MANILA, Philippines - The country is committed to pursue peace, security and prosperity, as the Philippines prepare to host the ASEAN 2026 summit, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated during a press briefing on Thursday, in Pasay City.
According to Foreign Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary and ASEAN Spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial, the theme of ASEAN 2026, which is "Navigating Our Future, Together," is both a statement of strategic intent and a guiding principle.
"It reflects the country's commitment to advancing the region's common pursuit of peace, security and prosperity of incurrent and emerging challenges. Under this theme, the Philippines envisions an ASEAN that continues to uphold peace and stability, deepens regional integration and empowers the ASEAN community. Our chairship is guided by three main priorities," Imperial stated.
He also reiterated that the Philippines will continue to "champion dialog adherence to international law and enhance the cooperation as foundations of peace and stability in the region."
As part of the national hosting, the ASEAN National Organizing Council (NOC) is expecting an approximately 650 official ASEAN meetings across the hosting year.
These include the Senior Officials' Meetings (SOM) and Ministerial meetings with venues spread out in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Meanwhile, the NOC mentioned that the 48th and 49th ASEAN Leaders' summit, will be held in Cebu and Manila, respectively, and will be attended by foreign secretaries.
"The proposed venues for these 650 to 654 meetings that I mentioned earlier, organized by other government agencies are spread throughout the three islands of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao during the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers meeting," Ma. Helen B. De La Vega, Director-General, ASEAN NOC stated.
She added that in July 2026, there will be a commemorative activity for the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia.
"Since its signing in 1976, the TAC has served as a cornerstone of regional peace and stability. It enshrines the fundamental principles that continue to guide ASEAN's conduct and cooperation with all respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non interference in internal affairs, peaceful settlement of disputes and the renunciation of the threat or use of force," De Vega said.
"The 50th anniversary of the TAC is a timely reminder of the value of rules based cooperation, dialog over confrontation and diplomacy anchored in mutual respect. These principles are not only historical commitments, they are practical guides for managing today's complex regional and global challenges," she added.
Overall, the Philippines will host 208 clustered meetings or over 650 meetings spread throughout the year, with 104 of which are working group level and 24 ministerial level.
