(DC file photo)
The Philippines is preparing to use its hosting of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings to strengthen its regional leadership, attract foreign investments, and expand economic partnerships.
ASEAN 2026 National Organizing Council (NOC) Director-General for Operations Ma. Hellen De La Vega said the November 15 to 17 summit would provide an opportunity to promote the country’s economic potential, culture, heritage, and readiness for international cooperation.
Speaking on the Byaheng Bagong Pilipinas Podcast, De La Vega emphasized that the gathering would go beyond diplomatic discussions, with the government seeking regional agreements that deliver concrete benefits to ordinary Filipinos.
“The President said that: Let’s leverage on this chairship to promote our country, our culture, our heritage, our values, and to show to the world we are ready—we’re ready for a new business, we’re ready for new investments, we are ready for partnerships,” she said.
De La Vega also called for public participation in supporting the country’s ASEAN chairship, stressing that its success would require cooperation beyond government agencies.
The summit is expected to advance discussions on food and energy security, inclusive economic growth, digital transformation, artificial intelligence governance, agriculture, and other regional priorities.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Leo Herrera-Lim earlier said the Philippines would push for several major agreements during the November meetings, including the proposed ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).
The agreement is envisioned as the world’s first binding regional framework for the digital economy, aimed at strengthening cross-border digital trade, improving connectivity, and creating new business opportunities among ASEAN member states.
Another priority is the proposed ASEAN Power Grid, which seeks to connect electricity networks across Southeast Asia and facilitate cross-border energy trading.
Herrera-Lim said the initiative could provide consumers with greater access to electricity sources while opening additional investment opportunities in the regional energy sector.
“If you’re a prospective investor, ngayon puwede kang mag-generate ng power elsewhere (If you’re a prospective investor, you can generate power elsewhere) and then sell it to other ASEAN countries. So, it increases the economic activity within our country,” he explained.
The summit will also serve as a platform for regional leaders to address shared challenges amid continuing global economic uncertainties.
De La Vega underscored ASEAN’s commitment to unity and cooperation, noting that the organization’s traditional family photo gesture symbolizes solidarity among member countries.
“We created ASEAN for regional cooperation,” she said, emphasizing that member states must work together without leaving any country behind.
Among the leaders confirmed to attend are representatives of ASEAN member states, with Myanmar expected to send a career diplomat instead of its national leader.
United States President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and reelected Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva are also among the confirmed participants.
The Philippine government hopes the high-level gathering will reinforce the country’s position as a regional partner for trade, investment, and diplomacy while advancing initiatives that support long-term economic growth and development.
