THE PHILIPPINES officially welcomed the Southeast Asian tourism ministers, together with 271 buyers from 50 countries, 124 sellers, 222 exhibitors, and members of the international media as the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 opened on January 28 at the historic Liberty Shrine in the Island of Mactan, Cebu. ​The ceremony commenced with the traditional banging of the gong led by Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco. Following this symbolic gesture, the Secretary was joined by her fellow tourism ministers from across the ASEAN member states for the symbolic ASEAN handshake, signaling the start of the region’s most influential tourism event. Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-FrascoLapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. ​During her welcome remarks, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma.