The sight of Cebu City beautifying itself whenever important visitors arrive is nothing new to its residents. However, during the ASEAN Tourism Forum in January 2026, the 'welcome tarpaulins' placed on the railings of the South Road Properties (SRP) bridge became the center of criticism rather than praise.
Hiding the Problem
The question many asked: Was this a welcome, or a cover-up for the garbage in our surroundings? While delegates were greeted with beautiful words, behind those tarpaulins lay piles of garbage floating along the shoreline.
The reason given by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)? Lack of time and the overwhelming amount of trash. In short, the solution was to hide the problem rather than solve it. The garbage was out of sight, but it remained.
Tarpaulins Return for ASEAN Summit
A few days after the event, the tarpaulins were removed. But now, with the approaching ASEAN Summit on May 7-8, 2026, plans have emerged to install tarpaulins along the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX). Mayor Nestor Archival clarified that the purpose of these tarpaulins or 'curtains' is not to hide informal settlers in coastal barangays, but to welcome the delegates.
The mayor stated that cleanup operations in Pasil have already begun, with city personnel coordinating with the DPWH to ensure the area is orderly before the delegates arrive.
A Step in the Right Direction
The report of ongoing cleanup operations is a positive step. This is what we should see—the sweat of cleaning, not colorful curtains that mask the truth.
True Cebuano hospitality is not measured by the size of the tarpaulins we hang. It is seen in how diligently we care for our environment and our fellowmen, whether visitors or local residents.
The true pride of Cebu lies in a city that is clean, orderly, and honest—whether there is a summit or not.
Hopefully, this coming May, the delegates will see not just the beautiful letters on tarpaulins, but a Cebu that truly cares for its surroundings.
