Officials in Mandaue City have ramped up preparations to guarantee cleanliness, beautification, and security along critical routes in anticipation of the ASEAN Summit 2026, highlighting the city's dedication to offering a secure and orderly passage for international delegates scheduled for May. During a coordination meeting held on April 16, Mandaue City leaders collaborated with Cebu provincial officials and neighboring local government units to finalize arrangements for the summit, set to take place on May 7 to 8.
Key Coordination Meeting
The meeting was spearheaded by Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, alongside Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo "Jonkie" Ouano, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Maria Cynthia "Cindi" Chan, and Cordova Mayor Cesar "Didoy" Suan, with representatives from various government agencies also in attendance. This gathering underscored a unified effort to ensure the summit's success across the region.
Route Clean-Up Drive
Mayor Ouano emphasized that the city has been working closely with concerned agencies to enhance the appearance of roads and public spaces along routes expected to be utilized by summit delegates. Preparations involve sidewalk beautification, repairs of damaged streetlights, and repainting of major thoroughfares, all aimed at presenting Mandaue as a ready and welcoming host for this significant regional event.
Mandaue City Administrator Gonzalo "Sally" Maligon revealed that at least four barangays have been identified for immediate clean-up and visual improvement initiatives. "We had a meeting this afternoon for Mandaue City's preparations, particularly focusing on four barangays that will undergo visual improvements and clean-up operations. This includes cleaning the routes, repainting walls, and removing graffiti," Maligon stated.
Maligon further noted that the city is coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for infrastructure enhancements, specifically the installation and repair of streetlights near the second bridge. "Mayor Thadeo Jovito 'Jonkie' Ouano has coordinated with the DPWH so there will be improvements in the bridge lighting. When you come down from the second bridge, you can already see the new posts and lights. These are among the improvements being made," he explained.
Security and Tourism Coordination
Security preparations are firmly in place, with the Mandaue City Police Office leading deployment efforts to safeguard delegates as they pass through the city. "The commitment of the city is to make sure the delegates are safe while passing through Mandaue. That is the job of the police and other agencies, while local barangays are tasked with keeping the surroundings clean," Maligon affirmed.
Additional beautification projects are underway in public areas, including spaces beneath flyovers and along roadsides, to further enhance the city's aesthetic appeal. Meanwhile, Kristian Cabahug, executive director of the Mandaue Investment Promotions Tourism Action Center, mentioned that the city has coordinated with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority to ensure uniform tarpaulin designs for the summit, contributing to a consistent visual presentation across all host areas.
With less than a month remaining before the summit, officials confirmed that Mandaue continues to collaborate with partner agencies to guarantee that delegates experience a safe, clean, and organized environment. This effort reinforces the city's pivotal role in hosting one of the region's most important diplomatic gatherings, showcasing its commitment to international cooperation and hospitality.
