Philippines Invites Media Professionals to Broadcast ASEAN's Efforts in Addressing Regional Challenges
Jakarta (ANTARA) - As the holder of the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, the Philippines has emphasised the importance of the media’s role in Southeast Asia in broadcasting the joint steps agreed upon by ASEAN leaders to address the impacts of the Middle East conflict in the region.
According to Dave Gomez, Head of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) of the Philippines, the success of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu this week greatly depends on public communication carried out by the media in Southeast Asia.
“We are confident that with your help, the key messages of unity, progress, and collaboration from Cebu will shine strongly through your organisations and media channels,” Gomez said while opening the ASEAN 2026 International Media Centre in Cebu, Philippines, on Tuesday (5/5).
According to the ASEAN 2026 press release monitored in Jakarta on Wednesday, the Head of the PCO of the Philippines revealed that the focus of this ASEAN Summit includes issues of energy resilience and unified responses to mitigate the impacts of the Middle East conflict on ASEAN member countries.
Resilience in facing disasters is also part of this joint ASEAN agenda, with its member countries agreeing to advance a collaboration framework based on community-based early warning systems, rapid humanitarian response, and support for affected communities.
“Through your reporting, the world will understand the outcomes of regional security and peace, economic integration, sustainable development, and our shared commitment to ‘Navigating Our Future Together’,” Gomez said, referring to the theme of the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship this year.
On the same occasion, Cebu Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro reaffirmed her region’s readiness to host the 2026 ASEAN Summit.
She also hopes that the summit will be a momentum to open new partnerships and investments as well as sustainable tourism and long-term economic development for Cebu.
“To our ASEAN partners, we do not just welcome you as guests, but also as collaborators in building a more dynamic and inclusive region,” Baricuatro said.
Meanwhile, Cindi Chan, Mayor of Lapu-Lapu City, where the 48th ASEAN Summit is being held, said that the major agenda supports her region’s efforts to position itself as a centre for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) activities in the Philippines.
Ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit on Friday (8/5), a series of ministerial-level meetings will be held first on Thursday (7/5), including the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) and the 31st Meeting of the ASEAN Political-Security Community Council (APSC).