Philippine Mission to ASEAN

27/10/2026

Sustaining the Momentum for Peace: Philippines Hands Over ASEAN-IPR Chairship to Singapore

The Philippines convened the 42nd Meeting of the Governing Council of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR) on 27 October 2026, the last under its Chairship, concluding key administrative matters essential to the Institute’s work in 2027.

In its remarks, the Philippines underscored that while perfect peace may remain aspirational, ASEAN’s peace processes have fostered political and social progress and economic growth, offering valuable lessons for conflict-affected regions beyond ASEAN. The Philippines also called for ASEAN-IPR to broaden its work to address emerging challenges, including digital and cyber issues, extractive industries, and echoed the interest to study traditional security concerns.

The Philippines expressed its gratitude to outgoing Executive Director Ambassador I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja for his leadership throughout his tenure and welcomed incoming Executive Director Mr. Michael Tene, following the signing of his Employment Agreement.

The meeting concluded with the ceremonial turnover of the Chairship to Singapore. The Philippines pledged its full support and assistance for efforts to build on ASEAN-IPR’s achievements throughout the years and advancing its shared mission of peace and reconciliation.

28/09/2026

Philippine Mission Co-Chairs the 25th ASEAN Committee of Permanent Representatives Plus Three Meeting

Jakarta, 22 Sept 2026 - H.E. Evangeline Ong Jimenez - Ducrocq, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to ASEAN, co-chaired the 25th ASEAN Committee of Permanent Representatives Plus Three (CPR+3) Meeting with H.E. Yonetani Koji, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN, held on 22 September 2026 at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta. The Meeting brought together the Permanent Representatives of the ASEAN Member States and the Ambassadors of the People's Republic of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea to ASEAN.

Under the Philippines' ASEAN Chairship 2026 and its theme, "Navigating Our Future, Together," the Philippines, as Co-Chair, in its opening remarks, briefed the Meeting on ASEAN Plus Three (APT) cooperation, including the commitments and progress achieved during the APT Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the APT Preparatory Senior Officials' Meeting, and the ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting, which provide avenues for deeper cooperation within the APT.

As the meeting underscored the importance of the APT framework and its collective goal of ensuring stability and prosperity in the region, discussions also highlighted the importance of the ASEAN Plus Three Work Plan to define the cooperation areas of ASEAN and China, Japan and ROK .

The Plus Three Countries reaffirmed their commitment to APT cooperation and its significant role in East Asian cooperation, anchored on ASEAN centrality. In welcoming a successor Work Plan post-2027, all members affirmed their commitment to pursue cooperation that is focused, streamlined, and practical, aligned with the ASEAN Vision Statement and sectoral mechanisms.

The Meeting also exchanged views on preparations for the 29th APT Summit, to be held in Manila in November 2026. Looking ahead to the 30th anniversary of APT cooperation in 2027, the Meeting underscored the importance of taking stock of three decades of APT cooperation and of maintaining momentum in advancing the APT partnership.

As ASEAN Chair, the Philippines expressed its enduring commitment to deepening ASEAN Plus Three cooperation and to ensuring that the partnership continues to deliver meaningful benefits for the peoples of the region. The Philippines expressed its support for Singapore, as the incoming ASEAN Chair in 2027, to carry this momentum forward and to sustain the region's collective pursuit of stability and prosperity. END

05/09/2026

PHILIPPINES CONVENES INAUGURAL HIGH-LEVEL CONFERENCE ON ASEAN CONNECTIVITY, LEADS ASEAN FROM STRATEGY TO DELIVERY

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines, in partnership with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), convened the inaugural High-Level Conference on ASEAN Connectivity (HLCAC) on 26 August 2026 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila, bringing together ASEAN Member States, ASEAN External Partners, development institutions, business leaders and other stakeholders to advance the implementation of the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan (ACSP) 2026–2035.

Held under the theme “ASEAN Connectivity: From Strategy to Delivery,” the Conference provided a high-level platform to translate regional connectivity priorities into practical initiatives, partnerships and investments.

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, in her keynote address, underscored the need for ASEAN to move beyond connectivity plans and frameworks towards concrete implementation, emphasising that both hard and soft infrastructure, stronger coordination, and practical partnerships are essential to building regional resilience. “Regional resilience begins at home. Strengthening our national power systems, upgrading local ports, and modernizing domestic rules are not just national projects. They are our contribution to protecting our region,” she added.

