First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos is closely monitoring the country's preparations for hosting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits next year, as she inspected the ongoing renovations of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City this week.

In an Instagram post, the First Lady shared photos of herself visiting the PICC to inspect the rehabilitation works underway.

This iconic space has been a witness to many pivotal chapters in our history — and now, it's being primed to host the world once more, she wrote.

She expressed her gratitude to the PICC team and the ASEAN National Organizing Committee for their efforts.

Their dedication in making this landmark a venue reflects not just our hospitality, but our strength, our progress, and our vision for the region, Marcos said.

This was not the first time the First Lady checked on the ongoing renovations in the PICC. She last visited in February, along with the Coconut Palace, which once served as the Office of the Vice President during the time of the former vice president, Jejomar Binay.

First Lady Marcos has been keeping a close eye on the preparations. She visited Mactan in Cebu in April to explore its potential venues for the ASEAN 2026.

With its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality, Cebu shines as one of the brightest jewels of our country, she wrote.

Among the establishments she visited were the different facilities of Shangri-La Mactan, Sheraton Mactan, and the Mactan Expo Center.

The Philippines will serve as ASEAN chair for its 48th and 49th summits in 2026 after Southeast Asian leaders decided against letting Myanmar fulfill its hosting duties following the military's removal of Aung San Suu Kyi. Malaysia hosted the ASEAN summit this year.

With the Philippines stepping in, the government has been busy preparing for the annual gathering of world leaders. This includes the rehabilitation of EDSA, but President Marcos ordered its suspension until authorities have come up with solid rerouting schemes and consider the use of newer, faster technologies to minimize public disruption.

“We will find a better way na hindi masyadong mahirap para sa ating mga commuter (We will find a better way that won’t be as burdensome for our commuters),” he said this week.

“Hangga’t wala akong nakikitang solid na mga rerouting plans at masiguro na handang-handa na ang mga LGUs, huwag muna natin gawin (Unless I see solid rerouting plans and that the LGUs are fully prepared, let’s not do it yet),” he said.