Cebu and Bohol rolled out more than just red carpets for this year’s ASEAN gatherings—they showcased the Philippines’ growing stature as a regional hub for diplomacy, business, and tourism.
Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, warmly welcomed delegates of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) through its award-winning gateways: Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA). The high-level meetings marked the opening leg of ASEAN engagements for the year, positioning both destinations at the center of Southeast Asia’s diplomatic calendar.
“What a lovely experience at Mactan-Cebu International Airport. A warm welcome goes a long way — it sets the tone for the journey ahead,” said Dubai-based hospitality executive and ASEAN delegate Zaim Muhammad in a LinkedIn post.
The delegates convened in Cebu and Bohol for key gatherings, including the Special ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting on Energy in Bohol, and the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting, ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat, and ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026 and TRAVEX in Cebu. The smooth orchestration of arrivals and departures underscored AIC’s operational readiness for events of global scale.
“I wish to thank AIC for your assistance and support to the ASEAN Special SOME in Bohol. Bohol-Panglao International Airport officials and staff have greatly contributed to the smooth reception and send off of foreign and local delegates, particularly the VVIPs. The meetings were successful and we received much appreciation and high regards from all delegates,” said Energy Undersecretary Mario C. Marasigan.
According to AIC Vice President and Head of Airports Rafael M. Aboitiz, the objective goes beyond logistics. “Our goal is to provide our guests with a world-class airport experience that reflects the best of the Philippines. By hosting the ASEAN delegates with the highest standards of efficiency and warmth, we are demonstrating our readiness to support the country’s ambitions as a leading hub for international business and tourism,” he said.
Elevating the gateway experience in Cebu
At Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the country’s second-busiest gateway outside Manila, delegates experienced a carefully curated arrival process. Dedicated arrival and departure lanes ensured swift movement, while collaboration with the Department of Tourism brought cultural performances that highlighted Filipino heritage.
VIP facilitation included exclusive pick-up and drop-off points, professional porter services, and premium lounge access with executive refreshments. Immigration and security procedures were accelerated through dedicated lanes, maintaining summit-level security without disrupting regular passenger operations.
MCIA’s commitment to service excellence was recently recognized with an upgrade to Level 3 Customer Experience Accreditation from Airports Council International in January 2026, reflecting sustained improvements driven by passenger feedback and empowered frontline teams. The airport was also named Airport of the Year – Asia at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025.
Connectivity has likewise been enhanced. Through CEB Connects, MCIA’s streamlined air-to-air transfer service significantly reduces transfer times between international and domestic flights. Meanwhile, CEB+ offers an air-to-sea transfer from MCIA to Mactan Wharf, facilitating seamless travel to nearby island destinations.
New exclusive nonstop routes now allow travelers to reach Siquijor via Sunlight Air and San Vicente, Palawan via Cebu Pacific directly through Cebu, while connectivity extends further to Northern Mindanao via Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental—also managed by AIC.
Showcasing a green gateway in Bohol
At Bohol-Panglao International Airport, known as the country’s “Green Gateway to the World” and its tenth-busiest airport, AIC demonstrated that provincial hubs can seamlessly handle complex diplomatic logistics.
Strategic partnerships with local hotels enabled curated lounge environments, while high-impact welcome messages were displayed across the airport’s LED network. Reserved parking zones and dedicated transit lanes ensured strict adherence to official schedules, complemented by local tokens and refreshments that highlighted Boholano identity.
In November 2025, BPIA reached another milestone by accommodating its first Airbus A330—a 459-seat wide-body aircraft operated by Cebu Pacific on the Manila–Tagbilaran route—signaling upgraded infrastructure capable of supporting larger aircraft and expanded international connectivity.
Positioned for a landmark ASEAN year
The successful hosting of the initial ASEAN meetings signals more than operational capability—it reflects a broader strategy to elevate Philippine aviation infrastructure as Cebu and Bohol prepare for a series of high-profile gatherings throughout the year, including the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in May.
By integrating global best practices with authentic Filipino hospitality, AIC Airports have demonstrated that their gateways are not merely transit points but strategic assets that drive tourism, trade, and diplomatic engagement. As ASEAN leaders continue to arrive, Cebu and Bohol stand ready—not only to welcome the region, but to represent the Philippines at its most competitive and connected.