MANILA, Oct 29 — Filipino President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has pledged to promote inclusivity and sustainability as guiding principles of the Philippines’ Asean chairmanship next year.
The Philippine News Agency reported that he reaffirmed the country’s readiness to host the Asean Summit and Related Summits in 2026 under the theme 'Navigate Our Future, Together'.
“The leaders and I spoke about future-proofing our region through economic cooperation and sustainable growth
“As the 2026 chair of Asean, the Philippines looks forward to building on the gains of Malaysia’s inclusivity and sustainability theme and carrying Asean forward as we, as is our theme 'Navigate Our Future, Together',” Marcos said in a video message following his return to Manila from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, after attending the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits.
He added that this year’s Asean Summit served as a venue for Southeast Asian leaders to address geopolitical and economic challenges and explore ways to steer the bloc’s future at the domestic, bilateral, regional, and global levels.
Pressing issues, including recent incidents in the West Philippine Sea and the situation in Myanmar, were discussed during the meetings.
Marcos also described Timor-Leste’s full accession as Asean’s 11th member as a “historic step that reaffirms Asean’s commitment to unity and inclusivity.”
“We remain committed to pursuing initiatives that will support Timor-Leste’s capacity to assume its obligations as a full member of Asean, with the end goal of further building a people-centred Asean,” he said.
The President noted that upgrades to the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement, amendments to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and utilisation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) would enhance transparency, stability and predictability, thereby boosting business confidence and sustaining Asean’s role as a driver of regional and global growth.
Marcos reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening partnerships with countries that share Asean’s values and its commitment to peace, stability, and economic progress.
“This economic development goes hand in hand with strengthening the social-cultural community. We discussed the progress achieved and the actions moving forward for the environment, climate change, education, green jobs, and health,” he said.
