All roads will soon lead to Cebu, as the province prepares to host activities of the ASEAN Summit next year.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro has established the Cebu Organizing Committee through Executive Order (EO) No. 62, Series of 2025, to oversee the province’s preparations and coordination efforts for the international gathering.
The order directs the committee to ensure that Cebu meets the logistical, security, and diplomatic standards required for the successful conduct of the ASEAN Summit Meetings.
The creation of the committee comes as the Philippines readies to host the 2026 ASEAN Summit, which will bring together regional leaders, diplomats, and thousands of delegates from across Southeast Asia and partner countries.
Baricuatro emphasized the need to mobilize local resources, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and maintain Cebu’s standing as a leading venue for international conferences and events.
The governor will chair the Cebu ASEAN Committee, with Provincial Administrator Atty. Joseph Felix Mari Durano serving as her alternate. Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr., Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito M. Quano, and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia King-Chan have been designated as vice chairpersons.
Baricuatro retains the authority to invite other agencies, private sector representatives, and resource persons as needed to support Cebu’s hosting activities.
The executive order defines the committee’s scope of wor, which includes from planning and logistics to inter-governmental coordination and public communication.
It will oversee all aspects of Cebu’s hosting, including transportation, accommodation, protocol, and event management.
The committee will coordinate with national agencies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Tourism (DOT), and the Presidential Security Group (PSG) to ensure compliance with international standards.
“Coordinate with relevant national government agencies, local government units, private sector partners, and international organizations involved in the ASEAN Summit,” the EO states.
Security will be a central focus, with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) expected to play key roles in safeguarding delegates and communities.
The EO authorizes the committee to manage its own budget, which will come mainly from provincial funds, supplemented by grants, sponsorships, and donations.
To support its operations, a Secretariat will be formed under the supervision of an Executive Director to be designated by the Chairperson.
pThe Secretariat will handle administrative, technical, and logistical tasks, as well as documentation and coordination among agencies.
Baricuatro’s order also directs the committee to implement public information programs that promote transparency, counter misinformation, and highlight Cebu’s readiness to host the event.
Progress reports will be regularly submitted to the Office of the Governor and relevant national government agencies to ensure accountability and timely updates.
The 2026 ASEAN Summit will be the first time in nearly a decade that the Philippines hosts the event, following the country’s last hosting in 2017 under then-President Rodrigo Duterte.
“This Executive Order shall take effect immediately upon signing and shall remain in force until the completion of all activities related to the ASEAN Summit 2026,” the EO states.
Cebu Business News