President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Masato Kanda, in his Special Address, underscored the importance of translating ASEAN’s connectivity priorities into investable projects, noting ADB’s commitment to mobilising financing and technical support to advance regional connectivity. “ADB will mobilize up to $30 billion by 2030 to support ASEAN’s priorities, including up to $10 billion over the next decade for the ASEAN Power Grid,” he said.

The Conference featured two thematic discussions focusing on strategic areas under the ACSP. The first, “From Energy Connectivity to Economic Resilience: Operationalizing the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) and Making It Work for the Region”. Moderated by Dato Ir. Ts. Abdul Razib Dawood, Executive Director of the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), the session featured Undersecretary Mario C. Marasigan of the Department of Energy, Mr. Scott Roberts of ADB, Mr. William Sabandar of the Indonesian Business Council, and Dr. Nuki Agya Utama of ERIA. Speakers emphasized the need for concrete work plans, common standards, stronger cross-border coordination, bankable projects, and greater mobilization of public and private financing.

The second session, “Beyond Resilience and Sustainability: Future-Proofing ASEAN’s Supply Chains and Infrastructure,” featured Undersecretary Dr. Seferino Rodolfo of DTI, Mr. Satya Ramamurthy of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Ms. Doris Torres of the ASEAN Federation of Freight Forwarders Association, Dr. Venkatachalam Anbumozhi of ERIA, and Mr. George Barcelon of ABAC-Philippines, and was moderated by H.E. Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Economic Community.

Speakers underscored the importance of practical, on-the-ground coordination among customs and logistics stakeholders, as well as stronger regional cooperation and cross-border investment in strategic areas including critical minerals, digital infrastructure, food, fertilizer, and energy.

The Conference highlighted the importance of developing a credible pipeline of investable projects, strengthening project preparation and regulatory predictability, mobilising public and private financing, and ensuring that connectivity investments generate concrete development outcomes.

The HLCAC is a new high-level platform for advancing dialogue and partnerships on ASEAN connectivity and supporting the implementation of the ACSP 2026–2035. By bringing together governments, the private sector, development institutions, research organisations and other partners, the Conference seeks to strengthen the interface between policy, financing, partnerships and implementation. As highlighted at the Conference, its discussions are intended to move beyond strategy towards concrete projects and initiatives, stronger regional mechanisms and partnerships that can deliver measurable improvements in connectivity and support a more competitive, resilient and inclusive ASEAN. # # #

05/09/2026

ASEAN DEEPENS PARTNERSHIPS TO MOBILISE RESOURCES FOR CONNECTIVITY UNDER NEW STRATEGIC PLAN

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines, as ASEAN Chair in 2026, convened the Consultation of the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) with ASEAN Dialogue Partners and Other External Partners on Connectivity on 25 August 2026 in Manila, strengthening engagement with key partners in support of the implementation of the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan (ACSP) 2026–2035.

The consultation brought together Ambassadors of ASEAN Member States, ASEAN Dialogue Partners, ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partners, and ASEAN Development Partners to exchange views on opportunities for cooperation, project development, financing and technical support for the region’s connectivity agenda.

“The implementation of the ACSP is a shared endeavor. ASEAN will benefit from the expertise, resources, financing and partnerships of our External Partners to translate regional priorities into concrete projects and initiatives. At the same time, we must ensure that our engagement is focused, coordinated and responsive to ASEAN’s priorities and the needs of the region,” Ambassador Evangeline T. Ong Jimenez-Ducrocq, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to ASEAN and ACCC Chair, said.

The consultation focused on opportunities to strengthen cooperation in support of the ACSP Work Plan, including project development, technical assistance, capacity building, financing and resource mobilisation. ASEAN and its External Partners exchanged views on areas where existing cooperation could be strengthened and where new partnerships could be developed, particularly in support of priority connectivity initiatives. Partners highlighted scaled up initiatives in infrastructure and road networks, air, maritime and waterway connectivities, Indo-Pacific connectivities, earth observation systems, energy, digital connectivity including open data networks and high powered computing facilities available to ASEAN, sustainable infrastructure and energy transition efforts, digital trade, cyber capability building, work for MSMEs and regional free trade agreements, energy connections, energy connectivity, and creative ASEAN, among others.

Participants underscored the importance of sustained and coordinated engagement between ASEAN and its External Partners throughout the ACSP’s ten-year implementation period. Among the key priorities identified were strengthening the pipeline of bankable and implementable projects, enhancing coordination among development partners and relevant ASEAN Sectoral Bodies, leveraging public-private partnerships, and ensuring that technical and financial assistance responds to concrete regional needs.

