Kuala lumpur: The Philippines would bring tangible benefits to the region through practical, inclusive, and measurable initiatives when it hosts the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. asserted the Philippines’ readiness during the plenary session of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings here on Sunday.

According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos reaffirmed Manila’s commitment to sustain the gains achieved by the bloc and push for ASEAN 2045, which aims to build a resilient, inclusive, and dynamic regional community, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

‘Sa kanyang plenary intervention sa nagpapatuloy na 47th ASEAN Summit sa Malaysia, binigyan din ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. na nakatuon sa practical, inclusive at measurable initiatives ang pag-host ng Pilipinas sa ASEAN sa susunod na taon (In his plenary intervention in the continuing 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, President Marcos said the Philippine hosting will focus on practical, inclusive, and measurable initiatives),’ Castro said.

The ASEAN Vision, adopted in May, seeks to find ‘effective and innovative’ responses to regional challenges amid a rapidly evolving global environment. Speaking in an RTVM interview aired on Saturday, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Maria Angela Ponce said Manila would champion ‘continuity’ in its 2026 hosting.

‘The President has said it’s important that we build on the initiatives and successes that Malaysia has built on,’ she said. ‘Even as we prioritize and we have our advocacies, it is still important that we continue on the initiatives of ASEAN because each Chair carries forth the agenda of ASEAN. They don’t carry forth just their own national agenda.’

Malaysia is set to turn over its chairship of the ASEAN to the Philippines at the summit closing on Oct. 28.