91% of Filipinos expect Philippines to benefit from ASEAN hosting, SWS survey finds

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 13, 2026

Photo courtesy: Social Weather Stations

MANILA, Philippines — Nine in 10 Filipino adults believe the Philippines will benefit from hosting the 2026 ASEAN leaders’ meetings, but most were unaware of the country’s hosting role before being surveyed, according to Social Weather Stations (SWS).

The survey found that 91% of respondents expected the country to benefit from hosting the regional meetings, while 9% believed it would not.

Among respondents, 21% expected the Philippines to benefit very much, 52% anticipated substantial benefits, and 17% expected only a little benefit. The figures were rounded by SWS.

The findings came from a nationwide survey conducted from March 24 to 31, with results released on November 11, ahead of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Metro Manila.

Despite the positive expectations, only 28% of respondents already knew the Philippines was hosting the meetings. The remaining 72% learned about it during their interview.

Awareness was highest in Metro Manila at 42%, followed by the Visayas at 28%, Balance Luzon at 27%, and Mindanao at 20%.

Rising prices and West Philippine Sea top public concerns

Beyond the expected benefits, respondents identified several issues they wanted the government to prioritize during its ASEAN chairmanship.

Rising prices and inflation topped the list at 19%, followed by the West Philippine Sea dispute at 16% and oil prices and supply at 12%.

Other concerns included poverty at 9%, economic and financial problems at 6%, and jobs and livelihood at 5%.

The survey allowed respondents to identify up to three priorities.

Regional differences also emerged. Inflation was the leading concern in Mindanao and areas of Luzon outside Metro Manila, while the West Philippine Sea ranked first in Metro Manila and the Visayas.

Trust in ASEAN declines

A separate SWS survey conducted from September 21 to 27 found that 91% of Filipino adults were aware of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Among those familiar with the regional organization, 46% expressed much trust, while 21% reported little trust.

This resulted in a net trust rating of +25, which SWS classified as moderate.

The rating was lower than the +41 recorded in June 2017, when the Philippines last chaired ASEAN.

Public expectations about the benefits of hosting have also declined slightly. In September 2016, 95% expected the country to benefit, compared with 91% in the latest hosting-related survey.

Philippines prepares to welcome world leaders

The Philippines will host the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from November 16 to 18 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

As ASEAN chair for 2026, the country leads discussions on regional priorities, organizes meetings, and represents the regional bloc in international engagements.

The survey findings show that while most Filipino adults expect hosting ASEAN to benefit the country, many also want regional discussions to address practical concerns affecting their daily lives, particularly rising prices and maritime security.

Both SWS surveys involved face-to-face interviews with 1,500 adults nationwide, with a sampling error margin of ±3 percentage points for national estimates. The surveys were conducted independently by SWS and were not commissioned.