Manila: Strengthening family resilience, empowering the youth, and advancing inclusive developments for marginalized and vulnerable sectors will take center stage during the three major meetings of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) this week.
According to Philippines News Agency, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao highlighted in a briefing that these meetings underscore the country's 'RISE ASEAN' agenda, supporting a truly 'One ASEAN, One Response' region.
Dumlao emphasized that the meetings are committed to promoting resilient families, inclusive development, innovative youth strategies, and an environmentally sustainable and food-secure future. The first gathering is the 40th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (SOCA) Meeting, which will see senior officials reviewing and harmonizing key frameworks in support of the People Empowerment agenda.
The second meeting, the High-Level ASCC Council Forum, brings together ministers, senior officials, experts, youth leaders, and development partners to prioritize people empowerment in ASEAN's future trajectory. The forum aims to affirm that empowering individuals, families, and communities is crucial for ASEAN's success.
Under the family pillar, the Philippines will advocate for establishing an ASEAN Network for Family Development, recognizing the family's integral role in society and nation-building. On inclusive development, Dumlao pointed out the region's aging population and the necessity to create equal opportunities for the elderly, advancing the 'silver economy' through a regional action framework.
Dumlao also addressed the importance of digital resilience for youth, promoting opportunities to utilize digital technology while protecting their rights and interests. The sustainability and food security agenda will focus on strengthening disaster response and multilateral support.
Regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the ASCC is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with partners to ensure affected ASEAN nationals and member states receive appropriate support and assistance.
The Philippines will also push for discussions on alternative family care, including efforts to find permanent homes for every child and digital resilience to protect youth online. Dumlao stressed the need to safeguard young people from digital technology risks while promoting their development and empowerment.
On poverty reduction and social protection, Dumlao underscored empowerment as a priority to address these issues. The third gathering, the 35th ASCC Council Meeting, will see regional ministers formally adopting key frameworks and finalizing priority social policies for Southeast Asia.
Beyond these meetings, the richness of Filipino culture will be showcased through curated gastronomic and heritage tours, alongside performances of traditional music and dance. Dumlao expressed the Philippines' honor in welcoming ministers and heads of delegation from ASEAN Member States, led by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian as ASCC Chair and Singapore's Masagos Zulkifli as ASCC Vice Chair.
As the 2026 ASEAN Chair, the Philippines is actively shaping the regional agenda through high-level dialogues on security, economic integration, and social development.
