The Philippine Embassy in Singapore marked ASEAN’s 59th Anniversary with the region’s diplomatic community, highlighting the Philippines’ 2026 Chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together”, and its priorities for regional cooperation.
The Philippine Embassy in Singapore brought together the ASEAN diplomatic community, dialogue partners and development partners on 18 August 2026 to commemorate the 59th Anniversary of the Founding of ASEAN. Held at the Embassy’s newly redeveloped Chancery, the celebration was attended by Singapore’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Mr. Albert Chua, Philippine Ambassador to Singapore H.E. Medardo G. Macaraig, Heads of Mission from ASEAN Member States, and senior representatives from partner countries, with representatives from at least 38 countries across Singapore’s diplomatic community.
The celebration began with a cocktail reception at the Embassy’s Narra Circle, featuring tropical fruits and delicacies contributed by ASEAN Member States in Singapore. The reception showcased the region’s rich agricultural and culinary diversity before guests proceeded to Sinagtala Hall for the main programme. In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Macaraig highlighted ASEAN’s 59 years of cooperation and resilience, underpinned by consensus, mutual respect and regional centrality.
Ambassador Macaraig also highlighted the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together”, centred on three priorities: peace and security anchors, prosperity corridors and people empowerment. He cited key milestones during the Chairship, including the 48th ASEAN Summit, the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation and the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila. He also echoed President H.E. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s description of ASEAN as a “safe harbour” amid global uncertainties.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary Chua, who also serves as Singapore’s ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting Leader, underscored ASEAN’s achievements in dialogue, consultation and consensus-building in addressing regional and global challenges. He stressed the importance of continued cooperation among ASEAN Member States and external partners, while expressing Singapore’s readiness to assume the ASEAN Chairship later in 2026. The programme also featured a video message from President Marcos, a presentation on the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship, a toast and a cake-cutting ceremony with the ASEAN Heads of Mission.
The evening concluded with an ASEAN-inspired Filipino lauriat-style dinner, musical performances and a special presentation by Ambassador Macaraig, followed by an open-mic singing session and the Filipino “tagayan” tradition featuring lambanog, or Philippine coconut wine.
The celebration provided an opportunity for ASEAN Member States, partners and the wider diplomatic community in Singapore to strengthen ties and exchange views as the Philippines completes its 2026 Chairship and prepares to hand over the Chair to Singapore.
Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore
