(Photo courtesy of OES)
MANILA – Executive Secretary Ralph Recto inspected key venues in Pasay City on Friday as the government stepped up final preparations for the Philippines’ hosting of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits on November 15 to 17.
Recto, who chairs the ASEAN National Organizing Council, visited the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) and Coconut Palace to assess their readiness for the regional gathering.
In a statement Saturday, the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) said the inspection aimed to ensure that preparations remained on schedule and that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives were being implemented ahead of his own inspection.
“With just nine days to go before the Philippines welcomes more than 20 leaders from ASEAN member states, dialogue partners, and distinguished guests from across the region, ES Recto made sure that preparations are on track and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives are fully carried out ahead of the President’s own inspection,” the OES said.
The walkthrough was led by ASEAN Office of the Director-General and Organizing Director General Hellen dela Vega and OES Undersecretary Roy Cervantes.
Joining Recto were Trade Secretary Christina Roque and Tourism Secretary Maria Bernadita Angara-Mathay, who serve as vice chairpersons of the ASEAN National Organizing Council.
Also present were Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Robert de Claro, Budget Secretary Kim De Leon, and Presidential Communications Office Secretary Lino Cayetano.
The OES emphasized that preparations for the summit involve close coordination among government agencies responsible for security, logistics, communications, tourism, and other operational requirements.
The agency said the inspection reflects the government’s coordinated efforts throughout the year to ensure the successful hosting of ASEAN-related activities under the Philippines’ 2026 chairship.
Recto also expressed appreciation to the organizing team for its work and encouraged officials and personnel to maintain their commitment as the country prepares to host approximately 100 additional meetings.
The upcoming summit will bring together ASEAN leaders, dialogue partners, and other international delegates for discussions on regional cooperation and shared priorities.
