Metro Manila, Philippines – Cebu is ready to host the 48th ASEAN Summit, with local officials confirming that security, traffic, and venue preparations are in place ahead of the high-level gathering in May.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., serving as ASEAN chair, will join leaders from the 10 member-states for the summit scheduled for May 7 and 8.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro said preparations are well underway, with security measures approximately 80 percent complete and emergency systems activated. “We in Cebu—we are ready,” Baricuatro said, adding that hospitals will be placed on “code blue” alert and rehearsals will be conducted ahead of the arrival of the delegations.
Key summit activities will be held in Lapu-Lapu City, particularly at the Mactan Expo in Mactan Newtown, where most delegates are expected to converge. Nagiel Bañacia, head of the Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said preparations have been ongoing since December, including traffic planning and public information campaigns.
He noted that road closures will be limited to convoy movements and will be reopened immediately, while the major bridges linking Lapu-Lapu to mainland Cebu will remain open. “We understand that daily life must continue even as we host this summit,” Bañacia said, noting that up to 90 percent of emergency measures are already in place.
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival added that no full-day road closures are expected, but authorities are ready to make adjustments if necessary. Delegates traveling to Cebu City are expected to pass through the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).
In Mandaue City, Mayor Thadeo Ouano Jr. said infrastructure upgrades, including road improvements and lighting installations, are ongoing, with uninterrupted traffic flow expected during the summit. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said national road preparations have already been completed.
Baricuatro called on residents to welcome visiting delegates. “This is a momentous event; let’s be hospitable to our guests,” she said.
