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ASEAN Philippines Organizing Council: Filipino Hospitality, Bayanihan Shine in Successful Hosting of 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu

By PCO

 

The successful hosting of the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu was a powerful demonstration of Filipino hospitality, bayanihan, and whole-of-nation cooperation.

The ASEAN 2026 National Organizing Council, Office of the Director-General for Operations (ASEAN NOC-ODGO), as the implementing arm of the National Organizing Council under the Office of the President, extends its deepest gratitude to all who helped deliver a Summit worthy of the Filipino people and the ASEAN community.

Under the leadership and guidance of the Office of the President, the preparations and implementation of the Summit were carried out through close coordination across government and partner sectors.

ASEAN NOC-ODGO likewise thanks all national government agencies, ASEAN NOC Committees, security and protocol teams, healthcare and emergency responders, media and communications personnel, technical teams, transport and logistics groups, and volunteers whose dedication ensured the smooth and seamless conduct of all meetings and activities.

Guided by the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the Summit became a meaningful reflection of unity and shared purpose among government and private institutions, local communities, and the Filipino people, with ASEAN NOC Director-General for Operations Hellen B. De La Vega emphasizing that the successful hosting of the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings was made possible through their shared commitment, close coordination, and collective spirit of service.

“We are deeply grateful to every agency, partner, worker, volunteer, and especially the people of Cebu, whose dedication and support allowed us to showcase the best of the Filipino spirit to ASEAN and the world,” De La Vega said.

The Tri-City area of Cebu and the Cebu Organizing Council have played an instrumental role in the successful hosting of the Leaders’ Summit, providing strong support from the earliest stages of preparation.

The proactive coordination, readiness, and commitment shown by the Provincial Government of Cebu, the City Government of Cebu, the City Government of Lapu-Lapu, the City Government of Mandaue, and the Municipality of Cordova reflected Cebu’s capacity to host engagements of this scale and significance, proving that Cebu is ready not only to welcome Southeast Asia, but to open its doors to the world.

Our heartfelt appreciation likewise goes to Megaworld Corporation and The Mactan Newtown, as well as all hotel establishments, venue partners, accommodation providers, tourism stakeholders, and mobility partners whose support, professionalism, and warm hospitality allowed ASEAN Leaders, delegates, and guests to experience the Filipino brand of welcome throughout the Summit.

To our private sector partners, MSMEs, cultural performers, media organizations, production and technical teams, service providers, and all workers behind the scenes, your dedication and spirit of cooperation became part of the foundation of this successful undertaking. Your service has not gone unnoticed, and your contributions helped ensure that the Philippines delivered a Summit marked by excellence, warmth, and professionalism.

ASEAN NOC Director-General De La Vega also expressed special gratitude to the people of Cebu for their support throughout the Summit.

“Most especially, we thank the people of Cebu, particularly the residents of Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cordova, for your patience, discipline, understanding, and wholehearted support throughout the Summit. Your generosity allowed ASEAN and the world to experience the best of the Filipino spirit,” De La Vega said.

As the Philippines continues its ASEAN Chairmanship journey throughout 2026, we move forward with renewed determination and gratitude, inspired by the same spirit of solidarity and cooperation that made this Summit a success.

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