DSWD Assumes Leadership of ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council for 2026
In a significant development for regional cooperation, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has been appointed as the chair of this year's Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council. This leadership role, undertaken under the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., positions the Philippines at the forefront of shaping policies that enhance social welfare across Southeast Asia.
RISE ASEAN: A Vision for Regional Progress
Led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the DSWD will host the ASCC Council under the overarching theme "RISE ASEAN." This theme encapsulates a comprehensive vision for the 2026 chairmanship, with each letter representing a key priority area. Specifically, it stands for Resilient and empowered families, Inclusive development, Smart youth and innovation, and an environmentally sustainable and food secure future.
In a news release issued on Friday, the DSWD outlined its commitment to advancing activities and outcome documents that nurture families as the foundational units of society. This focus on family resiliency aims to strengthen social structures and promote stability within communities throughout the ASEAN region.
Inclusive Development and Youth Empowerment
The DSWD has emphasized that substantive discussions during ASCC Council meetings must yield tangible benefits for marginalized and vulnerable sectors. This includes a targeted approach to improving the welfare and development of children, indigenous peoples, women, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities. By prioritizing these groups, the council seeks to foster a more equitable and just society.
Youth participation will also be a central component of this year's ASCC Council discussions. The DSWD plans to highlight initiatives that empower young people through innovation and smart policies, ensuring they are active contributors to regional progress.
Environmental Sustainability and Food Security
For the thematic focus on an environmentally sustainable and food secure future, the DSWD will advocate for enhanced collaboration among ASEAN member states and other development partners. Key areas of cooperation will include climate resilience, food security, and disaster response strategies. This holistic approach aims to address pressing environmental challenges while safeguarding the well-being of populations across Southeast Asia.
Expert Insights on People Empowerment
During a media forum held on Thursday, DSWD Undersecretary Adonis Sulit of the Policy and Planning Group provided further context on the ASCC's mission. He explained that the ASCC is one of the three pillars of the ASEAN Community, dedicated to improving the quality of life for people throughout the region.
"The theme of the ASCC pillar is people empowerment. So, meaning, it's empowering the ASEAN people by fostering social inclusion, protecting vulnerable groups, and promoting a sense of shared identity and community," Sulit stated.
He also underscored the importance of broad participation in disaster response efforts, noting, "When we talk about disaster response, it should not be mainly the Philippines, it should not be mainly the region or the ASEAN member states. We should also try to encourage participation by development partners."
This leadership role by the DSWD marks a pivotal moment for the Philippines in influencing regional socio-cultural policies, with a clear agenda centered on resilience, inclusion, and sustainability.
