Manila: Malaca±ang on Friday announced the virtual conduct of all preparatory meetings for the 48th and 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits. This decision follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to recalibrate the Philippines' hosting strategy for ASEAN 2026, focusing resources on essential activities to save on expenses.

According to Philippines News Agency, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto stated that the 650 ministerial and senior official meetings initially set to be hosted in-person by the Philippines will now be conducted online. Recto, who also serves as the ASEAN 2026 National Organizing Council (NOC) chairperson, expressed optimism about achieving substantial discussions and productive outcomes despite the shift to virtual meetings, a change made necessary due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Recto released a memorandum on Thursday, instructing the ASEAN 2026 NOC and all host agencies to inform their counterparts that all preparatory meetings, ranging from Working Group to Ministerial levels, will be held virtually. He reassured that the streamlined ASEAN activities would still meet their objectives of fostering regional unity and developing a coordinated response to global challenges.

The memorandum also directed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to conduct a diplomatic briefing to incorporate appropriate messaging and changes for expected outcome documents. The DFA is tasked with guiding host agencies in ASEAN sectoral bodies on necessary adjustments.

Recto noted that the reduced activities are expected to generate significant savings, with President Marcos intending to realign these funds to programs aimed at mitigating the impact of the global oil crisis on the most vulnerable citizens.

"As host, we remain committed to our goal of ASEAN, not merely as a platform for dialogue, but as a force for coordinated action and dynamic leadership in a time of crisis," Recto stated. He emphasized the Philippines' role as ASEAN chair in leading common actions responding to the needs of both the Filipino people and the broader ASEAN community.

Earlier on Friday, President Marcos confirmed that the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Cebu will proceed on May 8 and 9, with discussions focusing on pressing regional issues such as energy security, food security, and migrant workers.