Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro and tourism officials are positioning the province as a premier Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (Mice) hub following the successful hosting of the 48th Asean Summit. The event, which concluded last week, has provided Cebu with international visibility and demonstrated its capacity to host large-scale gatherings.
International Visibility and Readiness
Department of Tourism (DOT) 7 Director Gelena Asis-Dimpas emphasized that the summit served as a global showcase for Cebu's logistical readiness. "It made us more visible. There is no better way of showcasing the readiness of our destinations, and it was highlighted during international events such as the Asean summit," she said during a post-summit press briefing at the Capitol on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
Asis-Dimpas noted that during the summit, DOT Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay and tourism stakeholders held a brief meeting to discuss direct strategies for the region. The secretary already has certain directions for the region, fueled by discussions with the governor on Mice, English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, and other existing strengths.
Strategic Goals for Mice and Education Tours
Governor Baricuatro said she spoke with Secretary Angara-Mathay about the Provincial Government's active targeting of the Mice sector as a primary development goal. "She asked me what my plan for Cebu is. I said we are going into community-based tourism, looking into ESL and education tours, and also into Mice as a Mice destination. She welcomed it," Baricuatro said.
The governor, who chaired the Provincial Organizing Committee for the Asean summit, reported that at least three National Government agencies have invited her to speak at upcoming conventions scheduled in the province. Asis-Dimpas and Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Office head Garry Lao joined the governor at the briefing to discuss shifting the island's strategy toward high-value business travel.
Zero Security Incidents and Coordination
Police Regional Office Central Visayas spokesperson Col. Kim Molitas reported zero major security incidents during the event. She attributed the success to extensive coordination among government agencies and the deployment of 8,000 police officers and uniformed personnel. Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. supervised the operations to ensure the safety of foreign delegates. The deployment was part of a broader effort by the National Government to maintain peace and order throughout the international gathering.
Benchmark for Future Events
Baricuatro said the summit serves as a benchmark for future international events. She credited the success to close collaboration between the Provincial Government, national agencies, and local government units. Officials believe the infrastructure and logistics capabilities demonstrated during the summit will attract more global investors and organizers to the island.
The Province aims to leverage this momentum to sustain long-term economic growth through the tourism and business sectors. With the successful hosting of the Asean summit, Cebu is now positioned as a competitive Mice destination in the region.
