MCIA readies for ASEAN Summit in May

CEBU, Philippines — Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is nearing completion of its preparations for the 48th Leaders’ Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Airport officials said major infrastructure is in place, with only final installations and finishing touches left before the arrival of heads of state and foreign delegates.

The summit, scheduled from May 5 to 9, will bring together leaders, officials, and international media representatives from ASEAN member states.

During a media tour and press conference on Monday, April 20, airport officials showcased the Terminal 2 VIP Lounge and the newly refurbished General Aviation Terminal Building, key facilities expected to serve as main receiving areas during the high-level regional gathering.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) General Manager and CEO Julius G. Neri Jr. said the airport has completed its major preparations, with remaining work focused on the delivery and installation of furniture, decorations, appliances, and other details needed to complete the hosting areas.

Neri said everything has been programmed, adding that MCIA remains on schedule as it enters the final phase of readiness for one of the biggest diplomatic events to be hosted in Cebu.

Among the facilities highlighted was the Terminal 2 VIP Lounge, which will serve delegates arriving via commercial flights. The General Aviation Terminal Building, meanwhile, is being readied for heads of state and other high-level guests arriving on private aircraft.

Airport officials said the upgraded spaces were designed not only to meet the demands of an event of this scale but also to carry details that reflect Filipino tradition in the airport’s overall presentation.

At the General Aviation Terminal, site engineer Louel Piel said renovation work started on January 28 and is expected to be completed by April 25, including the installation of furniture. He said the lower level of the facility will house the departure, VIP, and VVIP lounges to be used during the summit.

Piel said the project, which costs around P30 million and is funded through MCIA’s corporate operating budget, marks the first major renovation of the facility. Some of the furniture will be sponsor-provided.

He added that the flags of ASEAN member countries will also be installed as part of the airport’s preparations, further transforming the facility into a fitting gateway for the regional event.

Neri said the airport’s readiness is part of a broader collaborative effort involving national agencies and local government units. He noted that several of the improvements were already due for implementation but were fast-tracked because of the summit. — Chain Lee Templo, CTU-Tuburan Intern/MRM (FREEMAN)