PH showcases hospitality, culture as ASEAN Media Center opens

Shekinah Jedidiah Alima

Philippine culture, hospitality, technology and tourism were showcased as the Philippines welcomed accredited local and international journalists at the inauguration of 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits’ International Media Center (IMC) at World Trade Center, Pasay on February 13.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Lino Edgardo Cayetano welcomed the media delegates and encouraged them to firsthandedly experience Filipino customs throughout their stay at the IMC.

“This place was built so you can do your jobs, do it well, do it comfortably. But we also did here, was to provide a window into our beautiful country,” Cayetano emphasized, highlighting how the country prioritized the journalists’ needs and working conditions.

Aside from the ‘world-class’ facilities, technological support and food and coffee stations, he also encouraged the media practitioners to immerse themselves together with the Filipinos.

“We invite you to see our beautiful places through our booths. To see our beautiful products, our industries, but also to get a chance to know our most special and beautiful asset – the Filipino people,” the PCO chief added.

Cayetano also highlighted that they will extend assistance to the journalists covering the summit meetings and provide contextualized information to the public.

“To our guests, both Filipinos and foreign journalists, all of us here at the PCO and in government are here to serve, to help you do your jobs, together, let’s explain why our leaders are sitting across each other,” he said.

Joining Cayetano was Director-General for Operations for the Philippines’ ASEAN 2026 Chairship, Hellen De La Vega who emphasized the importance of the journalists’ role for their coverage.

“The stakes are higher, the attention is greater, and frankly, the media covering the stories deserve facilities that match that importance,” she explained in her speech.

De La Vega also underscored that the stories and broadcasts that will be made within the IMC are key to helping the public understand diplomatic conversations from the comfort of their homes.

Lakandula High School’s Sining Lahi Dance Troupe opened the IMC’s Filipino showcase with folk dance performances which served as the first local act witnessed by the press.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally made an appearance at the IMC last November 10 to conduct an inspection of its facilities before its soft-opening the next day.

According to the PCO, around 5,000 media delegates are expected to converge at their base for the entirety of the 49th ASEAN Summit.

World Trade Center’s Hall A transformed into the International Broadcast Center where journalists can deliver live broadcasts for their respective countries.

Hall B was configured as the media hall, housing a curated selection of workspaces, cultural exhibitions, briefing rooms, recording studios, and coffee and well-being stations for visiting journalists.