Authorities in Cebu City announced on January 28, 2026 that in person classes would be suspended on January 28 and January 29 as the city hosted high level meetings linked to the ASEAN Summit. The decision was taken to ease traffic congestion, strengthen security and allow smooth movement of official delegations.
The city government said the suspension applied to public and private schools at all levels within Cebu City. Students were advised to shift to alternative learning arrangements where possible, while school administrators were instructed to coordinate closely with education authorities.
Security was heightened across major roads, hotels and conference venues as leaders and officials from Southeast Asian countries arrived for the meetings. Road closures and rerouting were implemented in key areas, significantly affecting daily commuting and school transport services.
Local officials said the temporary disruption was necessary given the scale of the summit and the number of international delegates involved. They added that normal school activities would resume once summit related events concluded.
Parents and teachers expressed mixed reactions, with some welcoming the safety measures while others raised concerns about lost classroom time. Education officials said continuity plans were in place to minimize academic disruption.
The ASEAN Summit meetings focused on regional cooperation, economic integration and security issues, placing Cebu City at the center of diplomatic activity during the two day period.
Wow, cant believe the ASEAN Summit is causing this chaos in Cebu City. Do you think its worth the disruption?
Why suspend classes for a summit? Kids missing out on education for political meetings seems unfair. #LetKidsLearn
Why should students suffer for an international event? Shouldnt education be a priority over ASEAN Summit disruptions? #EducationFirst
I understand the need for security during the ASEAN Summit, but disrupting classes seems extreme. Cant they find a middle ground?
I cant believe they suspended classes just for a summit! Priorities, people! Education should come first. #LetTheKidsLearn
I cant believe they had to cancel classes because of a summit! Is it really that big of a deal? Lets discuss.
Shouldnt the ASEAN Summit be held in a more isolated location to avoid disrupting the lives of Cebu City residents?
Why should students bear the brunt of the ASEAN Summit disruptions? Isnt their education a priority too? #UnfairDecision