The meeting between Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro and First Lady Liza Marcos formed part of official coordination efforts aligned with the province’s mandated role in preparations for the upcoming ASEAN Summit, where Cebu is designated as a key host and logistics center.
As the duly elected governor, Baricuatro is tasked with ensuring that Cebu meets the international standards required for hosting a major diplomatic event. This includes coordination with national leadership and relevant government agencies on security planning, infrastructure readiness, transportation systems, protocol requirements, and overall operational capacity for foreign heads of state and high-level delegations.
The ASEAN Summit places host locations under global scrutiny, requiring a high level of preparedness across multiple sectors such as public safety, hospitality, and urban mobility. Provincial officials emphasized that close alignment between national and local governments is essential to meeting these demands.
The First Lady, who is involved in national initiatives related to cultural representation, social development, and inter-agency coordination for major international events, met with Governor Baricuatro to ensure that national objectives are effectively implemented at the provincial level. Discussions focused on harmonizing efforts, streamlining coordination, and strengthening Cebu’s readiness to support the Philippine government’s broader goals for the summit.
Cebu’s strategic position as a commercial, tourism, and international connectivity hub in the Visayas underscores the importance of such high-level coordination. Provincial leaders noted that Cebu is expected to serve as a reliable anchor for summit-related activities and to contribute to the overall success of the event.
“This meeting was about work—about preparedness, coordination, and ensuring that Cebu delivers when called upon on the international stage,” Governor Baricuatro said. “That is the duty of the Governor, and that is exactly what was done.”
The Provincial Government of Cebu stated that all actions related to ASEAN Summit preparations are guided by public interest, institutional coordination, and the long-term development and global positioning of the province. Preparations are being undertaken with an emphasis on sustainability, efficiency, and the lasting benefits that hosting an international event brings to Cebu and its residents.
Provincial officials reiterated Cebu’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and effective governance as it fulfills its responsibilities for the ASEAN Summit, expressing confidence in the province’s capacity to represent both Cebu and the Philippines with competence on the international stage.
