Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro presented the Philippines’ priorities for its 2026 ASEAN Chairship during a lecture at the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.
On 6 February 2026, Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, delivered a lecture on the Philippines’ upcoming 2026 ASEAN Chairship at the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. The lecture formed part of the Philippines’ outreach efforts to engage regional stakeholders ahead of assuming the ASEAN Chair.
Speaking under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” Secretary Lazaro outlined the Philippines’ strategic framework for its Chairship, organised around the three Ps: Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors, and People Empowerment. She emphasised that these priorities aim to strengthen ASEAN unity, promote sustainable and inclusive growth, and ensure that regional cooperation remains people-centred.
In her capacity as the ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy on Myanmar, Secretary Lazaro also shared her priorities regarding ASEAN’s engagement with the situation in Myanmar. She underscored the continued relevance of the Five-Point Consensus as the agreed framework guiding ASEAN’s collective approach, highlighting the importance of dialogue, inclusivity, and coordinated regional efforts.
While in Singapore, Secretary Lazaro visited the new Philippine Embassy in Singapore, which she inaugurated on 20 October 2025 together with Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs. During the visit, she met with embassy personnel and reaffirmed the role of the diplomatic mission in advancing Philippines–Singapore relations.
Her visit also included stops at the Alkaff Bridge at Robertson Quay, a symbol of friendship between the Philippines and Singapore, as well as Lau Pa Sat, where she experienced Singapore’s local culinary culture. The visit reflected the close people-to-people ties underpinning the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore
