Philippines officially assumes ASEAN chairmanship for 2026

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - The Philippines has officially assumed the ASEAN chairmanship for 2026, marking its turn to lead the regional bloc amid evolving geopolitical and economic challenges in the region.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received the ASEAN Chairmanship gavel from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during the closing ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits on Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur.

The symbolic handover signifies the Philippines’ official role as next year’s ASEAN chairship, beginning Jan. 1.

In his remarks, Marcos expressed the Philippines’ honor and readiness to guide ASEAN toward “a stronger, more cohesive, and more responsive community,” as the bloc continues to confront pressing regional issues — from maritime security to economic integration and climate resilience.

“Under Philippine chairship, ASEAN will stand united in its diversity, agile in response to challenges, innovative in seizing opportunities and resolute in being a consequential force for good and the global community together, we anchor peace, build prosperity corridors and empower our people for a future that honors our past while seizing Tomorrow's opportunities,” Marcos said.

The Philippine chairmanship will also coincide with the fifth anniversary of the ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China and the ongoing negotiations for the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), a key diplomatic focus for Manila.

The Philippines has yet to provide details on the 2026 ASEAN theme and official logo but is expected to highlight the country’s priorities for inclusive growth, digital transformation, and maritime cooperation.

The country last chaired ASEAN in 2017, when the bloc marked its 50th founding anniversary with major summits in Manila.