ASEAN Chairmanship: Philippines To Build On Momentum Of Previous Chairs

By Nur Atiq Maisarah Suhaimi

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 1 (Bernama) -- The Philippines is expected to build on the momentum of previous ASEAN chairmanships by focusing on the bloc’s three core pillars – peace and security, prosperity, and people empowerment – as well as strengthening its socio-cultural agenda when it assumes the chairmanship for 2026.

The expectations came as the Philippines officially became ASEAN Chair on Thursday, with some analysts highlighting the importance of continuity, unity, and effective external engagement amid growing geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

Speaking to Bernama, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn said the Philippines' chosen theme for its chairmanship, ‘Navigating Our Future, Together,’ reflects the region's ongoing need for unity and effective external engagement.

He said Manila is expected to build on the momentum established by previous chairmanships, with continued focus on the three main pillars of the ASEAN Community.

"I expect Manila to continue building upon the momentum established by previous chairs, focusing on progress rather than reinvention, with a strong commitment to the three pillars of the ASEAN Community and ASEAN Connectivity," he said.

Kao said the Philippines is also well-positioned to advance ASEAN's work on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation, ensuring the bloc remains competitive and inclusive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

"These efforts include narrowing the digital divide, improving cybersecurity cooperation, supporting the development of the ASEAN digital economy, and concluding the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA)," he added.

Meanwhile, Universiti Utara Malaysia School of International Studies Deputy Dean (Research and Innovation), Associate Professor Dr Siti Darwinda Mohamed Pero, said the Philippines is expected to place greater emphasis on ASEAN's socio-cultural agenda, given its traditional strengths in people-centred initiatives.

She said the milestone 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in 2026 also provides an opportunity for Manila to highlight themes of friendship, shared identity, and regional solidarity.

"These strengths make the socio-cultural pillar a natural space for the Philippines to lead confidently, while still contributing to peace, stability, and the broader ASEAN agenda," she said.

Meanwhile, geostrategist and National Council of Professors Fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said expectations remain over how the Philippines as ASEAN Chair will handle sensitive regional issues, particularly the South China Sea (SCS).

He said Manila maintains "close relations with the United States" and noted that "how this will be balanced at the ASEAN level … remains to be seen," adding that "it will be interesting to observe how this unfolds over the next 12 months."

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, speaking at the closing ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits on Oct 28, pledged to strengthen regional unity, peace, and prosperity using the ‘Navigating Our Future, Together’ compass to guide ASEAN towards a future where peace, prosperity, and people remain at the heart of all.

The ASEAN Secretariat on its Facebook page said Thursday that this year marks an important milestone, as the Philippines assumes the ASEAN chairmanship and embraces the responsibility with clarity, resolve, and vision. 

"As we welcome the new year, ASEAN steps into 2026 with renewed hope, a shared purpose, and collective determination.

"May the year ahead bring peace, prosperity, and strengthened, renewed cooperation as we continue building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable ASEAN for all," said the Secretariat.

-- BERNAMA