President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared May 6 to 8 as special non-working days in Lapu-Lapu City and the municipality of Cordova to facilitate the country’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit this week.

“Idineklara ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na special non-working day… para mabawasan ang traffic at masiguro ang kaligtasan ng mga participants ng ASEAN Summit na gaganapin sa Lapu-Lapu City at Municipality of Cordova,” Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said on Tuesday.

The declaration was made through Proclamation No. 1238, signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. The measure aims to ease traffic congestion and ensure the safety and security of delegates and participants attending the high-level regional gathering.

Castro said preparations for the 48th ASEAN Summit are already in the final phase.

According to Castro, all “strategic, operational, technical, and security“ arrangements have been completed ahead of the event.

“The government of the Philippines, through the NOC and all participating agencies, stands 100 percent ready to deliver a secure, seamless, and world-class ASEAN Summit,” she said.

She added that representatives from the ASEAN Political-Security Community, ASEAN Economic Community, and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community are expected to attend, although the final list of participants will be confirmed on Wednesday.

Hundreds of foreign dignitaries, including heads of state, diplomats, and business leaders, are anticipated to take part in the summit.

Authorities also confirmed that around 7,300 personnel from government security and emergency response agencies will be deployed to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the event.