President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday said the Philippines will prioritize enhancing trade and investment, strengthening regional supply chains, and creating business opportunities across Southeast Asia as the country assumes the Association of Southeast Asian Nations–Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Chairship for 2026.
“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,” the President said during the formal handover ceremony at Malacañan Palace.
President Marcos said the Philippines remains fully committed to supporting ASEAN-BAC’s plans and programs in the year ahead, guided by the theme of its ASEAN 2026 Chairship, “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
“We will continue to provide platforms for dialogue and partnership by bringing together policymakers, business leaders, investors, and innovators,” said the President.
“And in doing so, we deepen regional cooperation, we strengthen confidence in ASEAN, and support the crucial work of the ASEAN-BAC,” added the President.
As the regional grouping marks the transition of the ASEAN-BAC Chairship from Malaysia to the Philippines, President Marcos affirmed the confidence placed in the Council as ASEAN’s vital partner in advancing its shared regional priorities.
The transition also “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,” the Chief Executive emphasized.
The President noted that the ASEAN-BAC’s priorities for 2026, anchored on four pillars namely people, planet, platform, and productivity, fully support the Philippines’ priorities.
These initiatives include empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and other sectors; strengthening food security and agricultural productivity; advancing a digital and AI-enabled ASEAN; and boosting industry growth and regional integration.
Highlighting the indispensable vision and leadership of the private sector, the President emphasized that ASEAN recognizes ASEAN-BAC’s contribution as a trusted partner in translating regional aspirations as the Council marks its Silver Anniversary.
Recognizing the responsibility entrusted to the ASEAN-BAC Philippines, the President said he fully trusts the Council’s readiness to approach the task with competence and confidence. | PND
