Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Ceremonial Handover of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Chairship 2026

The esteemed members of the Diplomatic Corps; the Cabinet officials who are present with us this evening; ASEAN-BAC Philippines Chairman Joey Concepcion III; ASEAN-BAC Malaysia Council Member Tan Sri Tony Fernandes; ASEAN-BAC Singapore Secretary General Mr Siong Seng Teo; ASEAN-BAC Council members; of course, the First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos; my fellow workers in government; our friends and partners coming from the private sector; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

A warm welcome to you all to Malacañan Palace.

As we mark the transition of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Chairship from Malaysia to the Philippines, we do so with gratitude and with determination.

Gratitude—for the strong foundation laid by our predecessors; and with determination—to carry forward the work with the same sense of purpose and cooperation that defines ASEAN.

This moment affirms the confidence placed in the Council as a vital partner of the ASEAN in advancing our shared regional priorities. More importantly, it reminds us that ASEAN’s strength has always rested on our collective ability to build upon what has been achieved and to move forward together.

As the Philippines assumes the ASEAN-BAC Chairship, it is guided by our theme as this year’s ASEAN Chair: “Navigating Our Future, Together.”

This theme speaks clearly to our emerging needs and challenges.

Across the region, economies are transforming, technologies are advancing, societies are progressing all towards inclusive growth.

ASEAN ensures that progress is guided by cooperation, strengthened by mutual trust, and anchored in common accountability. This is how we turn uncertainty into opportunity and change into lasting progress.

Under the Philippine Chairship, we place strong emphasis on building economic corridors that expand trade and investment, strengthen regional supply chains, and open doors of opportunity for businesses and communities across ASEAN.

We note that the ASEAN-BAC’s priorities for this year, anchored on four pillars—people, planet, platform, and productivity—are fully supportive of these priorities.

These initiatives include empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), workers, youth, and women; strengthening food security and agricultural productivity; advancing a digital and AI-enabled ASEAN; and boosting industry growth and regional integration across key sectors.

The Philippines remains fully committed to supporting ASEAN-BAC’s plans and programs in the year ahead. We will continue to provide platforms for dialogue and partnership by bringing together policymakers, business leaders, investors, and innovators.

And in doing so, we deepen regional cooperation, we strengthen confidence in ASEAN, and support the crucial work of the ASEAN-BAC.

The vision and leadership of the private sector remain indispensable. As ASEAN-BAC marks its Silver Anniversary, we recognize its contribution as a trusted partner in translating regional aspirations into concrete action.

We also recognize the Council’s continued leadership in shaping initiatives that are forward-looking, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our region.

As we move forward, let us invest in the enduring promise of ASEAN itself—in our people, in our partnerships, and in the future that we are creating together.

When we commit to cooperation anchored in trust and purpose, we ensure that progress reaches every community and opportunity remains within reach of all.

In closing, I recognize the responsibility now entrusted to the ASEAN-BAC Philippines as you guide the Council through 2026. I fully trust the Council’s readiness to approach this task with competence and confidence.

Together, let us navigate the future of ASEAN—united in purpose, confident in our capacity, and guided by our responsibility to the generations that will follow.

Maraming, maraming salamat po.

Mabuhay po kayong lahat! [applause]

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