President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led on Friday the formal national launch of the Philippines’ Chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026.

In a ceremony held at the Foro De Intramuros within the historic Intramuros district in Manila, Marcos announced the focus of the 11-nation bloc under the Philippines’ Chairmanship next year.

Under next year’s theme of “Navigating our Future, Together,” ASEAN will 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,” said President Marcos.

The President said in the ASEAN peace and security pillar, the Philippines’ Chairship will highlight the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) for new and evolving security challenges, early warning systems, maritime domain awareness, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR).

In the ASEAN economic pillar, the Philippines as ASEAN Chair 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,” President Marcos said.

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

Under the Philippines’ Chairship, ASEAN will also explore AI-driven solutions that strengthen the ASEAN Family and advance the silver economy to meet the needs and demands of the elderly population.

“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,” said the President.

Participants to next year’s ASEAN-related meetings and activities will experience the “spirit of the Filipino people” as the Philippines set the venues around the country, namely 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,” President 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.”

Marking the national launch of the Philippines’ Chairship, the ASEAN 2026 logo was projected at the SM Mall of Asia Globe in Pasay City on Friday.

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.

President Marcos recognized the ASEAN National Organizing Council (NOC) led by Executive Secretary Lucas 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 close forever to its principles, and bold in its embrace of innovation — where technology serves humanity, and where AI helps secure peace, prosperity, and people empowerment,” said the President. Presidential News Desk