ASEAN 2026: Tourism forum, foreign ministers retreat to take place in Cebu this week

MANDAUE CITY - Various organizers and stakeholders of the ASEAN 2026 are already finalizing the preparations for the ministerial meetings taking place in Cebu this week, particularly the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) and the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat (AMM Retreat).

A media operations briefing was held at the International Media Center, located in a hotel in this city, to brief members of the media on what to expect during the weeklong meetings. 

The ASEAN foreign ministers will gather for the first time this year to begin discussions on the Philippines’ hosting of ASEAN, with the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.''

This year, the regional bloc will witness the commencement of the implementation of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, ASEAN’s 20-year vision document as well as the strategic plans for ASEAN’s pillars of work.

At the invitation of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, who is also chair of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting 2026, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn will lead the ASEAN Secretariat’s delegation to participate in the AMM Retreat. 

Meanwhile, the ATF will include a series of policy meetings, activities, and discussions, which aim to shape the future of the region’s tourism industry in the coming years.

This will also serve as a platform for the Philippines to showcase its tourism destinations, products, and offerings to key members of the international community.

The formal opening ceremony of the ATF will take place on January 28. —KG, GMA Integrated News