Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formally launched the Philippines’ Chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for 2026 on Friday, unveiling an agenda that places artificial intelligence (AI) at the forefront of regional peace and security, economic integration, and people-centered development.
Speaking at the Foro de Intramuros in Manila, Marcos introduced the Chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” and outlined three priorities that will guide the bloc next year: 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,” said Marcos.
AI for peace and security
The President said the Philippines will push for the “responsible and ethical” use of AI to address new and evolving security challenges across the region.
Under the peace and security pillar, the Chairship will promote the use of AI-enabled early warning systems, maritime domain awareness tools, and enhanced capacities for humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
“We shall harness AI… ensuring that technology becomes a force for stability rather than division,” he said.
Marcos said the Philippines aims to steer ASEAN toward becoming a “digitally empowered community” by promoting equitable and sustainable AI adoption across the region’s economies.
He said AI can boost trade facilitation, strengthen digitalization, and fuel innovation, thereby improving regional competitiveness and helping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) adapt to a fast-evolving digital landscape.
“By promoting the safe, ethical, responsible, equitable, and sustainable adoption of AI, we aim to unlock new opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth,” Marcos noted.
Under the socio-cultural pillar, the Philippines will advocate the use of AI to broaden access to healthcare, education, and youth opportunities.
The Chairship will also explore AI solutions for strengthening families and meeting the needs of the region’s aging populations, as ASEAN members expand their focus on the “silver economy.”
“AI will not replace our human touch; rather, it will magnify our capacity to care, to teach, and to uplift communities across ASEAN,” said Marcos.
Marcos announced that ASEAN 2026 meetings and related events will be held in key destinations across the country, including Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Laoag, Iloilo, Tagaytay and Clark.
These venues, he said, will offer delegates a glimpse of the Philippines’ cultural richness while highlighting its growing orientation toward innovation and technology.
Logo unveiled
The launch also featured the unveiling of the official ASEAN Philippines 2026 logo and stamp, projected on the SM Mall of Asia Globe in Pasay City. The ASEAN Philippines 2026 website will be rolled out as preparations intensify for next year’s Chairship.
The new logo features a rice stalk for abundance, a weave pattern for unity, waves for maritime ties, and a Balangay boat representing ASEAN’s journey together
Marcos also announced the appointment of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro as the Philippines’ Special Envoy of the Chair on Myanmar, expressing confidence in her ability to help advance peace efforts under the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus.
“Let us build an ASEAN that is united in its diversity… bold in its embrace of innovation — where technology serves humanity, and where AI helps secure peace, prosperity, and people empowerment,” Marcos said.
The Philippines last chaired ASEAN in 2017 and will again assume leadership in 2026 as the bloc marks key milestones, including the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.
