Final preparations for the highly anticipated ASEAN Summit have reached the 80% mark, with Cebu Province and its key urban hubs, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu, entering the final stretch of logistical and security arrangements for the May event.
Governor Pam Baricuatro confirmed that the province is now fine-tuning its infrastructure and emergency protocols to ensure the safety and comfort of the international participants.
“Eighty percent complete, with enhanced emergency response systems and Code Blue readiness in place. Safe to say, in Cebu, we are ready,” Baricuatro stated.
The two-day summit is set to host approximately 3,000 delegates, including the heads of state from the 11 ASEAN member nations.
While the Mactan Expo and various luxury resorts in Lapu-Lapu City will serve as the primary venues, neighboring Mandaue City and the wider Cebu province are maintaining a high state of alert to manage the influx of visitors and potential spillover activities.
Public cooperation is being sought as local authorities implement temporary road closures to facilitate the secure movement of high-ranking officials.
Nagiel Bañacia, head of the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, emphasized the need for patience during the proceedings.
“Please understand that our lives continue to operate even though we have this summit,” Bañacia said.
Organizers noted that the event schedule has been slightly modified, with some ministerial sessions moving to a virtual format or being canceled entirely in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Despite these adjustments, Baricuatro maintained that the province remains fully committed to its hosting duties.