MANILA, Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro revealed on Monday the country's agenda for its chairship for the upcoming ASEAN Summit 2026, with discussions to focus on peace and security, regional prosperity and people empowerment.
With the theme "Navigating Our Future, Together," Secretary Lazaro explained that the goal of the Philippines' chairship is to steer and shape the global landscape; address current and emerging challenges; invest in its people and empower communities, and ensure that progress is meaninful, people-centered, and future-ready.
She also mentioned the importance of a rules-based, stable, and prosperous ASEAN community by deepening and expanding cooperation in the three ASEAN Pillars.
"The theme embodies the Philippines' strategic intent to guide ASEAN through the complexities of tomorrow, championing innovation, resilience, and inclusivity to build a bright future for all as well as strengthening ASEAN's three pillars to help build a stable, integrated, inclusive, sustainable, and people-centered region," Lazaro said.
"Now, the word "together." Together here reflects the enduring spirit that binds ASEAN. Our way of working, our shared identity, and our collective resolve to build a rules-based, stable, and prosperous region. It underscores the importance of ASEAN centrality, solidarity, and unity as the foundation upon which we sustain a rules-based and future-ready community," she added.
Lazaro also said that to maintain a rules-based, outward-looking region enjoying lasting peace, security and stability, the Chairship will reinforce peace and security through "norms and dialogue;" foster regional stability and resilience against emerging threats; promote maritime cooperation; and to pursue climate security and disaster preparedness.
For the strategic priorities of the Economic Pillar, Lazaro explained that to achieve economic integration that is "innovative, dynamic, inclusive and sustainable", it must be supported by the Prosperity Corriders by strenghtening trade and investment linkages, accelerating digital transformation; leveraging creative economy and innovation; advance sustainable and inclusive economies; and integrating ASEAN's MSME Development Agenda.
She further expounded on the strategic priorities of the Socio-Cultural Pillar, driven by people empowerment by producing "empowered" and "resilient" families; inclusive development; youth and innovation; and to ensure a food-secure and climate-smart future.
The Philippines' chairmanship of the ASEAN in 2026 was officially launched last 14 November 2025 at the Foro de Intramuros, led by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
The summit and related summits will be held in venues across the country, namely Metro Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Laoag, Iloilo, Tagaytay and Clark.
