Manila: As chair of the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), the Philippines will lead the push to strengthen regional efforts towards disaster resilience and food security.
According to Philippines News Agency, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary for Disaster Response and Management Group (DRMG) Irene Dumlao emphasized the importance of ASEAN solidarity, given Southeast Asia's vulnerability to natural disasters. Dumlao highlighted the immediate support the Philippines received from ASEAN countries after experiencing devastation from typhoons and geological hazards.
Dumlao announced that the Philippines will spearhead discussions on the ASEAN Leaders' Statement on the Manila-ASEAN Strategic Protocol for Emergency and Comprehensive Transformation (ASPECT) Framework at the 35th ASCC Council Meeting. This framework aims to enhance regional cooperation through standardized coordination, data sharing, and logistics systems, ensuring a people-oriented and rights-based disaster response.
The Manila-ASPECT Framework aligns with the 'One ASEAN, One Response' vision, which promotes a unified disaster response strategy. The framework emphasizes rapid, coordinated, and scaled support across Southeast Asia, under the 2026 chairship theme, 'Navigating Our Future, Together.' The Philippines will advocate for measures to strengthen climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and food security.
ASEAN's past collaborative efforts have resulted in strategic frameworks that promote shared policies to address climate change and disaster resilience. These include the ASEAN Multi-sectoral Framework for Climate Change, the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER), and the ASEAN Framework on Anticipatory Action in Disaster Management. These frameworks have laid the groundwork for the upcoming initiatives.
Dumlao underscored the Philippines' leadership role in regional disaster cooperation. With the Manila-ASPECT Framework, ASEAN countries will be able to respond more swiftly, coordinate efficiently, and deliver aid effectively to vulnerable communities.
