PH to build on ASEAN's achievements in responding to challenges — Marcos

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. vowed Friday to build on ASEAN's achievements when it comes to responding to the region's evolving priorities as well as emerging challenges.

Marcos made the remark amid the 58th founding anniversary of the ASEAN.

''As the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, we will build on ASEAN's achievements in responding to the region's evolving priorities and in facing emerging challenges,'' Marcos said in a message. 

''We will uphold ASEAN principles and continue the region's legacy of lasting peace and shared progress as we navigate our future together,'' he added.

Marcos said the Philippines takes pride in its role more than five decades ago when it laid the foundation for a region anchored on peace, cooperation, shared progress, and prosperity.

''Guided by the purpose and principles of ASEAN enshrined in its Charter, we have stood together in navigating evolving regional and global challenges over the years,'' Marcos said. 

''Through solidarity and dialogue, we have also fostered mutually beneficial partnerships and we have advanced initiatives that uplift the lives of peoples and communities,'' he added.

Malaysia's chairmanship this year has shown that ASEAN is steered by the themes of inclusivity and sustainability, according to Marcos.

On August 8,1967, five leaders – the Foreign Ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand – sat down together in the main hall of the Department of Foreign Affairs building in Bangkok, Thailand and signed a document. 

By virtue of that document, the ASEAN was established. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News