Makati city: The Philippines emphasized the importance of building a responsive, inclusive, and resilient regional community as it inaugurated the 40th Senior Officials Committee for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Socio-Cultural Community (SOCA) Meeting in Makati City. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Group, Adonis Sulit, addressed senior officials and representatives from ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN Secretariat at The Peninsula Manila, reaffirming the nation's dedication to advancing the socio-cultural pillar.
According to Philippines News Agency, as the chair of the meeting, Sulit welcomed new SOCA members and acknowledged the presence of senior officials who ensure continuity and institutional knowledge. He described the meeting as both timely and significant, considering the complex global environment marked by intersecting social, economic, health, climate, and technological challenges. Sulit emphasized that the meeting offers a vital platform for reflection, coordination, and collective action to maintain the socio-cultural pillar's responsiveness and resilience.
The high-level meeting is set to review the progress of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint 2025 and the preparations for the upcoming 35th ASCC Council Meeting and the 48th ASEAN Summit. Discussions will focus on ensuring that the socio-cultural work remains people-centered and adaptable to the evolving needs of communities. Sulit noted that the meeting serves as an important platform for reflection, foresight, and convergence, particularly with the conclusion of the ASCC Blueprint 2025 and the commencement of the ASCC Strategic Plan.
Sulit also underscored the significance of women's leadership in regional cooperation, highlighting that four women currently serve as or represent SOCA leaders. He pointed out that this reflects the transformative role women play in shaping policy and regional cooperation, aligning with this year's International Women's Day theme, 'Give to Gain.' He stressed the importance of investing in women through opportunities and resources to drive change across ASEAN.
In his concluding message, Sulit expressed the Philippines' commitment to collaborating with regional partners to advance a people-centered ASCC. He emphasized the importance of working closely with ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN Secretariat to foster a caring and sharing ASEAN community, anchored in solidarity, cooperation, and mutual respect. He hoped for productive discussions guided by a common vision for an ASEAN that genuinely serves its people.
