Public access to the historic Mactan Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City will be temporarily halted for nearly two weeks as the city gears up to host a major international tourism gathering.
Closure Dates and Official Reason
The landmark, also referred to as the Liberty Shrine, located in Barangay Mactan, will be closed to visitors from January 20 until January 31, 2026. According to an advisory from the Lapu-Lapu City Public Information Office, this 12-day suspension is primarily for public safety and security during the preparatory phase for the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026.
Upgrades and Activities Planned for the Shrine
The closure window will be utilized for significant site enhancements and security checks. Authorized personnel will conduct thorough inspections and implement various improvements to ensure the venue is ready for its international spotlight. The planned works include:
- Repainting and general cleaning
- Landscaping and tree trimming
- Overall beautification of the grounds
- Installation of tents for ATF-related events
One of the key events set to take place in the city is the ASEAN Travel Exchange 2026, which is a component of the 45th ATF scheduled from January 28 to 30.
Scale of the Event and Philippines' Role
The forum is expected to draw a substantial number of participants to the region. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco stated during a press conference that the business forum alone is anticipated to attract more than 1,000 delegates. This number is projected to swell to at least 2,000 when ministerial and non-official delegations are included.
This event highlights the Philippines' prominent role in the regional bloc, as 2026 marks the country's fifth time assuming the ASEAN chairmanship. As the host nation, the Philippines will preside over leaders' summits, ministerial meetings, and related dialogues, playing a crucial part in shaping the organization's agenda for the year.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional organization established in 1967 and currently composed of 11 member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. Its core aims are to promote regional peace, stability, and economic integration, alongside cooperation on political, security, and socio-cultural issues.
