The Philippines on Tuesday commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), marking five decades of a landmark pact that has underpinned peaceful interstate relations in the region.
In a video statement, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro said that the signing of the TAC in 1946 laid the foundation for promoting perpetual peace, everlasting amity, and cooperation among the peoples in the region, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.
“What was envisioned fifty years ago as a framework for peaceful coexistence and cooperation has since become a cornerstone of regional stability and trust, reflected in the expansion of the Treaty from the original five signatories to 58 High Contracting Parties to date across the globe,” Lazaro said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs chief said the Sampaguita, the national flower of the Philippines, anchors the logo, symbolizing hospitality, faith, friendship, humility, and hope — values that reflect the enduring spirit of the TAC.
She added that at the core of the logo is a shared commitment to centrality and unity, highlighted by the new Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) emblem, which features 11 rice stalks representing the member states.
“This sets forth ASEAN as a key driving force in shaping and leading the evolving regional architecture to remain open, transparent, inclusive, and rules-based that upholds international law,” Lazaro said.
The Foreign Affairs Secretary likewise noted that five petals of the flower signify five decades of collective commitment to these principles, while also representing the five continents from which the 58 High Contracting Parties originate: Asia, the Americas, Africa, Europe, and Oceania.
This year, the Philippines, as the Chair of ASEAN, will host the main commemorative activity of the TAC on July 24 on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings.
Signed in 1946, the TAC is a legally binding code for interstate relations in the region and beyond, as reflected by its expansion from the original five signatories to 58 High Contracting Parties to date.
