Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, who also serves as the Philippines’ Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar, announced Monday that the Philippines has refined its priority agenda for its 2026 ASEAN Chairship.

In a press briefing in Pasay City, Lazaro said the country aims to lead ASEAN in strengthening regional security, accelerating digital transformation, climate action, and promoting people-centered development.

“For the ASEAN Political-Security Community, the goal is to maintain a rules-based, outward-looking region, enjoying lasting peace, security, and stability,” she said, noting current tensions and conflicts in the region.

“This is not just an aspiration, and we hope to achieve this.”

Lazaro said the Philippines will push for deeper regional cooperation to maintain peace, manage tensions, and bolster ASEAN’s capacity to respond to security challenges. This includes maritime security, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, adherence to international law, and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

On Friday, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos announced the appointment of Lazaro during the launch of the Philippines’ ASEAN 2026 chairship in Manila.

He underscored the need to champion peace and stability in Southeast Asia through dialogue, adherence to international law, and enhanced cooperation on traditional and non-traditional security issues.

Marcos also expressed confidence that through cooperation and understanding, ASEAN can further strengthen its role as “a force for peace and progress in the global community.”

Lazaro added the Philippines will also push for fostering regional stability and resilience against emerging threats, adding that a dynamic ASEAN must prevail within a fast-changing environment through practical and policy frameworks to address emerging threats and harness AI technologies.

The official also said a “future-ready ASEAN” is the second major priority, with the Philippines focusing on cross-border digital trade, interoperable digital systems, strengthened supply chains, support for micro, small medium enterprises (MSMEs), and enhanced economic security.

Achieving this, she said, will help ASEAN remain competitive amid global uncertainty.

Climate action will be another defining pillar, she said, adding that the Philippines aims to champion regional efforts on disaster risk reduction, climate finance, and renewable energy, underscoring shared vulnerabilities across Southeast Asia.

Lazaro added ASEAN cooperation must deliver direct benefits to its people, with priorities in social protection, mobility, opportunities for women and youth, and support for migrant workers.

“You’ll often hear the words people-oriented, people-centered, future-proof, and future-ready. These will guide our ASEAN chairship,” she said.

Lazaro said interagency preparations are underway as the Philippines gears up to host hundreds of meetings and the ASEAN Summit in 2026.

Interagency preparations are underway as the country readies to host hundreds of meetings and the 2026 ASEAN Summit. (PNA)