By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment as a member state of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to forging “lasting peace and shared progress” in the region.
In a message for the celebration of 58th founding anniversary of the ASEAN on Friday, Marcos cited the country’s role in “helping lay the foundation for a region anchored on peace, cooperation, shared progress, and prosperity.”
The Philippines, along with Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, founded the regional bloc on Aug. 8, 1967 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration.
Other member states that later joined the ASEAN include Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
“Through solidarity and dialogue, we have also fostered mutually beneficial partnerships and advanced initiatives that uplift the lives of our peoples and communities,” Marcos said.
He noted the importance of inclusivity and sustainability in navigating the evolving world, which Malaysia pushes for as this year’s chair.
These themes, he said, “reflect not only the enduring aspirations of our region, but also the shared responsibilities we must embrace in today’s dynamic and complex global environment.”
With the Philippines taking the helm as chair of the ASEAN in 2026, Marcos Jr. assured that they will build on the bloc’s achievements in responding to the emerging challenges in both the region and the global community.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro likewise underscored next year’s chairship as an opportunity for the Philippines to help nurture ASEAN’s collective future anchored in its three pillars: political-security, economic, and socio-cultural.
She added that the country will continue to promote access to quality education through ASEAN scholarships, timely humanitarian assistance through coordinated disaster response, support to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through regional trade and investment agreements, and greater tourist mobility across member states.
“These are clear examples of how regional cooperation directly impacts the lives of our people,” Lazaro said.
“The Philippines remains committed to promoting a people-oriented and people-centered ASEAN, one that delivers real and tangible benefits to its citizens.”
-jpv
