LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu – Mayor Cindi King Chan led the final coordination meeting for the 20th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and 13th ADMM-Plus, scheduled for October 26 to 30, 2026.
Present were representatives from national and regional government agencies, security forces, emergency response teams, and the Lapu-Lapu City ASEAN Organizing Committee.
"Each office presented updates on its preparations, allowing us to review operational requirements, clarify responsibilities, and address the remaining concerns ahead of this important international gathering," King Chan said in her Facebook post.
What was discussed
Preparations covered infrastructure, energy, and traffic management, with DPWH VII and Cebu 6th DEO, DOT VII, the Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Office, MCIAA, Aboitiz InfraCapital, DTI, MECO, NGCP, Lapu-Lapu City CTMS, and the Cebu City Transportation Office.
The security cluster, led by PNP VII, LCPO, AFP VISCOM, AFP-Joint Task Force Cebu, intelligence and military units, the Philippine Coast Guard, and other security agencies, also gave updates.
The Office of Civil Defense, DOH VII, the City Health Office, DICT VII, the Bureau of Fire Protection, CENRO, DRRMO, and Cebu City DRRMO addressed emergency preparedness, contingency measures, and medical response.
The mayor said the meeting also heard from the Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Immigration, DILG, UPAO, the City Governments of Lapu-Lapu and Cebu, the Municipality of Cordova, and the media and communications teams.
Lessons from earlier events
King Chan said the city's experience hosting the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings and the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026 gave it valuable lessons in managing international events. She said these lessons are being applied, noting that the success of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus depends on every agency fulfilling its role and supporting the work of others.
The City Government of Lapu-Lapu will continue to coordinate closely with its partners to help ensure the safety of delegates, the smooth flow of activities, and the readiness of essential services, she added.
Thanks to partners
The mayor thanked the Department of National Defense and all participating agencies for their time, expertise, and continued cooperation. She described the effort as the spirit of Bayanihan in public service, with different institutions bringing their capabilities to one important task.
"As we welcome our ASEAN guests and dialogue partners, may our collective efforts reflect the professionalism of our institutions and the warm Filipino hospitality that Lapu-Lapu City is proud to extend," she said.
Source: Facebook post of Mayor Cindi King Chan
Quick Summary
What: Final coordination meeting for the 20th ADMM and 13th ADMM-Plus
Where: Led by Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi King Chan
When: Ahead of the October 26–30, 2026 schedule
Impact on Visayas: National and regional agencies, plus the City Governments of Lapu-Lapu and Cebu and the Municipality of Cordova, coordinated on infrastructure, energy, traffic, security, emergency response, and essential services
Source: Mayor Cindi King Chan (Facebook)