Officials from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) have begun coordinating with local government units in Cebu, including Lapu-Lapu City and Mandaue City, as part of preparations for the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit and related meetings, which the Philippines will host from May 5 to 9, 2026.
The visit was led by PCO Assistant Secretary Mariel Duarte, accompanied by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Central Visayas Regional Director Fayette Riñen, as they met with local officials to strengthen coordination on communications, logistics, and public information campaigns ahead of the regional gathering.
In Lapu-Lapu City, the PCO delegation paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan, whose city is one of the venues for ASEAN-related activities.
During the meeting, Mayor King-Chan presented updates on the city government’s preparations, including coordination with national agencies to ensure facilities, security arrangements, and public services are ready for the international event.
Duarte also discussed preparations for the expected arrival of more than a thousand media personnel who will cover the summit and its related meetings.
Discussions included plans for media operations, venue coordination, and communication support for both local and international journalists.
Mayor King-Chan stressed the importance of close collaboration between the national government and host local governments to ensure the smooth conduct of ASEAN engagements in Cebu.
The city previously hosted the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026 from January 28 to 30, which served as a preparatory exercise for handling high-profile international events.
Meanwhile, in Mandaue City, the PCO delegation met with Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano at City Hall on March 5 to strengthen the government’s public information campaign on the ASEAN Summit.
During the meeting, officials discussed initiatives to raise awareness about ASEAN and the summit at the grassroots level, particularly in schools and barangays.
The campaign aims to help communities understand the significance of the regional event in fostering cooperation among Southeast Asian nations, while also promoting Mandaue City and Cebu province to visiting delegates.
Mayor Ouano said the city government is ready to work with the Department of Education (DepEd) Mandaue City Division and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to strengthen information dissemination about ASEAN and regional cooperation.
He added that preparations continue for road improvements, enhanced traffic management, and the possibility of hosting public events for ASEAN delegates in partnership with the local business sector.
Also present at the meeting in Mandaue were Executive Secretary Atty. Riczen Gingoyon, Atty. Jebb Cane, Mandaue Investment Promotions Tourism Action Center Executive Director Kristian Marc Cabahug, and Mandaue Public Information Office head Ryan Karl Tallo, along with PIA official Julius Estoesta. (VCL)
