AND THE dangling conversation about our region playing host to meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) — both those already concluded and those upcoming — continues. In a previous column, we discussed how the “I Am Iloilo City” campaign highlighted the city as host to several successful ASEAN gatherings. These events proved that Iloilo City is not merely known as the home of La Paz Batchoy, Pancit Molo, and the Esplanade, but also as a world-class host city capable of staging major international meetings.
This year, the city is set to host at least five ASEAN meetings. The Iloilo City Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) Center has announced that Iloilo City — alongside Boracay Island — will serve as venue for several regional gatherings.
Following the Iloilo City engagements, attention shifted to Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan, which hosted the ASEAN Senior Level Committee on Financial Integration and Related Meetings from March 2 to 6, 2026.
It is quite obvious why Iloilo City was chosen. The city has built a solid reputation as a safe, peaceful, and livable destination for visitors, investors, and residents alike. Over the years, it has also positioned itself as a premier international venue by upgrading its tourism infrastructure, raising service standards, and improving its overall readiness for major events.
Never mind the usual tantrums of the so-called “useful idiots” and pseudo-communists from the self-styled eskolar ng bayan. Their disruptions, as authorities have noted, have already been properly addressed.
As the focus shifted, we now segue to Boracay Island and ask the question: why Boracay?
During its heyday — from the 1970s until the late 1990s — Boracay Island stood as the country’s premier tourist destination. Its pristine white sand and crystal-clear blue waters earned it the reputation of having one of the best beaches in the world.
That reputation began to fade when greed, poor or nonexistent environmental practices, and indiscriminate pollution gradually turned the once-pristine paradise into a virtual cesspool.
The situation could have continued to deteriorate had no one in government stepped in to address it properly.
It took a president with the political will to shut Boracay Island down temporarily and order concerned government agencies to clean up and rehabilitate the area. Former President Rodrigo Duterte did what no other president had done before — close Boracay to restore it to its former glory. Along the way, the rehabilitation effort also extended to another troubled body of water: Manila Bay.
Sun, sea, and powdery white sand may be the first things that capture a traveler’s attention, but Boracay has already proven itself to be a prime location for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) in the Philippines.
Boracay experienced a remarkable revival after the six-month rehabilitation shutdown in 2018. The island reopened with improved policies emphasizing hygiene and sustainable tourism, allowing it to regain its reputation as one of the world’s top beach destinations. With its stunning coastline, shallow seas, and pleasant weather, Boracay remains a dream destination for travelers who love powdery white sand and bright blue skies.
And what better way to promote the country than by bringing ASEAN ministers to experience what is often described as the best beach in the world — the Boracay experience itself?
Of course, one of the most important ingredients for hosting such international gatherings is the peace-and-order situation. Panay Island — particularly Iloilo City, the regional capital, and Boracay Island, the country’s premier tourist destination — continues to maintain a stable and secure environment.
Meaning, visitors will not encounter the usual theatrics of so-called “useful idiots” or pseudo-communists staging disruptive street antics in Iloilo or Boracay.
Authorities have also assured the public that while no specific threats have been detected, security forces will remain on full alert throughout the ASEAN meetings and beyond.
Moving forward, on March 26 the 44th ASEAN Capital Markets Forum Chairs’ Meeting — led by the Securities and Exchange Commission—will once again take place in Boracay. The meeting aims to advance a more integrated ASEAN capital market and strengthen sustainable finance initiatives across the region.
Enhanced cooperation in capital markets supports infrastructure development, renewable energy investments, and long-term financial stability within ASEAN.
Finally, as host and Chair, the Philippines has a significant opportunity to help shape the region’s direction, enhance its investment visibility, and ensure that ASEAN cooperation translates into tangible benefits for Filipinos. Hosting these engagements also allows the country to showcase Filipino hospitality and its natural beauty to the wider ASEAN community./PN
