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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos launches ASEAN Philippines 2026, names DFA chief Lazaro special envoy on Myanmar

Marcos launches ASEAN Philippines 2026, names DFA chief Lazaro special envoy on Myanmar

Published Nov 15, 2025 06:58 am  |  Updated Nov 15, 2025 01:34 pm
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos lead the official launch of the Philippines’ Chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2026 at the Foro de Intramuros in Manila on Nov. 14, 2025. The event unveiled the ASEAN Philippines 2026 logo in the shape of a balangay, featuring the standard ASEAN emblem that reflects the unity and stability of Member States, along with the 2026 commemorative stamp. (Noel Pabalate/PPA Pool)
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos lead the official launch of the Philippines’ Chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2026 at the Foro de Intramuros in Manila on Nov. 14, 2025. The event unveiled the ASEAN Philippines 2026 logo in the shape of a balangay, featuring the standard ASEAN emblem that reflects the unity and stability of Member States, along with the 2026 commemorative stamp. (Noel Pabalate/PPA Pool)
President Marcos formally launched the Philippines’ Chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for 2026, outlining a forward-leaning agenda anchored on peace and security, regional prosperity, and people empowerment.
In his speech during the launch at the Foro de Intramuros in Manila on Friday, Nov. 14, the President said next year’s theme — “Navigating Our Future, Together” — will guide the bloc’s work as it strengthens dialogue on security, deepens economic integration, and expands opportunities for ASEAN’s 680 million citizens.
Marcos said the Philippines will place a strong emphasis on harnessing artificial intelligence across all three ASEAN pillars.
“Of course, AI will not replace our human touch; rather, it will magnify our capacity to care, to teach, and to uplift communities across ASEAN,” he said.
Under the peace and security pillar, the Philippines will push initiatives on ethical AI use for early-warning systems, maritime domain awareness, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response.
In the economic pillar, the Chairship will promote safe and responsible AI adoption in trade facilitation, digitalization, and innovation to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and boost regional competitiveness.
“By promoting the safe, ethical, responsible, equitable, and sustainable adoption of AI in areas such as trade facilitation, digitalization, and innovation, we aim to enhance regional competitiveness, support MSMEs, and unlock new opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth,” Marcos said.
For the socio-cultural pillar, the Philippines will advocate AI-enabled improvements in healthcare, education, and youth empowerment, alongside efforts to strengthen the “ASEAN Family” and support the region’s aging population through a more dynamic silver economy.
President Marcos said ASEAN delegates next year will experience “the spirit of the Filipino people,” with meetings scheduled across Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Laoag, Iloilo, Tagaytay, and Clark.
“Each of these places will host ASEAN meetings and events that celebrate our diversity, showcase our culture, and advance our shared goals,” he said.
“Together, these venues tell the story of a nation that mirrors ASEAN itself — diverse yet united, traditional yet forward-looking, and increasingly future-ready through innovation and through technology,” he added.
The launch also featured the unveiling of the ASEAN Philippines 2026 logo and stamp. The official website was launched shortly after.
The President thanked the ASEAN National Organizing Council, led by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, as well as partners in government, the diplomatic corps, business, civil society, and the youth for helping prepare the country for its chairing role.
“Let us build an ASEAN that is united in its diversity… bold in its embrace of innovation — where technology serves humanity, and where AI helps secure peace, prosperity, and people empowerment,” Marcos said.

Lazaro named special envoy on Myanmar

During the same event, President Marcos announced the designation of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro as Special Envoy of the Chair on Myanmar to help facilitate regional efforts toward a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
Marcos said the appointment reflects the Philippines’ commitment to promote peace and stability “through dialogue, adherence to international law, and enhanced cooperation on traditional and non-traditional security issues.”
“We believe that through cooperation and understanding, ASEAN can further strengthen its role as a force for peace and progress in the global community,” he said.
He expressed confidence that Lazaro will carry out a “constructive, principled, and inclusive approach” in supporting the Myanmar people, guided by her mandate and ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus (5PC).
“Secretary Tess, you'd better get this done. I already made a promise to everyone,” Marcos said, drawing light laughter from the audience.
The 5PC, adopted by ASEAN leaders in 2021, calls for an immediate cessation of violence, constructive dialogue among all parties, mediation by an ASEAN Special Envoy, humanitarian assistance, and unrestricted engagement with all stakeholders.
President Marcos noted that the Philippines’ Chairship coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, a milestone he described as a reminder of ASEAN’s enduring commitment to dialogue and peaceful cooperation.

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President Marcos Bongbong Marcos ASEAN Ma. Theresa Lazaro ASEAN 2026
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