Timor-Leste Infrastructure Push: Timor-Leste has officially broken ground on a new International Convention Centre in Dili’s old port area, with a foundation stone laid on May 20 during independence celebrations by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, President José Ramos-Horta, ASEAN’s secretary-general, and Australia’s deputy PM Richard Marles. The project is set to boost tourism and major regional events ahead of Timor-Leste’s 2029 ASEAN Chairmanship, with facilities ranging from conference halls to an aquarium, promenade, and entertainment precinct. Cebu Social Protection & Public Safety: Cebu City’s anti-mendicancy debate is reignited after a harmonica player’s arrest sparked calls for a more rights-based senior support ordinance, while Cebu City also faces a looming anti-rabies vaccine shortage that threatens herd immunity. Local Governance in Action: Mandaue City is exploring renting a firefighting drone for high-rise fires, and Cebu City’s mayor has partially vetoed Cebu’s supplemental budget provisions tied to hiring rules and a driver subsidy validation process. Regional Watch: ASEAN and partners continue positioning for the 2029 horizon, while Ocean Census reports 1,121 new marine species discovered worldwide.