Senate leaders have expressed support for studying the possible postponement of the Philippines’ hosting of this year’s ASEAN Summit as part of efforts to cut government spending and redirect funds to address the impact of rising oil prices. Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III said that...
Citing a neighboring country 's steady tourist arrivals, President Marcos admitted that the Philippines needs to catch up in boosting its tourism. Speaking during the inauguration of the Mactan Expo in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, on Monday, March 16, Marcos said the country 's tourism industry...
Top and ranking diplomats from all Southeast Asian countries held a special meeting on Friday, March 13, to tackle the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as the Philippines, the chair for this year 's regional bloc, hopes to be "the last crisis of this magnitude." Department of Foreign...
The EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) is seeking stronger regional measures against illicit trade, saying the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship presents an opportunity to solidify support among member countries. In a report titled "Driving ASEAN Action Against Illicit Trade" submitted to the...
The Philippines called for stronger regional cooperation on disaster response as it led a key Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting that, for the first time, included representatives from the health sector. Department of National Defense (DND) Assistant Secretary for International...
The Philippines is setting the pace in regional sustainable tourism as the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) gathered tourism leaders and stakeholders to discuss best practices and long-term strategies. DOT OIC-Director Alex Macatuno said the initiative highlights the...
China is sharing the same hopes of all 12 Southeast Asian nations to reach within the year an agreement on the conduct in the South China Sea. China 's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, said Beijing has the confidence and the resolve "to reach an agreement as soon as possible" with...
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as chair of the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), is prioritizing investments in the “silver economy” to promote active aging among senior citizens across the region. DSWD Secretary Rex...
The Philippines, as chair of the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), is spearheading a new region-wide framework aimed at improving disaster preparedness and humanitarian response across Southeast Asia. Department of Social Welfare and Development...
The Philippines and Singapore strengthened cooperation in social development after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing programs on social protection, child development, and family welfare. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian and...
The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program was recognized at a regional gathering of Southeast Asian leaders for advancing community empowerment and participatory...
Top diplomats of all Southeast Asian nations said Wednesday, March 4, it is "regrettable" that Israel and the United States attacked Iran, which eventually led to retaliatory attacks affecting other nations, despite ongoing mediation efforts by Oman. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations...
