Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday committed to fostering peace and stability in Southeast Asia while leveraging new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to develop a future-ready region. Speaking at the commencement of the Philippine chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2026 at Foro de Intramuros in Manila, Marcos highlighted the significance of regional cooperation in tackling security issues, boosting economic growth, and pursuing technological advancement.
According to Philippines News Agency, the President stated that the Philippines, as the ASEAN chair in 2026, will guide the region with three primary priorities: 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,' Marcos remarked, stressing the necessity of transforming ASEAN into a 'digitally empowered community.'
Marcos emphasized that during the chairship, there would be a focus on the responsible and ethical use of emerging technologies, particularly AI, to enhance ASEAN's ability to anticipate and respond to new and evolving security challenges. He pointed out that AI could aid in early warning systems, maritime domain awareness, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR), ensuring technology acts as a stabilizing force.
Under the socio-cultural pillar, Marcos mentioned that AI could improve healthcare, education, and youth empowerment, broadening access to essential services and fostering creativity for future generations. He also highlighted AI-driven solutions to promote ASEAN's silver economy, aiming for a more connected, resilient, and age-inclusive community. 'AI will not replace our human touch. Rather, it will magnify our capacity to care, teach, and uplift communities across ASEAN,' he said.
The President also mentioned that the Philippines would offer ASEAN members the chance to explore Manila and famous destinations like Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Laoag, Iloilo, Tagaytay, and Clark, which will host ASEAN meetings. '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,' he added.
In addition to these announcements, Marcos unveiled the official ASEAN Philippines 2026 logo and commemorative stamp and mentioned that the ASEAN Philippines 2026 website would be launched to serve as 'a platform for collaboration, information, and participation' throughout the chairship year. Under the theme 'Navigating Our Future, Together,' the Philippines' ASEAN 2026 chairship underscores the country's role in advancing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, a 20-year strategic roadmap for a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centered ASEAN Community.
