Megaworld's Mactan Expo hosts ASEAN defense talks in Cebu

Insider Spotlight

• Around 500 delegates attended the ASEAN defense meetings in Cebu.
• Mactan Expo hosted its third major ASEAN event of 2026.
• The gathering strengthens Megaworld's position in the international conventions market.

Megaworld's Mactan Expo in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, hosted Southeast Asia's top defense meetings this week, positioning the newly opened convention center as a venue for major international gatherings.

Around 500 delegates and guests attended the 20th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and 13th ADMM-Plus, bringing together representatives from 11 ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners.

Regional security talks

The dialogue partners are Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea and the United States. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth was among the attendees who meet Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and other officials.

Hosted by the Department of National Defense under the Philippines' 2026 ASEAN chairmanship, the talks cover maritime security, critical undersea infrastructure and developments in the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea.

Why it matters

The gathering was Mactan Expo's third major ASEAN engagement this year, following January's ASEAN Tourism Forum and the ASEAN Leaders' Summit in May.

The series highlights the facility's growing role in hosting diplomatic gatherings while attracting international visitors to Cebu.

In a statement, Mactan Expo vice president and general manager Louella Caridad said, "Hosting the ADMM and ADMM-Plus is an important milestone for Mactan Expo, as we welcome defense ministers and delegations from across the region to Cebu. Together with the Department of National Defense, the Lapu-Lapu City government, and our local partners, we are committed to providing a venue that meets the requirements of these high-level meetings while showcasing Cebu’s hospitality."

Louella Caridad

The Mactan Expo GM said the ASEAN event marks a milestone for purpose-built Megaworld events venue.

Megaworld's convention business

Inaugurated in March, Mactan Expo anchors Megaworld's Mactan Newtown development, expanding the township's offerings beyond hospitality, residential and commercial properties.

The convention center has 2,220 square meters of pillarless event space across three halls, supported by mezzanine meeting rooms, executive lounges and dedicated VIP facilities.

Located about eight kilometers from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the venue sits across from Mercure and Savoy hotels.

Its facilities also incorporate Cebuano artwork, rainwater harvesting systems and a materials recovery facility.

— Edited by Daxim L. Lucas