President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday extended his greetings to the peoples of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as it marked its 58th founding anniversary, reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to peace, cooperation and shared prosperity in the region.
In a video message, President Marcos recalled the Philippines’ role more than five decades ago in helping lay the foundation for ASEAN, a regional bloc anchored on “peace, cooperation, shared progress and prosperity.”
“We take pride in the Philippines’ role more than five decades ago when we laid the foundation for a region anchored on peace, cooperation, shared progress and prosperity,” the president said.
“Guided by the purpose and principles of ASEAN enshrined in its Charter, we have stood together in navigating evolving regional and global challenges over the years.,” he added.
The president commended Malaysia’s leadership as this year’s ASEAN chair, citing its focus on inclusivity and sustainability, themes he said reflect the bloc’s enduring aspirations and its shared responsibility to address complex global challenges.
President Marcos said the Philippines, which will assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, will build on the group’s accomplishments to address evolving priorities and emerging threats.
“As the Philippines assumes the ASEAN chairship in 2026, we will build on ASEAN’s achievements in responding to the region’s evolving priorities and facing emerging challenges,” President Marcos said.
“We will uphold ASEAN principles and continue the region’s legacy of lasting peace and shared progress as we navigate our future together,” he added.
ASEAN was established on Aug. 8, 1967, in Bangkok by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The bloc has since expanded to 10 member states with Timor-Leste in the process of securing full membership.
ASEAN Day commemorates the signing of the ASEAN Declaration, also known as the Bangkok Declaration, which paved the way for greater economic growth, social progress and cultural development in Southeast Asia.
