President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. officially launched the Philippines' upcoming leadership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in a significant ceremony held at the Foro de Intramuros in Manila on Friday, November 14, 2025. The event marks the beginning of the country's preparations to steer the regional bloc in 2026.
A Vision for a Future-Ready ASEAN
In his keynote speech, President Marcos pledged that the Philippine chairship will be a driving force for peace and stability across Southeast Asia. He emphasized a forward-looking agenda that strategically harnesses emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to build a resilient and progressive region. The President outlined that the Philippines will guide ASEAN based on three central priorities: Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors, and People Empowerment.
These pillars are designed to strengthen regional security dialogue, boost economic integration through sustainability, and enhance the resilience of ASEAN citizens. “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 stated, underscoring the goal of transforming ASEAN into a digitally empowered community.
AI as a Cornerstone for Security and Society
A significant portion of the President's address focused on the practical and ethical application of AI. In the realm of peace and security, he announced that the chairship will champion the responsible use of AI to help the region anticipate and counter new security threats. He detailed how AI could be instrumental in improving early warning systems, enhancing maritime domain awareness, and streamlining humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR).
Beyond security, Marcos highlighted AI's role in the socio-cultural sphere. He explained that this technology would be leveraged to enhance healthcare, education, and youth empowerment, making essential services more accessible and fostering creativity. Furthermore, he underscored AI-driven solutions for advancing ASEAN's silver economy, aiming to build a more connected and age-inclusive community. “AI will not replace our human touch. Rather, it will magnify our capacity to care, teach, and uplift communities across ASEAN,” he affirmed.
Showcasing the Philippines to the Region
President Marcos also took the opportunity to invite ASEAN members to experience the Philippines firsthand. He confirmed that various meetings throughout the chairship year will be hosted in Manila and other renowned destinations, including Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Laoag, Iloilo, Tagaytay, and Clark. He described these locations as a reflection of ASEAN itself—diverse, united, traditional, yet forward-looking.
The launch event featured the unveiling of the official ASEAN Philippines 2026 logo and a commemorative stamp. President Marcos also announced that an official ASEAN Philippines 2026 website will be launched to serve as a central platform for collaboration and information during the chairship.
Under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the Philippines' 2026 leadership will be pivotal in advancing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. This 20-year strategic plan aims to create a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centered ASEAN Community, with the Philippines at the helm steering the course.
