Lapu-Lapu gears up for ASEAN events in October

CEBU, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City is stepping up preparations for the 20th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the 13th ADMM-Plus. Mayor Ma. Cynthia King-Chan assured that the city is ready to support the international gathering set for October 26 to 30.

King-Chan said the city government is working with the Department of National Defense (DND), regional agencies, law enforcement units, and the local ASEAN Organizing Committee to ensure the city’s readiness for the meetings.

“Lapu-Lapu City is ready to welcome our ASEAN guests and to once again demonstrate our capacity to host an international gathering with professionalism, coordination, and the genuine Oponganon hospitality,” she said.

During a coordination meeting on Monday, September 28, King-Chan presented the preparations being made by the city’s frontline departments and offices, including the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Clearing Team, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Clean and Green, Street Lighting, Public Information Office, Tourism Office, and City Traffic Management Section.

CDRRMO head Dr. Nagiel Bañacia also presented the city’s emergency response preparations for the event.

King-Chan said the city is confident in its capacity to host the gathering, having previously handled major international events, including the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings and the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026.

“These experiences have strengthened our systems for coordination, security, emergency response, traffic management, environmental management, and support services for international delegates,” she said.

The ADMM is ASEAN’s highest defense cooperative mechanism, while the ADMM-Plus brings together ASEAN member states and their dialogue partners for defense and security cooperation.

The upcoming ADMM will also coincide with the 20th anniversary of the mechanism, which was launched in 2006.

The coordination meeting was attended by DND Senior Undersecretary Ireneo C. Espino, Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Marita I. Yoro, Commodore Elmer G. Toriado of the Defense Intelligence and Security Group, Police Regional Office-7 Director PBGen. Arnold E. Abad, Lapu-Lapu City Police Office Director PCOL. Agosto Daskeo, and other officials.

For his part, Congressman Junard Chan also expressed confidence in the city’s preparations, citing its airport, hotels, and previous experience in hosting ASEAN-related activities.

King-Chan said the city government will continue working with the DND, regional agencies, law enforcement, barangay officials, and other members of the local organizing committee to ensure the smooth conduct of the meetings.

The mayor also thanked the DND for recognizing the city government’s preparations and support for the event. — (FREEMAN)