Manila:The Philippine government, through the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), has officially commenced the public countdown to the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits, which are scheduled to take place in mid-November in Manila.

According to Philippines News Agency, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega, along with PCO Assistant Secretary Ronadale Zapata, representing PCO Secretary Lino Cayetano, and diplomats from various ASEAN member states, led the ceremonial lighting of the iconic SM Mall of Asia globe with the summit logo. This event signifies the Philippines' reaffirmation of its full commitment to successfully concluding its role as ASEAN chair.

The upcoming summit aims to complete the remaining priorities of the Philippines as ASEAN chair, structured around the three 'Ps' peace and security anchors, prosperity corridors, and people empowerment. Dizon-De Vega highlighted that previous ASEAN meetings hosted by the Philippines have already delivered substantive outcomes across these priorities.

In conjunction with the countdown, the Philippines has reintroduced the ASEAN Corner, an initiative showcasing books and collections from the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) on the cultures and shared heritage of the 11 ASEAN member states. This initiative is in partnership with SM Book Nook, enhancing community reading and learning spaces nationwide.

The event also featured a performance of the ASEAN 2026 theme song, "One Vision, One Ocean," by the NCCA and concluded with the traditional handshake among dignitaries. Notable attendees included ASEAN National Organizing Council Director-General Hellen De La Vega, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, and SM Supermalls Vice President Joaquin San Agustin. The ASEAN member states involved are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.