November 28, 2025
MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn during a courtesy call in Malacanang on Thursday in preparation for the country’s chairship of the bloc next year.
Kao is on a working visit to the Philippines from Nov. 27 to 28 to provide full support for the preparations for the Philippines’ Asean chairship in 2026 under the theme, “Navigating our Future, Together.”
Joining the President during the courtesy call were Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Communications Secretary Dave Gomez, and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Ma. Hellen De La Vega, who is the director General for operations of the Asean National Organizing Council.
During his working visit, Kao is also scheduled to meet with Lazaro, Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, and Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian.
The Cambodian diplomat is also scheduled to meet with the chair of the 2026 Asean Business Advisory Council.
During the formal launch on Nov. 14 of Asean Philippines 2026, President Marcos said the Philippines’ leadership of the 11-nation bloc will focus on three priorities, namely peace and security anchors; prosperity corridors; and people empowerment.
According to President Marcos, the Philippines is more than ready to lead the Asean next year, when the country hosts the 48th and 49th Asean Summit and Related Summits in May and October.
He assured that the Philippines was fully capable and ready to host the international event, particularly in terms of logistics and infrastructure.
The newly refurbished Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City and Mactan Expo Center in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu province are among the venues for the meetings.
The Office of the President requested a P17.5-billion budget from the Congress for the country’s hosting of the 2026 Asean Summit. /mr