The Philippines’ preparations for the upcoming ASEAN Summit are becoming increasingly visible across parts of Metro Manila, prompting Filipinos to question why improvements to public spaces and roads appear to accelerate mainly when international guests are expected.
Posts circulating on Facebook have drawn attention to road repainting, beautification projects, and other preparations. The Visor Facebook page, for instance, called attention to the number of workers painting roads, asking whether the arrival of foreign dignitaries was needed to make Metro Manila look presentable. Meg Mante echoed the sentiment, saying, “Kaya pala natin no? Ang sakit lang makita ngayon.” Neo Folgo similarly remarked, “Pwede pala eh?” Meanwhile, Amado Dagatan Castillo III jokingly linked the preparations to the recent fuel price rollback, commenting, “kaya nag rollback den sa gas kase may mga bisita na darating.” Angel Rosales said in a comment “Pinag-holiday tayo ng 3 days para hindi makita yung kalunos-lunos na sitwasyon ng daily commuters.” Ferdinand Olguera questioned whether the improvements would last beyond the summit, while Ezra Domingo described the efforts as “Patch solution at its finest.”
Beyond online reactions, some preparations have also raised concerns about their effects on ordinary workers and commuters. Employees of a paresan in Pasay City appealed for financial assistance after their workplace was temporarily closed beginning October 29 due to security preparations, according to a GMA News report. The workers said they were told operations would remain suspended until the Summit concludes on November 18, leaving them without their usual source of daily income.
Authorities have also cleared roadside vendors along Roxas Boulevard, while pedestrians were seen using the overpass leading to the LRT Redemptorist Station in Parañaque. Meanwhile, lanes along EDSA were reportedly being reserved for VIP movements ahead of the gathering as early as November 9, where ordinary working Filipinos are not allowed to pass. Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation said that more than 300 domestic flights are expected to be canceled or rescheduled — affecting passengers with pre-booked flights traveling for work, school, or family commitments — starting November 14 as the government implements security and operational measures for the summit.
As part of the preparations, replicas of works by National Artists for Visual Arts have also been installed along J.W. Diokno Boulevard.
Malacañang said on November 7 that the country was already 90 to 95 percent ready to host the ASEAN Summit scheduled for November 15 to 17, with contingency and security arrangements still being finalized.###