Mactan Island to observe three-day work pause for ASEAN Summit security, traffic flow
Work across parts of Mactan Island will stop for three days as government prepares the area for high-level regional meetings.
Malacañang declared May 6 to May 8, 2026 as special (non-working) days in Lapu-Lapu City and the Municipality of Cordova through Proclamation No. 1238 dated May 4, 2026, in line with preparations for the 48th ASEAN Summit and related meetings hosted in Cebu.
The declaration covers areas identified as key venues for summit activities on Mactan Island, which includes Lapu-Lapu City and Cordova, placing the island under tightened security and logistical measures.
Authorities moved to reduce road congestion and strengthen safety for foreign leaders, delegates, and support teams arriving in the country.
“[I]n order to alleviate traffic and to allow the host country to secure the safety of participants in the said event, it is necessary to declare 06-08 May 2026 as special (non-working) days,” the proclamation read.
Acting Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto signed the order by authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The government will apply a “no work, no pay” arrangement during the period unless company policies provide otherwise.
Workers who report for duty will receive pay under labor rules.
Local governments are expected to issue additional guidelines to assist residents, employees, and business establishments during the three-day disruption.
In a separate development, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan confirmed that the local government requested the declaration due to expected traffic buildup during summit preparations.
“So the Office of the President asked for Letter of Request from us, so ako gyud dayon ng gipada gabie dayon,” the mayor said.
She added that she personally wrote to Malacañang after traffic congestion surfaced during simulation exercises.
“Maong atong gi-request sa President nga mag-holiday,” King-Chan said.
The mayor said she sent the letter on the evening of May 4, 2026, and Malacañang acted on it immediately.
Traffic congestion was observed during simulation exercises conducted at 8:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m., according to authorities.
The Lapu-Lapu City Traffic Management System advised motorists during the operations.
The affected routes included Maribago to Mactan Newtown and Punta Engaño Road to Mactan Newtown.
Authorities continue to prepare for increased movement of delegates and tightened access controls as summit day approaches.
“Nagpaabot lang ta og mensahe nila nga tas-on ang ilang pasensya and mag expect nga naa gyu’y kakulian sa traffic nga mahitabo and mahasol sad gyud sila,” the mayor said. (VCL, LLP)
Photo courtesy of Bongbong Marcos / Facebook
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