ASEAN Summit Afterglow: Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão used the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu to push three urgent priorities—energy security and resilience, food security, and regional stability—warning that fuel and food systems are under strain from conflict, climate change, and global instability. Diplomacy in Motion: In the Pacific, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste are moving toward reciprocal embassies after high-level talks in Port Moresby, with Ramos-Horta backing PNG’s bid to join ASEAN. Local Governance & Transparency: Timor-Leste’s “Government Page” TV show spotlighted land and property policy—regularisation, certification, dispute mediation, and transparency—aimed at protecting property rights and boosting investment. Community Updates: Lapu-Lapu restarted its P20-per-kilo rice distribution for vulnerable residents, while Talisay tightened e-bike rules citing safety. Ongoing Watch: Myanmar again complained it’s being shut out of ASEAN summits over “discriminatory measures,” as the bloc struggles to align on the post-coup crisis.