Cebu Gears Up For ASEAN Summit As Simulations Set To Begin
MANILA, April 29 (Bernama-PNA) -- Preparations are underway for the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Summit, with Cebu officials ramping up security, traffic management and logistical arrangements ahead of the summit from May 7 to 8, Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.
As ASEAN chair, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to host fellow leaders from 11 member states during the summit.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro said the province is ready to receive delegates, noting that security preparations are about “80 per cent complete”.
“We in Cebu, we are ready,” she said during an ASEAN press briefing, as quoted by the Presidential Communications Office on Wednesday.
Baricuatro said simulation exercises and dry runs will be conducted before the arrival of heads of state and delegates to ensure coordination among agencies.
She added that emergency response systems have been enhanced, with hospitals placed on “code blue” alert during the summit.
Key activities will be held in Lapu-Lapu City, including meetings at the Mactan Expo in Mactan Newtown, where delegates are expected to stay.
Head of the Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Nagiel Banacia said preparations in the city began in December, covering extensive public information campaigns and traffic management planning.
Banacia said road closures will be limited to convoy movements and will be lifted immediately afterwards.
He noted that the two major bridges linking Lapu-Lapu to mainland Cebu will remain open.
“We understand that daily life must continue even as we host this summit,” he said, adding that 70 to 90 per cent of emergency measures are in place.
Authorities have also identified key routes from the airport to billeting areas in Mactan.
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said traffic management plans are in place, with no full-day road closures expected.
“So far, there will be no major road closures, but we are ready if adjustments are needed,” he said, citing coordination with police and traffic management groups.
Delegates travelling from the airport to Cebu City are expected to pass through the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway.
In Mandaue City, Mayor Thadeo Ouano Jr. said infrastructure improvements are ongoing, including road asphalting, upgraded street lighting and solar installations along key transit routes.
Clean-up and repainting efforts are also underway.
Ouano said traffic flow will remain uninterrupted, with heightened security and continuous monitoring during the summit.
The Department of Public Works and Highways urged the public to maintain cleanliness and ensure proper waste disposal during the event.
Baricuatro also called on Cebu residents to extend a warm welcome to visiting delegates.
“This is a momentous event. Cebu is featured among all 82 provinces. Cebu has been chosen. That alone will inspire us to do our best and let us be hospitable to our guests. If there are delegates, give them a smile. Give them the warmest Cebuano welcome,” she said.
-- BERNAMA-PNA
