Marcos meets key agencies for PH ASEAN chairmanship

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday met with key government agencies to discuss preparations for the Philippines’ hosting of the 2026 ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

During the meeting, agencies presented updates on priority plans, with discussions focusing on concrete deliverables aimed at creating jobs, supporting small businesses, improving digital services, and strengthening people-centered programs.

Officials said these initiatives are intended to ensure an ASEAN chairmanship that delivers clear benefits to Filipinos and the broader region.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Philippines is fully prepared to host the summit.

Castro said President Marcos also pushed for ASEAN to focus on assisting the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in relation to the upcoming Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) discussions during the summit.

She added that coordination among concerned agencies is ongoing to ensure a smooth, secure, and well-coordinated hosting of the event.

The meeting was attended by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda; Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum, and Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez, along with other government officials.—MCG, GMA Integrated News