Marcos leads launch of ASEAN 2026 chairship

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos led the launch of the Philippines’ chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026 with the unveiling of its official logo last Friday.

In a ceremony held at the Foro de Intramuros in Manila, Marcos said the 11-nation bloc would focus on three priorities, namely peace and security anchors; prosperity corridors and people empowerment.

“These will direct ASEAN’s efforts to strengthen dialogue and cooperation on regional security, deepen economic integration through innovation and sustainability and uplift the lives and resilience of our peoples,” Marcos said.

ASEAN meetings and related events will be held in Metro Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Laoag, Iloilo, Tagaytay and Clark.

The official ASEAN Philippines 2026 logo was projected at the SM Mall of Asia Globe in Pasay City on Friday.

The President said the official logo and stamp reflect unity of purpose and Filipino warmth.

It is composed of four core elements: rice stalk, which symbolizes nourishment and abundance; wave, which signifies maritime security and cooperation; weave pattern, which embodies the strength found in interconnection and the balangay, a traditional Filipino boat, which symbolizes the ASEAN’s journey.