The Philippines' hosting of the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit successfully placed Cebu and the country in the regional spotlight, the ASEAN National Organizing Council (NOC) announced on Saturday.
The ASEAN NOC described the bi-annual event, held across various locations in the province, as a "powerful demonstration of Filipino hospitality, bayanihan (cooperation), and whole-of-nation cooperation."
"We are deeply grateful to every agency, partner, worker, volunteer and especially the people of Cebu, whose dedication and support allowed us to showcase the best of the Filipino spirit to ASEAN and the world," said ASEAN NOC Director General for Operations Hellen De La Vega in a news release.
The council emphasized that the summit's success proved Cebu's capacity to host engagements of such scale and significance, as well as its readiness "not only to welcome Southeast Asia, but to open its doors to the world."
"We thank the people of Cebu, particularly the residents of Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City and Cordova, for your patience, discipline, understanding, and wholehearted support throughout the Summit. Your generosity allowed ASEAN and the world to experience the best of the Filipino spirit," De La Vega added.
The ASEAN NOC also expressed gratitude to Megaworld Corporation and The Mactan Newtown, along with all hotel establishments, venue partners, accommodation providers, tourism stakeholders, and mobility partners involved in preparing for the summit.
"As the Philippines continues its ASEAN Chairmanship journey throughout 2026, we move forward with renewed determination and gratitude, inspired by the same spirit of solidarity and cooperation that made this Summit a success," the council stated.
The Office of the President led the preparations and implementation of the three-day summit and related meetings, coordinating with other government and partner sectors.
