Photo courtesy of Manila Bulletin

The 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit kicked off in Lapu-Lapu City as ten member states’ leaders arrived for pivotal discussions. With tight security measures, including road closures, the city ensures smooth movement for the attendee convoys. This summit is set to attract over 3,000 delegates, offering potential boosts in tourism and investment for Cebu.

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. arrived in the city on May 6, with Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro expressing satisfaction over the event's initial proceedings. She acknowledged the cooperation of local citizens, who followed traffic and security advisories diligently, resulting in quieter roads and efficient travel.

Hosting the summit is not just an honor but a strategic opportunity, as Governor Baricuatro emphasized the potential for future investments and tourism benefits. The event features a series of high-level meetings including the ASEAN-EU Sustainability Summit and ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

The summit’s successful execution could greatly enhance Cebu's visibility as a prime location for future international events. As discussions continue, focus remains on fostering economic growth and regional cooperation among member states.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Manila Bulletin · 07 Mar 2026

They had a preliminary one of these on Boracay when I was there in March. Police everywhere. Coming back from Illi Illigan (opposite side from White Beach) one day, I went past over 100 doing drills.