The Philippines has officially entered the final stretch of its operational readiness for hosting the upcoming 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings.
In a report by the Inquirer, ASEAN Director-General for Operations Hellen Dela Vega was quoted as saying that approximately 95 percent of national preparations are already complete.
“I told some members of the media who have been asking me, as well as our agencies here, that my assessment is that we are 95 percent complete (on our preparations),” Dela Vega said on Saturday.
“I am reserving the remaining five percent for natural events or calamities, because these things are (forces) of nature,” she added.
The government’s comprehensive checklist covers airport receptions, transport logistics, diplomatic venues, and high-level accommodation arrangements.
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10,000 international delegates expected
According to the Department of Tourism, the Philippines is set to welcome over 10,000 foreign delegates, including heads of state from ASEAN member countries and dialogue partner nations such as Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the United States.
The influx of international delegations is anticipated to significantly boost local tourism and showcase the nation’s capacity to execute world-class gatherings.
Pax Silica not on the agenda
In line with this, US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton reiterated that there will be no announcement regarding the Pax Silica project during the summit, ABS-CBN News reported.
Pax Silica is a US-led international coalition launched in December 2025 to secure global supply chains for semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and critical minerals.
The initiative aims to reduce Western reliance on China’s tech manufacturing and rare-earth processing by building a trusted network of allied nations and industrial hubs—including a proposed AI and microchip manufacturing zone in New Clark City, Philippines.
“No such announcement on the Pax Silica Economic Security Zone was ever planned. Decisions will be made in full consultation with the government of the Philippines at the appropriate time,” he said in a statement.
“We look forward to working alongside the government of the Philippines about this exciting initiative to secure supply chains and attract quality investment in support of economic growth and jobs at home for the Filipino people,” he added.
The 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings will be held from November 16 to 18.
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