70 to 90 percent of emergency preparedness measures are already in place.
Authorities have also identified key routes from the airport to Mactan resorts, where most delegates will be billeted.
In Cebu City, Mayor Nestor Archival said traffic management plans are in place, with no full-day road closures expected.
“So far, there will be no major road closures, but we are ready if adjustments are needed,” he said, citing coordination with police and traffic management groups. Delegates traveling from the airport to Cebu City are expected to pass through the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway.
In Mandaue City, Mayor Thadeo Ouano Jr. cited ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including road asphalting, improved street lighting, and solar installations along key transit routes. Barangays have also been mobilized for clean-up and repainting efforts.
Ouano said traffic flow will remain uninterrupted, with increased security presence and continuous monitoring during the summit.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported that preparations for national roads have been completed and urged the public to maintain cleanliness and dispose of waste properly during the event.
Baricuatro expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the summit and called on Cebu residents to extend a warm welcome to delegates.
“This is a momentous event. Cebu is featured among all the 82 provinces. Cebu has been chosen. That alone will inspire us to do our best, and let’s be hospitable to our guests. If there are delegates, give them a smile. Give them the warmest Cebuano welcome,” she said. (PR)
