During the meeting, Ambassador Endo underscored Japan’s steadfast commitment to advancing cooperation with the Philippines, particularly as preparations continue for President Marcos’ upcoming visit, which is expected to further strengthen the longstanding partnership between the two countries.

The two officials also exchanged views on regional developments and Japan-Philippines cooperation, including the outcomes of the recently concluded ASEAN Leaders’ Summit held in Cebu.

Both sides agreed to further enhance bilateral collaboration across a wide range of areas, including diplomacy, regional security, economic cooperation, infrastructure development, and people-to-people exchanges.

The high-level gathering comes as Southeast Asia faces a worsening energy crisis, supply chain disruptions and broader economic strain, underscoring the need for stronger regional cooperation and sustainable growth strategies.

The summit will be held in Cebu, Philippines, where a national energy emergency has been declared, highlighting vulnerabilities in ASEAN’s energy and economic systems. Organizers said discussions will focus on how ASEAN can strengthen resilience through deeper ASEAN-EU ties and stronger public-private sector collaboration.

Among the program highlights is a ministerial panel featuring Philippine Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go and Indonesia Deputy Minister of National Development Planning Leonardo A.A. Teguh Sambodo.

EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro will join a dialogue on ASEAN-EU cooperation with Robert E.A. Borje, vice chairperson and executive director of the Philippine Climate Change Commission.

ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, EU Ambassador to ASEAN Sujiro Seam, and European Commission representatives are also expected to participate virtually.

Key discussions will center on sustainability priorities under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship, including energy transition, green finance, circular economy development, sustainable trade and supply chains, and climate-resilient agriculture.

More than 200 representatives from government, business, development institutions and civil society are expected to attend the summit, jointly organized by the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP).

Chris Humphrey, executive director of EU-ABC, said ASEAN and the EU must deepen cooperation amid multiple overlapping crises.

“We’re facing energy, economic and supply chain challenges that no party can address alone. ASEAN and the EU should look to each other for a reliable, long-term partnership built on shared ambitions for sustainable economic growth,” Humphrey said.

Paulo Duarte, president of ECCP and member of the EU-ABC Executive Board, said the next step is turning momentum into practical cooperation.

“The ASEAN-EU partnership has grown significantly, but the priority now is to translate that into tangible collaboration,” Duarte said.

The summit will also highlight the private sector’s role in advancing sustainability priorities, particularly in circular economy systems, supply chain integrity and agricultural resilience.

Executives from global companies, including Boehringer Ingelheim, Coca-Cola and Philip Morris International are expected to join the discussions.

Organizers said the event aims to move beyond dialogue and generate actionable partnerships that can support ASEAN’s long-term resilience and sustainable development agenda.

As chair of this year’s ASEAN, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will join his fellow heads of state from 10 other member-countries of the regional bloc during the leaders’ summit on May 7 and 8.

During an ASEAN press briefing, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro said the province is prepared to host the leaders and their delegations for the summit.

“We in Cebu, we are ready,” Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro said.

Baricuatro said security preparations are already “80-percent complete,” with enhanced emergency response systems and hospitals on “code blue” alert throughout the summit.

She said rehearsals and dry runs will be conducted prior to the arrival of heads of state and delegates.

Delegations are expected to be concentrated in Lapu-Lapu City, where key summit activities will take place, including meetings at the newly constructed Mactan Expo in Mactan Newtown.

Nagiel Bañacia, head of the Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said preparations in the city have been underway since December, including extensive information campaigns and traffic management planning.

Bañacia noted that road closures will be limited to convoy movements and will be reopened immediately after. He added that the two major bridges connecting Lapu-Lapu to mainland Cebu will remain open throughout the summit.

“We understand that daily life must continue even as we host this summit,” he said, adding that 70 to 90 percent of emergency preparedness measures are already in place.

Authorities have also identified key routes from the airport to Mactan resorts, where most delegates will be billeted.

In Cebu City, Mayor Nestor Archival said traffic management plans are in place, with no full-day road closures expected.

“So far, there will be no major road closures, but we are ready if adjustments are needed,” he said, citing coordination with police and traffic management groups. Delegates traveling from the airport to Cebu City are expected to pass through the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway.

In Mandaue City, Mayor Thadeo Ouano Jr. cited ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including road asphalting, improved street lighting, and solar installations along key transit routes. Barangays have also been mobilized for clean-up and repainting efforts.

Ouano said traffic flow will remain uninterrupted, with increased security presence and continuous monitoring during the summit.

The Department of Public Works and Highways reported that preparations for national roads have been completed and urged the public to maintain cleanliness and dispose of waste properly during the event.

Baricuatro expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the summit and called on Cebu residents to extend a warm welcome to delegates.

“This is a momentous event. Cebu is featured among all the 82 provinces. Cebu has been chosen. That alone will inspire us to do our best, and let’s be hospitable to our guests. If there are delegates, give them a smile. Give them the warmest Cebuano welcome,” she said.