𝐆𝐎𝐕. 𝐏𝐀𝐌: 𝐂𝐄𝐁𝐔 𝟖𝟎% 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐘 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓
With security, infrastructure, and emergency systems nearing full operational capacity, Cebu Province is entering the final stretch of preparations for the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, signaling readiness to host one of the region’s most high-level diplomatic gatherings.
The Cebu Provincial Organizing Committee (POC) revealed on Thursday, April 23, that Cebu Province, including the tri-cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu, is 80 percent ready to host the summit next month from May 7 to 8.
“As head of the Cebu Organizing Committee, I should say that 80% ready nata,” Gov. Baricuatro said during the press briefing held at the Capitol. She was joined by Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and Mandaue City Mayor Jonkie Ouano.
The summit is expected to gather in Cebu the heads of state of the 11 ASEAN member states—Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam—to discuss various areas of cooperation and emerging regional issues.
Also present during the briefing were Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief Nagiel Bañacia and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 7 Director Simon Arias, who provided updates on preparations within their respective jurisdictions.
“As far as the security is concerned, 80% complete na with enhanced measures, emergency response systems and hospital Code Blue readiness in place. It’s safe to say that in Cebu, we are ready,” the governor added.
The summit, which will be held primarily in Lapu-Lapu City, is expected to have spillover effects in neighboring Cebu and Mandaue cities. Around 3,000 delegates—including official representatives, support staff, and members of the international media—are expected to attend.
The governor noted that several ministerial meetings initially scheduled to be held in Cebu have been canceled or shifted to virtual platforms due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. However, the Leaders’ Summit will proceed as planned.
“This is a momentous event. Cebu being featured over all the 82 provinces; kita’y napilian. That alone would inspire us nga we will do our best nga let’s be hospitable to our guests, give them the warmest Cebuano welcome,” she said. | CAPITOL PIO
Check this also: Job Seekers Flock to Cebu Capitol for Local and Overseas Job Fair
