President Marcos vowed that the Philippines would continue upholding the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) legacy of lasting peace as it assumes chairship next year.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (Malacañang Photo)
In his remarks on the 58th founding anniversary of ASEAN, Marcos also committed that the country would build on the achievement of the ASEAN in addressing emerging challenges in the region.
"As the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairship in 2026, we will build on ASEAN's achievements in responding to the region's evolving priorities and in facing emerging challenges," Marcos said on Friday, Aug. 8.
"We will uphold ASEAN principles and continue the region's legacy of lasting peace and shared progress as we navigate our future together," he affirmed.
Through a video message, the President extended his greetings to the peoples of Southeast Asia on the 58th founding anniversary of the ASEAN, reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to the bloc's principles of peace, inclusivity, and regional cooperation.
"We take pride in the Philippines' role more than five decades ago when we laid the foundation for a region anchored on peace, cooperation, shared progress, and prosperity," he said.
"Guided by the purpose and principles of ASEAN enshrined in its Charter, we have stood together in navigating evolving regional and global challenges over the years," he added.
The President further said that the ASEAN, through solidarity and dialogue, have fostered mutually beneficial partnerships and have advanced initiatives that uplift the lives of peoples and communities.
He also paid tribute to Malaysia's chairship, saying that under their leadership, "ASEAN is steered by the themes of inclusivity and sustainability."
"This reflects not only the enduring aspirations of our region, but also the shared responsibilities that we must embrace in today's dynamic and complex global environment," he said.
The ASEAN was founded on August 8, 1967 by five original member states—the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand—through the ASEAN Declaration in Bangkok.
Established to promote political and economic cooperation and regional stability, ASEAN has since grown to 10 member states.