The Philippines formally announced its chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Friday, highlighting its vision for the next chapter of the regional bloc’s history.

In a grand ceremony held at the Foro de Intramuros within the historic Intramuros district in Manila, President Marcos placed the focus of the 11-nation bloc at center stage.

With the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” ASEAN will concentrate on three priorities: 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.

Early warning systems, maritime domain awareness, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) are also included.

For the ASEAN economic pillar, the Philippines will seek to harness AI to advance the region’s transition into a digitally empowered community.

“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 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and unlock new opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth,” he said.

Meanwhile, under the socio-cultural pillar, the Philippines will promote the responsible use of AI to enhance healthcare, education, and youth empowerment by broadening access to essential services and fostering creativity among the youth.

In addition, ASEAN will explore AI-driven solutions that strengthen the ASEAN Family and advance the silver economy to meet the needs and demands of the elderly population.

The President clarified that AI will not overtake human efforts but instead expand human capability.

“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,” Marcos said.

For next year’s events, the Philippines will showcase its breathtaking locations as venues for the ASEAN Summit and highlight the “spirit of the Filipino people” in 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,” Marcos 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 technology,” he added.

ASEAN Logo Unveiled

With the national launch of the country’s chairship, Marcos unveiled the logo that will serve as the symbol capturing the Philippines’ vision for the regional bloc. He also presented a commemorative stamp for the event.

At the same time, the ASEAN 2026 logo was projected onto the SM Mall of Asia Globe in Pasay City.

The President said the official ASEAN Philippines 2026 logo and stamp reflect unity of purpose and Filipino warmth. The ASEAN Philippines 2026 website will also be launched.

Marcos recognized the ASEAN National Organizing Council (NOC), led by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, and acknowledged the country’s partners in the diplomatic corps, government, business, civil society, and the youth for working together to ensure the Philippines’ readiness to lead ASEAN.

“Let us build an ASEAN that is united in its diversity, a steadfast body that stands firm in its principles, and bold in its embrace of innovation — where technology serves humanity, and where AI helps secure peace, prosperity, and people empowerment,” Marcos said.