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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos, ASEAN secretary-general lay groundwork for PH chairship in 2026

Marcos, ASEAN secretary-general lay groundwork for PH chairship in 2026

Published Nov 28, 2025 06:49 am
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. meets ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn in Malacañan on Nov. 27, 2025. (Marcos/Facebook)
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. meets ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn in Malacañan on Nov. 27, 2025. (Marcos/Facebook)
President Marcos said the Philippines is preparing for an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chairship “built on peace and security, shared prosperity, and people-centered progress,” as the country gears up to host the regional bloc’s summits next year.
Marcos said this following a courtesy call from ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn in Malacañan on Thursday, Nov. 27.
In a Facebook post, the President said it was “a pleasure to welcome” Dr. Kao as Manila begins detailed preparations for its leadership of the 11-nation bloc.
“We are laying the groundwork for a Chairship built on peace and security, shared prosperity, and people-centered progress,” he wrote.
“With strong coordination between the Philippines and the ASEAN Secretariat, we are ready to navigate our future together for the good of our region,” he added.
Dr. Kao is on a two-day working visit to Manila from Nov. 27 to 28 to provide support for the Philippines’ 2026 chairship.
During the courtesy call, he and President Marcos discussed key priorities under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” including deliverables the Philippines aims to champion during its term.
The President was joined by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez, and DFA Undersecretary Ma. Hellen De La Vega, who also serves as Director General for Operations of the ASEAN National Organizing Council.

Meetings with PH Cabinet officials

Dr. Kao is also scheduled to meet several Cabinet officials, including Lazaro, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, and Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian.
He will likewise confer with the Chair of the 2026 ASEAN Business Advisory Council as part of preparations for private-sector engagement next year.
The Philippines earlier launched its ASEAN 2026 chairship on Nov. 14, where President Marcos outlined three pillars that will guide the country’s leadership: peace and security anchors, prosperity corridors, and people empowerment.
These themes also appear in the official ASEAN Philippines 2026 logo, which features: a rice stalk for food security, a weave pattern for interconnection, a wave for maritime security and cooperation, and a traditional Filipino boat symbolizing the region’s shared journey.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos ASEAN
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