LET’S TALK about “I Am Iloilo City” — not merely as the home of La Paz Batchoy, Pancit Molo, and the Esplanade, widely recognized as the Philippines’ most successful river rehabilitation project — but as a world-class host city.
Let’s talk about “I Am Iloilo City” as a modern metropolis that has successfully hosted major international gatherings such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings, the Urban Environmental Accords Summit, the ASEAN Smokefree Conference, the Asia Pacific Taekwondo Tournament, and the First Philippine International River Summit, among others, in recent years.
In 2026, the city is set to host at least five ASEAN meetings in March alone.
It is worth noting that Iloilo City already demonstrated its global hosting capability when it welcomed thousands of delegates and visitors during the APEC meetings in 2015.
Hosting events of such magnitude is a testament to Iloilo City’s reputation as a safe, peaceful, and livable destination for visitors, investors, and residents alike — notwithstanding the failed attempts of a few pseudo-communists and so-called “useful idiots” from the University of the Philippines to disrupt APEC 2015.
With the Philippines preparing to host the ASEAN Summit and related meetings in 2026, Iloilo City is once again positioning itself as a premier international venue by upgrading its tourism infrastructure, service standards, and overall event readiness.
The Iloilo City Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) Center has announced that the city — alongside Boracay Island — has been selected to host several regional meetings. Preparations are now underway to ensure seamless coordination and world-class service delivery.
Iloilo City aims not only to meet ASEAN’s logistical requirements but also to leave a lasting impression as a hub of warm hospitality and cultural sophistication, further solidifying its standing as one of the Philippines’ most globally competitive cities.
Moving on.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) remains a formidable regional bloc that fosters cooperation among its member states. It has opened numerous opportunities for growth, development, and collaboration, particularly for the Philippines.
One of the most significant benefits of ASEAN membership is enhanced trade. The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), established in 1992, was designed to reduce tariffs and facilitate seamless trade among Southeast Asian nations.
By 2022, the Philippines’ trade with ASEAN member states exceeded $40 billion, with Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia emerging as key trading partners. Lower tariffs have made Filipino products more competitive and have attracted foreign investments, enabling local industries to expand and innovate. The manufacturing, agriculture, and technology sectors, in particular, have contributed significantly to national GDP growth.
ASEAN has likewise played a crucial role in attracting foreign direct investments to the Philippines. Regional initiatives that promote partnerships and maintain a stable investment climate have strengthened the country’s appeal to global investors. Major infrastructure projects — including roads, bridges, and public transportation systems — have benefited from investments facilitated through ASEAN cooperation.
Beyond economics, ASEAN provides the Philippines with an essential platform for dialogue on regional security and political stability. Through ASEAN-led mechanisms, the country has engaged in discussions on maritime security, counterterrorism, and disaster response. This spirit of cooperation fosters solidarity among member states, particularly in maintaining peace in the volatile waters of the South China Sea.
The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) have further enabled the Philippines to collaborate closely with its neighbors on security matters, enhancing its defense posture and response strategies against external threats.
Cultural exchange is another area where ASEAN membership has benefited the Philippines. Initiatives such as the ASEAN Cultural Year and youth exchange programs promote a shared regional identity and deepen appreciation of cultural diversity among member states.
This year, the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship — a reflection of its commitment to lead the regional bloc with unity, clarity, and purpose.
Let us hope that the country’s peace and order situation remains stable — free from the predictable tantrums of the usual suspects — especially here in “I Am Iloilo City.”/PN
