Philippines launches countdown to 49th ASEAN Summit in Manila

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 29, 2026

Photo courtesy: Philippine News Agency

The Philippines has officially launched its countdown to the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, as preparations enter their final weeks before regional leaders gather in Metro Manila in November.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO), together with foreign diplomats and government officials, marked the occasion on Wednesday, October 28, by illuminating the iconic SM Mall of Asia globe in Pasay City with the summit’s official logo.

The high-level meetings are scheduled to open on November 15, bringing together leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its international partners.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega said the Philippines remains committed to completing its priorities as ASEAN chair for 2026.

“With 18 days to go before the 49th ASEAN Summit, the Philippines reaffirms its full commitment to bringing our chairship to a successful conclusion,” she said.

The summit will serve as a major opportunity for the Philippines to advance regional cooperation on security, economic growth, and issues affecting Southeast Asian communities.

Under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the country’s ASEAN chairship focuses on three priorities: peace and security anchors, prosperity corridors, and people empowerment.

These priorities cover efforts to strengthen regional stability, promote economic integration and sustainable development, and improve opportunities for people across ASEAN.

Dizon-De Vega said the Philippines had already achieved progress on these priorities through high-level meetings held throughout the year.

The November summit will provide an opportunity to address the remaining agenda items and build on agreements reached during earlier discussions.

Beyond diplomatic preparations, the government is also bringing the ASEAN campaign to the public.

A nationwide digital information campaign began on October 28 across SM Supermalls cinemas and will continue until November 18.

The countdown event also featured the return of ASEAN Corner, a cultural and educational initiative developed with the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

In partnership with SM Book Nook, the project features books and other materials highlighting the traditions, stories, and shared heritage of ASEAN’s 11 member countries.

PCO Secretary Lino Cayetano, in a message delivered by Assistant Secretary Ronadale Zapata, emphasized that regional cooperation extends beyond government policies to the cultural experiences shared by Southeast Asian communities.

The ceremony also featured a performance of “One Vision, One Ocean,” the ASEAN 2026 theme song.

As host, the Philippines is preparing to welcome foreign leaders, delegates, and other participants for the summit.

The government has also declared November 16 to 18 as special non-working days in Metro Manila to help ease traffic congestion and support security arrangements during the gathering.

The summit comes as ASEAN continues to address regional security concerns, economic challenges, and opportunities for closer cooperation among its members.

The upcoming meetings will mark one of the final major milestones of its 2026 ASEAN chairship before the leadership passes to Singapore in 2027.