President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to leading the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) toward a more inclusive and sustainable future as it prepares to host the 2026 ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
In a video message following his return from the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Marcos said the Philippines is ready to take on the role of chair under the theme, “Navigate our Future, Together.”
“The leaders and I spoke about future-proofing our region through economic cooperation and sustainable growth,” Marcos said. “As the 2026 Chair of ASEAN, the Philippines looks forward to building on the gains of Malaysia’s inclusivity and sustainability theme and carry ASEAN forward as we, as is our theme, ‘Navigate our Future, Together.’”
He said this year’s summit tackled key geopolitical and economic issues, including tensions in the West Philippine Sea and the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
Marcos also hailed Timor-Leste’s full accession as ASEAN’s 11th member, calling it “a historic step that reaffirms ASEAN’s commitment to unity and inclusivity.”
“We remain committed to pursuing initiatives that will support Timor-Leste’s capacity to assume its obligations as a full member of ASEAN, with the end goal of further building a people-centered ASEAN,” he added.
The President emphasized that strengthening trade agreements, improving transparency, and deepening regional partnerships will bolster business confidence and sustain ASEAN’s growth.
“This economic development goes hand in hand with strengthening the social-cultural community. We discussed the progress achieved and the actions moving forward for the environment, climate change, education, green jobs, and health,” Marcos said.