By Brian Campued
As the Philippines formally launched its chairship of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored the importance of regional cooperation in addressing security challenges, driving shared economic growth, and harnessing technology for development.
Anchored on the theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” Philippines’ chairship next year will focus on three priorities: peace and security anchors, prosperity corridors, and people empowerment.
“These will direct ASEAN’s efforts to strengthen dialogue and cooperation on regional security, deepen economic integration through innovation and sustainability, and uplift the lives and resilience of our peoples,” the President said in a speech at Foro De Intramuros in Manila City on Friday.
‘Digitally-empowered’ ASEAN
Under the peace and security pillar, Marcos said the Philippines will highlight the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen ASEAN’s capacity to address new and evolving security threats.
He noted that AI could support early warning systems, maritime domain awareness, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response, ensuring that technology becomes a “force for stability rather than division.”
“In the economic sphere, let us drive ASEAN’s transition into a digitally empowered community,” he said, citing AI’s potential to boost small businesses and to unlock new opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth.
Under the socio-cultural pillar, the President said AI would enhance healthcare, education, and youth empowerment, broadening access to essential services and cultivating creativity for the next generation.
He also underscored the need to explore AI-driven solutions to advance ASEAN’s silver economy, fostering a more connected, resilient, and age-inclusive community.
“Of course, AI will not replace our human touch; rather, it will magnify our capacity to care, to teach, [and] to uplift communities across ASEAN.”
Experience the Philippines
Participants in next year’s ASEAN-related meetings and activities would also have the opportunity to explore not only Manila but also Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Laoag, Iloilo, Tagaytay, and Clark.
Marcos Jr. said through the nationwide conferences, ASEAN members would get to “experience the spirit of the Filipino people.”
“Each of these places will host ASEAN meetings and events that celebrate our diversity, showcase our culture, and advance our shared goals,” he said.
“Together, these venues tell the story of a nation that mirrors ASEAN itself—diverse yet united, traditional yet forward-looking, and increasingly future-ready through innovation and technology.”
What the ASEAN 2026 logo means
Marking the national launch of the Philippines’ chairship was the unveiling of the ASEAN 2026 logo and commemorative stamp, along with the ASEAN Philippines 2026 website to serve as “a platform for collaboration, for information, and participation” throughout the chairship year.
The ASEAN 2026 logo is composed of four core elements: Balangay, Wave, Rice Stalk, and Weave Pattern.
Inspired by the pre-colonial Filipino boat, the Balangay is reimagined as the ASEAN vessel that would carry the 11-nation bloc towards a peaceful, innovative, and inclusive future.
A nod to the waters that connect ASEAN member states, the Wave signifies maritime security and cooperation.
The Rice Stalk, meanwhile, symbolizes nourishment and abundance—reflecting ASEAN’s commitment to food security. Each yellow grain represents a member state, with the 11th marking Timor-Leste’s entry into the ASEAN community.
Lastly, the Weave Pattern embodies the strength found in interconnection—the coming together of cultures, values, and aspirations. The threads are bound by a shared purpose that forms a vibrant tapestry of unity and collective progress in the region.
-jpv
