MANILA, Nov 13 – The Philippines formally inaugurated its International Media Centre (IMC) in Pasay City on Friday, November 13, 2026, establishing a dedicated operational hub for local and foreign journalists covering the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits.
Located at the World Trade Centre Metro Manila, the facility will serve as the primary newsroom and broadcast base throughout the high-level regional gathering scheduled from November 15 to 17, 2026.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Lino Cayetano led the opening ceremony alongside Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay and ASEAN 2026 National Organising Council Director-General Hellen de la Vega.
During his remarks, Cayetano emphasized that the hub was built to help media practitioners carry out their reporting duties efficiently and comfortably while experiencing Philippine hospitality, industries, and culture.
“This place was built for you. This place was built so you can do your jobs, do it well, do it comfortably,” Cayetano said.
“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 from each other at the table,” he added.
Media Infrastructure and Experiential Pavilion
The IMC is outfitted with dedicated zones for press briefings, news filing, high-speed connectivity, and broadcast operations to support coverage of the diplomatic meetings.
In addition to technical workspaces, the centre houses an Experiential Pavilion celebrating Filipino craftsmanship, heritage, and regional culinary specialities—including local coffee and delicacies from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay noted that hosting the summit provides a valuable platform to highlight Philippine destinations and homegrown products alongside diplomatic talks. “For the Department of Tourism, this means making the Philippines experience part of the summit itself, and we have brought that approach here to the International Media Centre,” she said.
ASEAN 2026 National Organising Council Director-General Hellen de la Vega underscored the vital role of journalists in translating complex regional cooperation into accessible stories for everyday citizens. “This centre is our way of ensuring that our media partners have the tools to tell stories accurately, quickly, and effectively,” she noted.
Serving as ASEAN Chair for 2026, the Philippines will host leaders of ASEAN member states and external dialogue partners for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, marking the culmination of Manila’s yearlong chairship.
Venue Details, Officials, and Summit Schedule
Key operational facilities, officiating leaders, and event milestones include:
- Facility & Venue: International Media Centre (IMC) at the World Trade Centre Metro Manila, Pasay City (opened Friday, Nov 13, 2026).
- Summit Dates & Milestone: 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits running November 15–17, 2026, culminating the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship.
- Officiating Leaders: PCO Acting Secretary Lino Cayetano, Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay, and ASEAN 2026 National Organising Council Director-General Hellen de la Vega.
- Key Amenities: Dedicated press briefing halls, news filing workstations, broadcast operations suites, and an Experiential Pavilion showcasing products, coffee, and cuisine from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
–NMT
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