Seminar examined Philippine contributions to ASEAN’s political, economic and socio-cultural development since 1967.
Ambassador H.E. Medardo G. Macaraig attended the ISEAS Hybrid Seminar entitled “The Philippines in ASEAN: 60 Years of Engagement and Commitment” on 28 October 2026 at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. Organised under the Philippine Studies Programme, the seminar examined the Philippines’ contributions to ASEAN over six decades and the role of regional cooperation in advancing the country’s interests and those of its people.
During the seminar, Ambassador Macaraig delivered remarks highlighting the Philippines’ engagement with ASEAN over the past 60 years and the benefits of regional cooperation for the Philippines and its citizens. He also expressed appreciation to ISEAS for sustaining discussions on the Philippines and its position within the region, particularly during the year of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship.
Supported by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Regional Programme Political Dialogue Asia, the seminar featured two panel discussions examining the Philippines’ tangible and intangible contributions to ASEAN and the wider region. The discussions covered the three pillars of ASEAN: the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC).
The first panel featured Mr Edcel John A. Ibarra, Mr Matteo Piasentini and Mr Aaron Abel T. Mallari. Their discussion examined the Philippines’ commitment to ASEAN and its mechanisms, with particular attention to maritime security and traditional and non-traditional security challenges.
The second panel featured Dr Enrico Antonio B. La Viña, Ms Anna Mae Tuazon, Dr Virgemarie A. Salazar, Mr Emmanuel Alba and Ms Angelie Genotiva. Discussions focused on the Philippines’ contributions to ASEAN’s economic and socio-cultural pillars, including labour and migrant protection, education, people-to-people exchanges, connectivity, environmental protection, biodiversity, climate change, culture, tourism and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
The two panels were moderated by Ms Joanne Lin, Coordinator of the ASEAN Studies Centre, and Dr Aries Arugay, Coordinator of the Philippine Studies Programme, both of the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
The seminar provided an opportunity to examine the Philippines’ six decades of participation in ASEAN, including its contributions to regional security, economic cooperation and socio-cultural engagement.
Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore
