Security and logistical preparations are gaining momentum in Lapu-Lapu City as Cebu gets ready to host two major ASEAN defense meetings later this month.
The city government met with officials from the Department of National Defense (DND) on Sept. 28 to coordinate preparations for the 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the 13th ADMM-Plus, which are scheduled to take place in Cebu from Oct. 26 to 30.
The meetings are expected to bring around 30 defense ministers and other high-ranking delegates to Cebu, prompting national and local authorities to coordinate their respective responsibilities ahead of the activities.
Discussions during the meeting centered on security arrangements and the roles of national government agencies, local authorities and Lapu-Lapu City offices in ensuring the safety of the visiting delegates and the orderly conduct of the meetings.
The coordination also brought together offices involved in public safety, disaster response, traffic management, environmental concerns, city operations and other support services.
DND Undersecretary for National Defense Irineo C. Espino led the national defense delegation during the meeting.
He was accompanied by Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Marita I. Yoro and Philippine Navy Commodore Elmer G. Toriado.
Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi King-Chan and Congressman Junard “Ahong” Chan joined members of the city’s ASEAN Organizing Committee in the coordination with the DND officials.
Police Regional Office 7 Director Brig. Gen. Arnold Evangelista Abad also attended the meeting, along with Civil Defense Officer III Engr. Rhafael Luche, who represented Office of Civil Defense Regional Director Mamon.
Local government offices and other units that participated included representatives from Barangays Mactan and Punta Engaño, the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, clearing and clean-and-green teams, street lighting personnel, Public Information Office and City Traffic Management System.
Their participation reflects the range of city operations being coordinated ahead of the arrival of the delegates and the conduct of the defense meetings.
The ADMM is the highest defense consultative and cooperative mechanism within ASEAN, while the ADMM-Plus provides a platform involving ASEAN member states and dialogue partners.
Both meetings form part of the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairmanship and are expected to provide a venue for defense officials to discuss regional defense and security concerns.
With Cebu serving as the host for the meetings from Oct. 26 to 30, preparations in Lapu-Lapu City are being carried out with national defense, security, disaster response and local government authorities working together ahead of the international gatherings.
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