Marcos welcomes ASEAN leaders as 49th summit opens at PICC

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 15, 2026

Photo Courtesy: ASEAN

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed regional leaders and foreign delegates at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on Sunday, November 15, as the Philippines formally opened the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

The arrival of delegations marked the start of the high-level meetings, which bring together Southeast Asian leaders and representatives of dialogue partner countries to discuss regional cooperation and pressing international concerns.

Marcos, who chairs this year’s summit, was joined by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos in receiving delegates at the venue.

Among the officials arriving for the opening ceremony were representatives from Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva are also participating as guests of the ASEAN chair.