Cebu, Philippines, hosts the ASEAN 2026 Important Activities Week

The Philippines will once again play a significant role in regional affairs within the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). As the rotating chair of ASEAN in 2026, the Philippines organized a series of high-level international meetings in mid to late January, with Cebu City serving as the main host. This event showcased the Philippines’ leadership and organizational capabilities in regional cooperation.

Multiple Key ASEAN Meetings Convened in Cebu, Philippines

Cebu City and its surrounding areas hosted several major ASEAN events simultaneously. Among them, the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) was held from January 25 to 29 at the NUSTAR Resort in South Road Properties, followed by the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), which took place at the same venue from January 26 to 30. These meetings brought together foreign ministers and regional cooperation officials from ASEAN member states, marking an important agenda in this year’s ASEAN schedule.

Meanwhile, the Mactan Exhibition Center in Lapu-Lapu City hosted the ASEAN Tourism Trade Fair—an integral part of the ASEAN Tourism Forum—held from January 20 to 30. The event attracted tourism officials and business representatives from ASEAN countries. This was the first major international event at the Mactan Exhibition Center since its official opening in January 2026, demonstrating the facility’s support for regional cooperation.

Returning After Nearly 20 Years, Philippines Achieves Historic Reentry

This marks Cebu’s return to hosting major ASEAN events after nearly 20 years. The last large-scale ASEAN-related event was in January 2007, when Cebu hosted the 12th ASEAN Summit and related meetings. During that summit, there were challenges in preparations, including discussions on the construction of the Cebu International Convention Center and disputes over infrastructure project costs in Lapu-Lapu City.

Now, nearly two decades later, the Philippines has once again taken the stage, with preparations clearly drawing on past experience. From venue selection and scheduling to coordination across regions, the organization has demonstrated increased maturity. Hosting this event also signifies the Philippines’ ongoing engagement and commitment to regional affairs.

Multi-Location Coordination Demonstrates Thoughtful Preparation

To welcome high-level delegations from ASEAN countries, various regions in the Philippines have engaged in meticulous preparations. At the Lapu-Lapu Shrine (Mactan Shrine), construction workers are accelerating the building of new access routes to facilitate the arrival of foreign ministers and delegations. Upgrading this iconic tourist site not only provides convenience for visitors but also reflects the local government’s emphasis on hospitality.

In Mactan New Town, relevant departments are working to improve the surrounding environment of the exhibition center to meet international standards for the ASEAN Tourism Trade Fair. The NUSTAR Resort, serving as the main venue for the two high-level meetings, has carefully arranged the lobby and conference areas, with large LED screens ready to welcome guests. Additionally, the promotional gallery inside the conference center is being prepared to showcase local tourist destinations and specialties, blending political meetings with cultural exchange.

These detailed preparations demonstrate the Philippines’ seriousness in hosting the ASEAN events and highlight the collaborative efforts across multiple locations from Cebu to Lapu-Lapu City. From infrastructure upgrades to hospitality details, the Philippines is showcasing its responsibility as ASEAN chair in a thoughtful and comprehensive manner.