PH launches ASEAN chairmanship in 2026

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday launched the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year. 

During a ceremony at the Foro De Intramuros, Marcos announced the focus of the ASEAN in 2026 under Manila’s leadership. 

The theme is “Navigating our Future, Together,” which will focus on three priorities, including 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,” Marcos said in his speech. 

Marcos said that in the ASEAN peace and security pillar, the Philippines’ chairmanship will highlight the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) for new and evolving security challenges, early warning systems, maritime domain awareness, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR).

When it comes to the economic pillar, the Philippines, as ASEAN chairman, will seek to harness AI to advance the region’s transition into a digitally empowered community.

“By promoting the safe, ethical, responsible, equitable, and sustainable adoption of AI in areas such as trade facilitation, digitalization, and innovation, we aim to enhance regional competitiveness, support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and unlock new opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth,” he said. 

Under the ASEAN socio-cultural pillar, the country will champion the responsible use of AI to enhance healthcare, education, and youth empowerment by broadening access to essential services and cultivating creativity among the youth. 

ASEAN will also explore AI-driven solutions, which will strengthen the ASEAN Family and advance the “silver economy” to meet the needs and demands of the elderly population, the Philippine leader said. 

“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,” Marcos said. 

The government sets the venues around the country, namely Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Laoag, Iloilo, Tagaytay, and Clark.

“Each of these places will host ASEAN meetings and events that celebrate our diversity, showcase our culture, and advance our shared goals,” Marcos 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,” he added. 

Meanwhile, the ASEAN 2026 logo was projected at the SM Mall of Asia Globe in Pasay City on Friday.

The President said the official ASEAN Philippines 2026 logo and stamp reflect unity of purpose and Filipino warmth.—LDF, GMA Integrated News