Lapu-lapu city: Malaca±ang has declared May 6 to 8, 2026 as special non-working days in Lapu-Lapu City and the municipality of Cordova in Cebu to ensure the smooth and secure hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit this year. Under Proclamation No. 1238 signed by acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, the declaration seeks to ease traffic congestion and guarantee the safety of delegates, participants, and residents during ASEAN 2026.

According to Philippines News Agency, hundreds of foreign dignitaries, including heads of state, diplomats, and business leaders, are expected to attend the summit, which will be held on May 7 and 8 in Lapu-Lapu City. Delegates are scheduled to begin arriving as early as May 5 and will depart until May 12.

Authorities said more than 7,300 personnel from various government security and emergency response agencies will be deployed to secure the event. The deployment includes site security, convoy protection, coastal and airspace monitoring, traffic management, emergency medical response, and rapid incident handling.

Security measures are expected to include road closures or restrictions and heightened police and military presence in key areas throughout the summit period. The Philippines is hosting ASEAN 2026 under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., with discussions expected to focus on regional security cooperation, economic integration, and policy coordination.

Earlier, the President ordered a recalibration of the country's hosting of ASEAN, scaling down non-essential activities to manage costs amid global oil supply disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East. Malaca±ang said around 650 preparatory meetings will instead be conducted online, a shift aimed at ensuring 'substantial discussions and productive results' while maintaining fiscal prudence. The Philippines last hosted the ASEAN Summit in 2017.