By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. hailed the “greater solidarity and cooperation” among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) under the Philippines’ chairship, noting the importance of having “dependable allies” in navigating the uncertain world.
In his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, President Marcos Jr. called ASEAN as Manila’s “safe harbor” as the country “[shares] not only mutual proximity, but affinity” with the 10 other member states.
As chair of ASEAN 2026, Marcos said the Philippines championed closer regional cooperation to empower the regional bloc to collectively address the impacts of global developments, including the conflict in the Middle East.
“Through a united ASEAN and its strong extended network, we have achieved greater security and resilience—as a region and as individual nations—more capable of withstanding disruptive events,” he said.
According to the Chief Executive, ASEAN has made significant strides in strengthening the region’s capacity to withstand external shocks.
“Moved by our stark realizations, ASEAN must further strengthen the bonds of our regional cooperation, building on our sense of filiation and a heightened instinct for mutual assistance,” he said.
Among the concrete outcomes achieved under the Philippine chairship is the operationalization of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve, which is expected to guarantee emergency rice supplies during domestic production shortages.
The Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security, meanwhile, aims to set joint stockpiling of petroleum reserves among member states to ensure regional energy security.
President Marcos also underscored the Philippines’ readiness to support the realization of the ASEAN Power Grid, noting that the country’s major island grids are now fully interconnected.
The President also mentioned the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework, which is being led by the Philippines and aims to harmonize digital rules across the region, facilitate cross-border digital transactions, promote innovation, and expand financial inclusion, particularly for small enterprises.
“This is ‘bayanihan’ for the international community and for this part of the world,” Marcos stressed.
The President also called for an end to violent conflicts, reaffirming the country’s position as an advocate of diplomacy as key to resolve disputes.
He called on all parties “to return to the table armed with a genuine desire for peace and normalcy,” emphasizing that “true diplomacy builds, violent conflict only destroys.”
“Peace and order are the foundations of security, for our country, for our region, and for the world,” he said.
The Philippines leads ASEAN this year with the theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
Other member states of the regional bloc include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Timor Leste, Singapore, and Vietnam.
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