Cebu Governor Baricuatro Enhances Provincial Readiness for Upcoming ASEAN Summit Meetings
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has officially announced a significant augmentation of provincial personnel and equipment to guarantee the smooth and successful execution of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit meetings scheduled from January 26 to 30, 2026, in Cebu. According to Governor Baricuatro, the provincial deployment will include comprehensive medical teams, emergency ambulances, and dedicated liaison officers who will assist in managing programs and facilitating coordination across the entire province of Cebu.
Security Coordination with Philippine Army for Senior Officials
In a recent development, the Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division visited the governor's office on Thursday, January 22, 2026. This delegation was led by Colonel Joel Benedict Batara, the Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines–Joint Task Group Cebu (AFP-JTG Cebu). The meeting focused on tightening security measures for over 500 senior ASEAN officials expected to attend the summit. Among the anticipated arrivals in Cebu are Tourism Ministers, representatives from National Tourism Organizations, travel exhibitors, international buyers, and members of both local and foreign media.
The 3rd Infantry Division is responsible for overseeing security operations throughout Western Visayas, the Negros Island Region, and Central Visayas, ensuring a robust and coordinated approach to safety during the event.
Tourism Site Preparations and Infrastructure Improvements
Beyond security concerns, the province has also been actively enhancing various destinations that delegates are likely to visit, particularly in the southern parts of Cebu. Governor Baricuatro emphasized the importance of beautifying and upgrading facilities at key tourist sites to provide a positive experience for visitors.
"We are really preparing the tourist sites that are on the list to be visited by the guests, especially the toilets, and we are currently working on it," stated Governor Baricuatro on January 21, 2026. This initiative highlights the provincial government's commitment to not only ensuring security but also promoting Cebu's tourism appeal during the high-profile ASEAN Summit.
Overall, these preparations underscore Cebu's proactive stance in hosting international events, with a focus on seamless logistics, enhanced security protocols, and improved tourist infrastructure to welcome delegates and media from across Southeast Asia.
