MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines donated a sculpture especially commissioned to commemorate the Philippines’ Chairship of the ASEAN activities this year.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, in her capacity as Chair of ASEAN 2026, unveiled and formally turned over the commemorative sculpture to the ASEAN Secretariat, which “seeks to express the Philippines’s aspirations for its Chairship year.”
According to the DFA, the sculpture called “Vitality,” was created by renowned Philippine artist Impy Pilapil for the Philippines’ Chairship, under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
“The sculpture uses Romblon marble from the Philippines, alongside steel and glass and draws inspiration from the unifying seas of ASEAN,” the DFA stated.
For the artist, the work is a tribute to ASEAN’s lasting bonds, nurturing unity, growth, and shared aspirations for a brighter future, the Department added.
In her remarks, Secretary Lazaro noted that the sculpture stands as a lasting reminder of what ASEAN stands for: a community grounded in cooperation, shared values, and a common vision of enduring peace, stability and prosperity.
Courtesy of ASEAN
Following the unveiling, Secretary Lazaro also briefly met with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, during which they exchanged views on preparations for the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, as well as other ongoing initiatives.
The DFA also mentioned that the sculpture will form part of the permanent installation at the ASEAN Gallery in the ASEAN Secretariat, “serving as a lasting symbol of ASEAN unity and the Philippines’ contribution to strengthening regional cooperation and shared progress.”
According to the DFA, Secretary Lazaro is in Jakarta on official business for the 8th Philippine - Indonesia Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), and made a visit to the ASEAN Secretariat for the unveiling ceremony.
