The Philippines has officially taken over the chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and will host around 650 summits and meetings throughout 2026.
“As we navigate our future together, the Philippines remains committed to steady leadership, principled engagement, and a chairship that strengthens ASEAN for years ahead,” said Foreign Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Domic Xavier Imperial during a press briefing in Pasay City on Thursday.
Key events include the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in Cebu on May 8–9, followed by the 49th ASEAN Summit at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on November 10–12. Ahead of these, Cebu will host the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat from January 25–29 and the ASEAN Tourism Forum from January 26–30.
The Philippines will also lead the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) on July 24 at the PICC.
TAC is a legally-binding agreement promoting peace, trust, and stability in the region, signed by at least 55 parties, including major powers such as the United States, China, Japan, France, Canada, the EU, India, and Russia.