PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday inspected venues that will be used for the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Summit and related meetings in Cebu this May. Among the sites is the Mactan Expo Center, which will host summit delegates and is also expected to become a landmark that could boost tourism and business events in the province. Marcos also led the inauguration of the convention facility in Lapu-Lapu City, highlighting its role in strengthening the country’s tourism and meetings industry. “It’s my pleasure to be back here in Cebu, to be with you again. This is one of the places I really want to visit again and again,” the President said. The new facility, Marcos said, will help position Cebu as a major hub for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE). “Travelers look for destinations that are easy to reach, equipped with facilities such as this. And of course, the beauty that all of the Philippines is able to offer. But alongside that, our infrastructure must continue to improve so that every visitor’s experience becomes smoother and more memorable,” he added. Costing P1.5 billion, the convention center was developed by Megaworld Corp. as part of the Mactan Newtown township. It will serve as the main venue of the ASEAN Summit two months from now. Also present during the event were Megaworld President Kevin Tan, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Maria Cynthia “Cindi” King Chan, Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Representative Junard “Ahong” Chan, and other local officials and business leaders in Cebu.