Metro Manila Declared Special Non-Working Days for ASEAN Summit

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has declared Nov. 16 to 18 as special non-working days in Metro Manila to allow the government to ensure the safety of the participants in the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit. The declaration is contained in Proclamation 1447 signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto by the authority of President Marcos on Sept. 17. “To alleviate traffic and to allow the host country to secure the event, it is necessary to declare Nov. 16 to 18 as special (non-working) days in the National Capital Region,” the proclamation stated. This move is aimed at easing traffic congestion and bolstering security measures for the summit, which the Philippines is hosting. The declaration is expected to impact daily life in the capital region, with many businesses and government offices likely to close during these days. The Philippines is hosting the ASEAN Summit for the first time since 2017, with discussions expected to cover a wide range of issues including regional economic integration, security, and climate change. The South China Sea dispute and economic recovery are anticipated to be key discussion points. Hosting such a significant international event highlights the importance of robust infrastructure and security in the capital. Previous ASEAN-related summits in the Philippines have also seen extensive security arrangements and traffic management plans implemented.