Residents of Lapu-Lapu City and the Municipality of Cordova will enjoy a three-day break from work this week as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared May 6 to May 8, 2026, as special non-working days to facilitate the hosting of the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.
Reason for the Holiday
The declaration came after Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan requested the President to grant the holiday. She explained that with world leaders and delegates arriving, the city anticipates significant traffic and security challenges. “We can expect some difficulties, especially with traffic. People will likely be inconvenienced, which is why we requested the President to declare a holiday,” Mayor Chan said.
Pay Rules for Special Non-Working Days
Since these are special non-working days, the rules differ from regular holidays. The “no work, no pay” policy applies, meaning employees who do not work will not be paid unless their company has a special policy. However, those who do work are entitled to extra compensation: an additional 30 percent of their regular daily wage for the first eight hours of their shift.
Traffic and Road Closures
Travelers should prepare for intermittent stoppages, where police halt traffic to allow official convoys to pass. Several key roads are already under temporary lockdowns, particularly in the following areas:
- Barangay Maribago to Mactan Newtown
- Barangay Punta Engaño Road leading to Mactan Newtown
For those with flights, officials recommend leaving for the Mactan-Cebu International Airport much earlier than usual due to heightened security checks and slow traffic around the airport.
International Media Center Opens
While the holidays help manage crowds, summit activities have already commenced. On Tuesday, May 5, the International Media Center (IMC) officially opened at the Mactan World Museum. This hub will enable journalists from around the globe to report on key topics such as food security, energy, and regional peace. Acting Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office Dave Gomez stated that the center will ensure the world understands the outcomes of these important meetings. Mayor Chan added that hosting such a significant event proves Lapu-Lapu City is a world-class destination for major conferences.
Long-Term Benefits for Cebu
Local leaders believe the short-term traffic inconveniences will lead to long-term gains. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro emphasized that the summit presents a major opportunity to attract new business and boost the tourism industry. “What begins here goes beyond these few days,” Governor Baricuatro said. She noted that the connections made during the summit will have a lasting impact on the entire country. Officials are asking the public for patience as the region takes center stage on the global map.
