Philippines Pledges To Advance ASEAN Unity As Next Chair In 2026
By Muhammad Saufee Rosman and Thivyamalini Ramalu
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr today pledged to strengthen regional unity, peace, and prosperity as the Philippines prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2026.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits here, Marcos said the Philippines will lead ASEAN under the theme “Navigating Our Future Together”, which centres on three priorities — strengthening peace and security, expanding prosperity corridors, and advancing people empowerment.
“These priorities will serve as our compass, guiding ASEAN towards a future where peace, prosperity, and people remain at the heart of all that we say and all that we do.
“This reflects our determination to ensure that ASEAN's integration agenda translates into real opportunities, for businesses to grow, for communities to thrive, and for progress that is inclusive, sustainable, and shared by all,” he said after receiving the ASEAN Chairmanship from Malaysia at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, marking the ceremonial transition as Malaysia nears the final phase of its 2025 Chairmanship.
Marcos noted that 2026 will mark the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, adding that the Philippines will continue to champion peace and stability through dialogue, adherence to international law, and enhanced cooperation on both traditional and emerging security challenges.
“Although the tides of change may be unpredictable, our compass must remain constant, anchored in cooperation and oriented towards a stable, secure, and rules-based ASEAN regional architecture.
“With the Philippines at the helm, ASEAN and ASEAN-led mechanisms and processes remain central to the region's evolving landscape,” he said, stressing that the Manila’s approach will be to build on, rather than diverge from, the collective work of previous chairmanships.
“As we pledge our sustained commitment as chair of ASEAN, we hope our vision will be shared among all ASEAN Member States, the Secretariat and all our external partners,” he added.
The Philipines leader also congratulated Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Malaysians for successfully steering ASEAN under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, describing the country’s leadership as guided by clarity, conviction, and pragmatism.
“You have shown us that ASEAN makes the greatest strides when vision is matched with pragmatism. As your chairmanship concludes, the Philippines is honoured to take on the responsibility of leading ASEAN in 2026.
“We are committed to carrying forward your momentum and to implementing, in its first year, the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 with purpose and resolve,” he said.
Marcos also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s full integration into the ASEAN family and expressed appreciation to the ASEAN Secretariat’s unwavering support in ensuring the bloc’s continued success.
-- BERNAMA
