By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora | Philippine News Agency
The Philippines has officially assumed its chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and is now gearing up to host some 650 summits and meetings throughout the year.
Foreign Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Domic Xavier Imperial said the Philippines as chair would ensure that ASEAN continues to uphold peace and stability, deepen regional integration, and foster social inclusion.
“As we navigate our future together, the Philippines remains committed to steady leadership, principled engagement, and a chairship that strengthens ASEAN for years ahead,” he said in a press briefing in Pasay City on Thursday.
The 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit and Related Summits will be held in Cebu on May 8 to 9, and will be followed by the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits on Nov. 10 to 12, to be held at the newly renovated Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
Ahead of the summits, Cebu will host the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat (AMM) from Jan. 25 to 29 and the ASEAN Tourism Forum from Jan. 26 to 30.
The Philippines will also lead the commemorative activities for the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) on July 24 at the PICC.
TAC is a legally binding document that sets out the foundation for peaceful coexistence, trust, and stability among countries in the region. It is signed by at least 55 parties, including global powers like the United States, China, Japan, France, Canada, the European Union, India, and Russia.
Testament to multilateralism
In the same presser, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Mari Grace Preciosa Castelo said the 2026 ASEAN hosting will reflect the Philippines’ commitment to “multilateralism and leadership in fostering unity amid diversity.”
“This chairship is not just a diplomatic honor. It represents a profound opportunity for us to lead in fostering regional peace, prosperity, and people empowerment,” she said.
ASEAN National Organizing Council (NOC) Director General Ma. Helen De La Vega said Manila would utilize its budget “responsibly” while advancing the three key priorities for the region: peace and security, prosperity, and people empowerment.
“As we carry out our international commitment, our country continues to focus on recovery and resilience, especially in communities recently affected by natural disasters,” she said.
“These realities remind us that our preparations must strike a prudent balance—one that upholds the high standards expected of ASEAN chairship while ensuring that national and natural resources are utilized responsibly, sustainably, compassionately, and accountable for our people’s needs.”
In total, the Philippines will host 208 clustered meetings or over 650 meetings throughout the year, 104 of which are working group level, while 24 are ministerial.
The ASEAN NOC said tight security would be in place for all ASEAN meetings, especially the leaders’ summits in May and November.
As of Thursday, there is still no official information on the attendance of the United States, Russia, and China leaders in the two summits.
Myanmar’s participation will stay the same as in previous high-level ASEAN meetings, where representation is limited to non-political representatives.
Security preps
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said security measures are now being finalized for the ASEAN-related events in Cebu this month
The ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting and the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting are scheduled to take place in the last week of January in Cebu.
In a statement Thursday, acting PNP chief PLt.Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said while there is already a deployment for the Sinulog Festival, he has also directed the Cebu police to ensure a sufficient number of personnel for the ASEAN events.
“Our personnel in Cebu are not only focused on the Sinulog Festival but also on the upcoming ministerial meetings in connection with the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits,” he said.
“I already directed the Regional Director, PRO7 to ensure there is enough deployment for the ASEAN Tourism and Foreign Ministers’ meetings, in addition to the deployment for the Sinulog Festival,” he added.
Nartatez guarantees the security of all delegates, including foreign dignitaries, attending the events, even as he noted that no security threats have been monitored in relation to the events.
“As the country hosts this year’s ASEAN Summit, the PNP wants to demonstrate to the international community that the Philippines is a safe and secure place,” he said. (With a report from Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)
