Cebu City to scale down ASEAN-related events

CEBU, Philippines — Amid disruptions to energy supplies and government resources, Cebu City will be pushing through with the hosting of some ASEAN Summit-related activities, however through a scaled-down system.

“Yes, the summit will continue here, but not in the way it was originally planned. Instead of prime ministers and the big delegations, only selected high-level meetings will be held,” Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said, citing information relayed to local officials during the Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting.

He added that the adjustment was due to rising costs and the ongoing Middle East crisis, which has disrupted energy supplies and strained government resources.

Malacañang and the Department of Foreign Affairs have also clarified that while over 650 preparatory and ministerial meetings will now be conducted virtually, the leaders’ summits scheduled for May and November 2026 will remain as physical events in the Philippines.

Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized that the streamlined gatherings will focus on urgent priorities, including energy security, food supply stability, and the welfare of migrant workers affected by Middle East instability.

For Cebu, the scaled-down format means fewer activities than initially expected.

Originally, it was said that hotels and convention centers had prepared for a surge in bookings, with several venues lined up to host side meetings and cultural showcases.

These will now be limited, though selected delegations are still expected to arrive.

Archival, for his part, acknowledged the economic impact of the adjustments, noting, “Hotels will feel this adjustment, but Cebu remains part of the hosting responsibilities. We will still play a role in welcoming ASEAN partners.”

Aside from hotels, Archival also noted that this will mean a missed opportunity for restaurants and even souvenir shops, among other establishments in the city that could potentially draw in revenue.

The ASEAN Business Advisory Council, for one, had reportedly planned a series of investment forums in Cebu, while youth and cultural exchanges were scheduled to coincide with the summit.

Many of these have now been postponed or moved online accordingly, reflecting the government’s decision to prioritize fiscal prudence and crisis management over ceremonial grandeur.