The Consultation forms part of ASEAN’s broader efforts to strengthen the implementation of the ACSP 2026–2035 and to mobilise the partnerships and resources necessary to achieve its objectives. As ASEAN’s principal coordinating body on connectivity, the ACCC will continue to work with ASEAN Sectoral Bodies and ASEAN Dialogue Partners and Other External Partners to develop practical initiatives, facilitate cooperation and resource mobilisation, and advance connectivity priorities in support of a more integrated, competitive, resilient and inclusive ASEAN. # # #

04/09/2026

PHILIPPINES CHAIRS FIRST MONITORING AND REVIEW OF NEW CONNECTIVITY PLAN, SETS COURSE FOR NEXT DECADE

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines, as ASEAN Chair in 2026, convened the first-ever Monitoring, Review, and Evaluation (MRE) Meeting under the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan (ACSP) 2026–2035 on 24 August 2026 in Manila, providing ASEAN Member States with an opportunity to take stock of early implementation, exchange experiences and identify priorities for strengthening connectivity over the next ten years. The meeting marked an important step in establishing an implementation-focused approach to monitoring progress under the new Strategic Plan.

“The full implementation of the ACSP will depend on the active engagement and ownership of our ASEAN Sectoral Bodies. They are at the heart of translating the Strategic Plan from a regional framework into concrete policies, programmes and projects within their respective areas, while ensuring that these efforts contribute to our shared connectivity objectives,” Ambassador Evangeline T. Ong Jimenez-Ducrocq, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to ASEAN and Chair of the MRE Meeting, said.

The MRE Meeting provided a platform for relevant implementing bodies to share best practices and experiences in advancing connectivity initiatives, including approaches to implementation, coordination and monitoring. Reporting was made in areas like the ASEAN highway, infrastructure, urban transport and green mobility, regional payments connectivity and cross border transactions framework, city-to-city exchanges, agriculture supply chains, early warning systems, regulatory connectivity and electronic certifications, the need for regional harmonized agricultural standards, the need for customs and immigration interoperability improvements, customs transit facilitation, risk management, multimodal connectivity and transit systems, single window arrangements, and shared heritage, among others.

Participants discussed challenges that may affect implementation, with many sectoral representatives pointing to the need for more cross-sectoral and cross-pillar coordination, . The discussions highlighted the importance of identifying practical solutions early and maintaining flexibility to respond to emerging opportunities and implementation challenges.

Looking ahead, participants considered priorities for the next ten years of ACSP implementation, with emphasis on strengthening institutional coordination, developing a credible pipeline of projects and programmes, mobilising resources and partnerships, and ensuring that connectivity initiatives deliver measurable outcomes.

The MRE is an integral part of the implementation of the ACSP, providing ASEAN with a structured mechanism to monitor progress against agreed priorities and assess the effectiveness and relevance of ongoing initiatives. Through regular monitoring, review and evaluation, ASEAN can strengthen accountability and coordination, capture lessons learned, and ensure that the ACSP remains an effective instrument for advancing a more connected, resilient and inclusive ASEAN through 2035. # # #

03/09/2026

PHILIPPINES ADVANCES ASEAN CONNECTIVITY AGENDA, STEPS UP IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW STRATEGIC PLAN

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines, represented by Ambassador Evangeline T. Ong Jimenez-Ducrocq, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to ASEAN, chaired the Second Meeting of the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) on 24 August 2026 in Manila, bringing together ASEAN Member States to advance the implementation of the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan (ACSP) 2026–2035 and strengthen regional cooperation on connectivity.

“As we begin the implementation of the ACSP, our task is to translate our shared connectivity vision into concrete projects, stronger partnerships, and tangible outcomes for our people. This requires close coordination across ASEAN sectors, sustained engagement with our External Partners, and a clear focus on the initiatives that can make the greatest contribution to a more connected, resilient, and inclusive ASEAN,” Ambassador Jimenez-Ducrocq said.

The ACCC discussed key priorities for advancing the implementation of the ACSP Work Plan, including the development and implementation of projects and programmes, the identification and development of flagship connectivity initiatives, and stronger coordination with ASEAN Sectoral Bodies and other implementing bodies. The Committee also considered ways to enhance engagement with ASEAN External Partners, including through resource mobilisation, technical cooperation, project development and partnerships that can support the implementation of regional connectivity priorities.

