IN PHOTOS: Cebu prepares to host ASEAN 2026 events in the Philippines

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu found itself rolling its sleeves once again to host events for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with the Philippines bearing chairmanship of the regional bloc once more in 2026. 

Cebu City is set to host the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Retreat (AMM) from January 25 to 29, and the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) from January 26 to 30 — both at the NUSTAR Resort in the South Road Properties.

Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City is set to welcome tourism officials and entrepreneurs at the Mactan Expo Center for the ASEAN Travel Exchange, one of the flagship events under the ATF, happening from January 20 to 30. This is the Mactan Expo’s first international event since it officially opened on Wednesday, January 21.

The last time Cebu hosted ASEAN events was almost two decades ago, in January 2007, during the 12th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings. That summit edition bore witness to controversies surrounding the construction of the Cebu International Convention Center, the summit’s primary venue, and the building of allegedly overpriced lampposts across Lapu-Lapu City.

How are preparations in the province different this time?

SHRINE PREPS. Stonemasons build a new pathway at the Liberty Shrine, also known as the Mactan Shrine, for the arrival of foreign ministers and delegates who will be visiting the iconic tourist destination in Lapu-Lapu City. Photo by John Sitchon/Rappler EXPO. A waste management staff at the Mactan Newtown sweeps the front of the Mactan Expo, where the ASEAN Tourism Forum’s Travel Exchange event is happening. Photo by John Sitchon/Rappler MAIN VENUE. The local organizing committee of ASEAN Philippines prepares the lobby for the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat at the NUSTAR Resort in Cebu City on January 24, 2026. Photo by John Sitchon/Rappler SNEAK PEEK. A large LED screen will be the first to welcome guests at the NUSTAR Concention Center for the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting. Photo by John Sitchon/Rappler GALLERY. At the NUSTAR Convention Center lobby, a gallery promoting local tourist destinations and town specialties is being prepared for guests of the AMM events this coming late January. Photo by John Sitchon/Rappler

– Rappler.com