Marcos meets ASEAN Secretary General ahead of PH chairship of regional bloc

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday assured that the Philippines’ chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will be built on peace, security, shared prosperity, and people-centered progress.

This was after Marcos met with ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn during a courtesy call in Malacañang.

In a post on his social media accounts, the President said it was his pleasure to welcome Dr. Kao as the government is preparing for the country’s ASEAN chairship in 2026.

“We are laying the groundwork for a chairship built on peace and security, shared prosperity, and people-centered progress,” Marcos said.

“With strong coordination between the Philippines and the ASEAN Secretariat, we are ready to navigate our future together for the good of our region,” he added.

Dr. Kao is on a working visit to the Philippines from November 27 to 28 to provide full support for the preparations for the Philippines’ chairship of the regional bloc next year.

He paid a courtesy call on the President to discuss key priorities and deliverables for the Philippines’ ASEAN chairship under the theme, “Navigating our Future, Together.”

The President was joined by Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Hellen De La Vega, Director General for Operations of the ASEAN National Organizing Council.

Dr. Kao will also meet with Lazaro, Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, and Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian.

The ASEAN Secretary-General is also scheduled to meet with the chair of the 2026 ASEAN Business Advisory Council.

During the formal launch of the ASEAN Philippines 2026 on November 14, Marcos said the country’s leadership of the 11-nation regional bloc will focus on three priorities: peace and security anchors; prosperity corridors; and people empowerment.

The official ASEAN Philippines 2026 logo features the rice stalk representing food security; the weave pattern symbolizing interconnection; a wave signifying maritime security and cooperation; and the traditional Filipino boat called illustrating ASEAN's collective journey. — JMA, GMA Integrated News