The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has officially launched a special commemorative coin to mark a significant milestone for the country. This move comes as the Philippines intensifies preparations to host a series of major regional events in 2026.
A Symbol of Unity: The ASEAN Commemorative Coin
To celebrate the Philippines' upcoming chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026, the BSP has issued a unique 10-peso commemorative coin. According to the central bank, this coin is more than just currency; it is a tangible symbol of ASEAN's cooperation and economic integration. It specifically highlights the Philippines' active and influential role in steering the future direction of the regional bloc.
Cebu and Bohol Take Center Stage for ASEAN Tourism
Parallel to the numismatic celebration, concrete steps are underway for the Philippines' hosting duties. The Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) will be held at the NuStar Convention Center in Cebu City in 2026. The travel exchange component, known as Travex, is scheduled from January 27 to 30, 2026, at the Mactan Expo Center in Lapu-Lapu City.
This high-profile forum is expected to gather tourism ministers and senior officials from all ASEAN member states, alongside exhibitors, buyers, and international media. The event will feature cultural showcases, networking opportunities, and familiarization tours designed to spotlight Cebu and Bohol as premier destinations within the regional tourism landscape.
Comprehensive Preparations in Full Swing
Extensive coordination is already in motion to ensure the success of these events. An advisory revealed that Cebu is set to host 14 ministerial meetings and 19 senior officials' meetings throughout 2026. The DOT has conducted coordination meetings with the provincial governments of Cebu and Bohol, local government units, and tourism offices. These meetings aim to finalize critical details such as ceremonial routes, host circuits, and tour arrangements for delegates.
To guarantee seamless execution, tourism bodies across Central Visayas are collaborating with national agencies. Their focus is on ensuring full readiness across all fronts, including:
- Hospitality and accommodation
- Transport and logistics
- Security and safety protocols
- Infrastructure and communications
In a proactive capacity-building move, the DOT completed a regional training program in December 2025. This program equipped volunteers and tourism frontliners with essential skills in service excellence, protocol, safety, and destination interpretation ahead of the ASEAN gatherings.
The department is now urging all tourism stakeholders to coordinate closely with the DOT and its committees. It has also advised everyone to monitor official announcements regularly as the preparation phase shifts into full implementation mode for the landmark 2026 events.
