LAPU-LAPU CITY — While foreign delegates filled hotels and meeting halls for the 48th Asean Summit, some workers at Mactan Shrine spent the week watching empty tables and quiet walkways.
Food vendors and canvassers at the Mactan Shrine SuTuKil area said summit preparations reduced tourist arrivals and cut their daily earnings.
Mark Flores, a canvasser from Barangay Mactan assigned to SuTuKil restaurants, said business started slowing down on May 1 as Cebu prepared to host delegates and VIPs attending the regional summit.