The meeting took stock of major progress achieved in connectivity work during the first eight months of the Philippine Chairship. These include the completion of the End-Term Review of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025; the finalization of the ACSP Work Plan; enhanced engagement with ASEAN External Partners; the initiation of projects and programmes under the new Strategic Plan; the start of work on flagship connectivity projects; and efforts to increase the visibility and wider awareness of the ACSP through communications and outreach materials. These milestones mark the first steps in a ten-year implementation journey under the ACSP 2026–2035.

The meeting formed part of a series of connectivity-related activities convened by the Philippines as ASEAN Chair in 2026, including the ACSP Monitoring, Review, and Evaluation Meeting, the ACCC Consultation with ASEAN Dialogue Partners and Other External Partners on Connectivity, and the inaugural High-Level Conference on ASEAN Connectivity.

The ACCC is the ASEAN body responsible for coordinating and facilitating the implementation of ASEAN connectivity efforts. It works closely with ASEAN Sectoral Bodies, relevant implementing bodies, ASEAN External Partners, the private sector, and other stakeholders. In this central coordinating role, the ACCC helps advance cross-sectoral connectivity initiatives, facilitate partnerships and resource mobilisation, and ensure that regional connectivity priorities are translated into practical projects and programmes that contribute to a more integrated, competitive, resilient and inclusive ASEAN. # # #

03/09/2026

02/09/2026

During the University Tour of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation on 27 August 2026 at the Ateneo De Manila University, Philippines, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Philippines to ASEAN Evangeline T. Ong Jimenez-Ducrocq, Chair of the ASEAN-IPR Governing Council, underscored the vital role of universities in building sustainable peace.

Ambassador Ducrocq highlighted that addressing global peace and security challenges requires more than political decisions, but a deeper understanding of history and local contexts.

25/08/2026

Philippines, Indonesia, New Zealand convene EAS Workshop on Geothermal Energy to advance regional energy security

Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, JAKARTA, Indonesia, 18 August 2026 — The Philippines, as ASEAN Chair in 2026 and Chair of the East Asia Summit (EAS), in partnership with Indonesia and New Zealand, convened in Jakarta the EAS Workshop on Energy Security: Potential of Geothermal Energy. The workshop brought together EAS Participating Countries and relevant ASEAN stakeholders to exchange experiences on the role of geothermal energy in strengthening regional energy security and resilience.

In her opening remarks, Philippine Ambassador to ASEAN Evangeline T. Ong Jimenez-Ducrocq underscored the continuing relevance of the Cebu Declaration on East Asian Energy Security, adopted at the Second EAS Summit hosted by the Philippines in 2007. “Nearly two decades later, the reasons to pursue energy security are more compelling than ever,” she noted, highlighting rising energy demand, geopolitical uncertainties, supply disruptions and price volatility. She emphasized that geothermal energy can contribute to ASEAN’s efforts to diversify its energy mix and strengthen energy security, while supporting ASEAN’s broader resilience goals and its development of the ASEAN Power Grid.

The workshop highlighted the complementary experience of Indonesia, New Zealand and the Philippines in geothermal development, including New Zealand’s longstanding expertise and cooperation with ASEAN Member States. Discussions focused on overcoming barriers to geothermal deployment, mobilising investment, the transfer and application of technology not only across jurisdictions but also across sectors, strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks, and promoting knowledge-sharing and capacity-building. The workshop underscored the value of the EAS as a platform for practical cooperation and its potential contribution to ASEAN’s broader energy priorities under the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026–2030. #

09/08/2026

8 August 2026 - The Philippines, as ASEAN Chair for 2026, joined the ASEAN community in celebrating the 59th ASEAN Day at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta under the Chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together.”

This year’s celebration marked the first ASEAN Day as a Community of eleven Member States, following Timor-Leste’s accession, and coincided with the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered the ASEAN Chair’s message through a video address. The event’s Guest of Honor, H.E. Sugiono, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia also delivered a special ASEAN Day address.

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the TAC, the flags of High Contracting Parties was displayed, with Ambassador Evangeline T. Ong Jimenez-Ducrocq, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to ASEAN and Chair of the CPR, delivering remarks on behalf of the ASEAN Chair.

The Philippines showcased Filipino culture and flavors during the celebration of ASEAN and its partner countries, incuding through performances by Filipino quartet EnPsalm. Filipino favorites adobo wraps, turon, ube cheese p**o, halo-halo, and lumpiang gulay proved popular among guests who visited the ASEAN Secretariat to participate in the multination food festival as part of the celebrations.

As ASEAN celebrates nearly six decades of regional cooperation, on its Chairship year, the Philippines remains committed to Navigating Our Future, Together towards a peaceful, prosperous, resilient, and people-centered ASEAN Community.