Philippines Launches ASEAN 2026 Chairship, Puts AI at Center of Regional Agenda
On the road to ASEAN 2026: President
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlights the Philippines’ role Metro Manila, Philippines
– President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formally launched the
Philippines’ Chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
for 2026 on Friday, unveiling an agenda that places artificial intelligence
(AI) at the forefront of regional peace and security, economic integration, and
people-centered development.
Speaking at the Foro de
Intramuros in Manila, Marcos introduced the Chairship theme, “Navigating Our
Future, Together,” and outlined three priorities that will guide the bloc next
year: peace and security anchors, prosperity corridors, and people empowerment.
“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,” said Marcos.
AI for Peace and Security
The President said the
Philippines will push for the “responsible and ethical” use of AI to address
new and evolving security challenges across the region.
Under the peace and
security pillar, the Chairship will promote the use of AI-enabled early warning
systems, maritime domain awareness tools, and enhanced capacities for
humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
“We shall harness AI ensuring
that technology becomes a force for stability rather than division,” he said.
Marcos said the
Philippines aims to steer ASEAN toward becoming a digitally empowered community
by promoting equitable and sustainable AI adoption across the region’s
economies.
He said AI can boost
trade facilitation, strengthen digitalization, and fuel innovation, thereby
improving regional competitiveness and helping micro, small, and medium
enterprises (MSMEs) adapt to a fast-evolving digital landscape.
“By promoting the safe,
ethical, responsible, equitable, and sustainable adoption of AI, we aim to
unlock new opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth,” Marcos noted.
Under the socio-cultural
pillar, the Philippines will advocate the use of AI to broaden access to
healthcare, education, and youth opportunities.
The Chairship will also
explore AI solutions for strengthening families and meeting the needs of the
region’s aging populations, as ASEAN members expand their focus on the “silver
economy.”
“AI will not replace our
human touch; rather, it will magnify our capacity to care, to teach, and to
uplift communities across ASEAN,” said Marcos.
Marcos announced that
ASEAN 2026 meetings and related events will be held in key destinations across
the country, including Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Laoag, Iloilo, Tagaytay
and Clark.
These venues, he said, will offer delegates a glimpse of the Philippines’ cultural richness while highlighting its growing orientation toward innovation and technology.
The launch also featured
the unveiling of the official ASEAN Philippines 2026 logo and stamp, projected
on the SM Mall of Asia Globe in Pasay City. The ASEAN Philippines 2026 website
will be rolled out as preparations intensify for next year’s Chairship.
The new logo features a
rice stalk for abundance, a weave pattern for unity, waves for maritime ties,
and a Balangay boat representing ASEAN’s journey together
Marcos also announced the
appointment of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro as the
Philippines’ Special Envoy of the Chair on Myanmar, expressing confidence in
her ability to help advance peace efforts under the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus.
“Let us build an ASEAN
that is united in its diversity… bold in its embrace of innovation — where
technology serves humanity, and where AI helps secure peace, prosperity, and
people empowerment,” Marcos said.
The Philippines last
chaired ASEAN in 2017 and will again assume leadership in 2026 as the bloc
marks key milestones, including the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and
Cooperation.
