Archival to impress ASEAN delegates: ‘Cebu as model of urban discipline’

CEBU, Philippines — Mayor Nestor Archival has ordered a massive cleanup drive and infrastructure improvements ahead of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Forum, which Cebu will host from January 27 to February 4, 2026.

The ASEAN Tourism Forum is one of Southeast Asia’s largest annual tourism gatherings, bringing together tourism ministers, industry leaders, and international buyers to strengthen regional cooperation and showcase destinations across the region.

City officials said hosting the forum presents a rare opportunity for Cebu to highlight its cultural heritage, tourism assets, and growing business potential before a global audience.

Authorities, however, clarified that Cebu will host only the ASEAN Tourism Forum—not the main ASEAN Summit. While city officials have repeatedly referred to “ASEAN Summit preparations,” the high-level summit of heads of state and government will be held in Metro Manila in May 2026 as part of the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship. The forum in Cebu is a specialized ASEAN event focused on tourism and business promotion rather than political negotiations.

Archival, together with Councilor Nyza Archival, is working with the Sinulog Foundation, the Department of Tourism, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Cebu City Transportation Office, the Department of Public Services, PROBE, the Cebu City Anti-Mendicancy Office, and other agencies to present Cebu as a model of urban discipline and cultural pride.

A task force is being formed to oversee the cleanup drive, with a focus on sanitation, heritage preservation, and sustainable tourism development. City officials said the initiative is intended to produce lasting improvements beyond the duration of the forum.

The mayor disclosed that a dry run was conducted last week with the city’s tourism commission to map out routes that ASEAN delegates are expected to take. The walk-through began at City Hall and covered key heritage sites, including Magellan’s Cross, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Parian, Plaza Independencia, and Fort San Pedro.

During the inspection, vendors were reminded to stay within designated sidewalks, clogged drainage canals were identified for clearing, and heritage structures in need of repair were noted for coordination with the National Historical Commission.

Tourist guides will also be deployed to provide historical context and help ensure a safe and orderly experience for visitors.

Telecommunications providers have been tapped to address “spaghetti wires” and improve cable management along major thoroughfares. Officials stressed that clean, safe, and organized infrastructure is essential not only for the Sinulog festivities and the ASEAN Tourism Forum, but also for the daily welfare of Cebuano residents.

By balancing preparations for Sinulog and the ASEAN Tourism Forum, city officials said Cebu is positioning itself as both a cultural capital and a regional tourism hub.

Archival said projecting a disciplined, orderly, and vibrant city would help strengthen investor confidence and attract more visitors long after the forum concludes.

“If we can project a very nice aura sa atong syudad, I would say the tourism and business industry in the city will flourish more,” he said. — (FREEMAN)