PH calls for sustained ASEAN social cooperation amid ASCC priority review

The Philippines on Wednesday, Nov. 4, urged ASEAN member states to strengthen cooperation on social and development issues as regional officials met in Manila to review priorities and assess the implementation of key programs.

The call was made by Department of Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Adonis Sulit during the opening of the 41st Meeting of the Senior Officials Committee for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (SOCA).

Hosted by the Philippines from Nov. 4 to 6, the meetings bring together officials from ASEAN member states to discuss the implementation of the ASCC Blueprint 2025, regional policy priorities, and documents for consideration at the 49th ASEAN Summit on Nov. 16 to 18.

Sulit said the discussions aim to ensure ASEAN cooperation remains responsive to the evolving needs of the region's people.

The Philippines also highlighted its 2026 ASEAN chairmanship agenda under the theme "Navigating Our Future, Together," anchored on the RISE framework: Resilient and Empowered Families, Inclusive Development, Smart Youth and Innovations, and an Environmentally Sustainable and Food-Secure Future.

As the country prepares to hand over the ASEAN chairmanship to Singapore, Sulit expressed confidence that regional cooperation would continue to advance under the bloc's shared goals.