REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Cebu Welcomes ASEAN Delegates And Global Media
Photo credit: CEBU PIO
Pamela Baricuatro welcomed local and international journalists, diplomats, and delegates during the opening of the ASEAN 2026 International Media Center at the Mactan World Museum on Tuesday, ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Cebu.
Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro is leading the province as it hosts one of the region’s biggest diplomatic gatherings. The summit marks the first time an ASEAN Leaders’ Summit is being held outside Metro Manila, a milestone officials say highlights Cebu’s growing importance as an international hub.
During the opening ceremony, Cebu Gov. Baricuatro said the province is prepared to host ASEAN leaders and contribute to regional cooperation and development. She also recognized the role of journalists and international media organizations in covering the summit and bringing Cebu’s story to a wider global audience.
The International Media Center will serve as the main workspace for reporters covering the summit, which is expected to tackle major regional and global issues involving Southeast Asia.
Lapu-Lapu City mayor Cindi King Chan also attended the event and welcomed delegates and members of the press arriving in Cebu for the summit.
Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez said Cebu has demonstrated its capability to host high-level international events. He noted that the media center was built to provide journalists with real-time support and facilities for continuous coverage of the summit.
ASEAN 2026 Director General Ma. Hellen Dela Vega presented an overview of the summit’s agenda, which includes discussions on the Middle East crisis, food and energy security, climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and the safe mobility of ASEAN nationals.
Officials also outlined the Philippines’ proposed programs under ASEAN’s three major pillars.
The Political-Security Community will focus on peace, regional stability, maritime cooperation, and disaster preparedness under the “LEAD ASEAN” framework spearheaded by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The Economic Community, led by the Department of Trade and Industry, will promote trade, investment, digital transformation, innovation, and sustainable economic growth through the “SAIL ASEAN” framework.
Meanwhile, the Socio-Cultural Community under the Department of Social Welfare and Development will prioritize inclusive development, youth empowerment, food security, and climate-smart programs through the “RISE ASEAN” framework.
The 48th ASEAN Summit is expected to gather regional leaders and policymakers in Cebu this week as the Philippines strengthens its role in shaping discussions across Southeast Asia.
Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro is leading the province as it hosts one of the region’s biggest diplomatic gatherings. The summit marks the first time an ASEAN Leaders’ Summit is being held outside Metro Manila, a milestone officials say highlights Cebu’s growing importance as an international hub.
During the opening ceremony, Cebu Gov. Baricuatro said the province is prepared to host ASEAN leaders and contribute to regional cooperation and development. She also recognized the role of journalists and international media organizations in covering the summit and bringing Cebu’s story to a wider global audience.
The International Media Center will serve as the main workspace for reporters covering the summit, which is expected to tackle major regional and global issues involving Southeast Asia.
Lapu-Lapu City mayor Cindi King Chan also attended the event and welcomed delegates and members of the press arriving in Cebu for the summit.
Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez said Cebu has demonstrated its capability to host high-level international events. He noted that the media center was built to provide journalists with real-time support and facilities for continuous coverage of the summit.
ASEAN 2026 Director General Ma. Hellen Dela Vega presented an overview of the summit’s agenda, which includes discussions on the Middle East crisis, food and energy security, climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and the safe mobility of ASEAN nationals.
Officials also outlined the Philippines’ proposed programs under ASEAN’s three major pillars.
The Political-Security Community will focus on peace, regional stability, maritime cooperation, and disaster preparedness under the “LEAD ASEAN” framework spearheaded by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The Economic Community, led by the Department of Trade and Industry, will promote trade, investment, digital transformation, innovation, and sustainable economic growth through the “SAIL ASEAN” framework.
Meanwhile, the Socio-Cultural Community under the Department of Social Welfare and Development will prioritize inclusive development, youth empowerment, food security, and climate-smart programs through the “RISE ASEAN” framework.
The 48th ASEAN Summit is expected to gather regional leaders and policymakers in Cebu this week as the Philippines strengthens its role in shaping discussions across Southeast Asia.
May 5, 2026
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