Manila, March 3 (AseanAll) — Senior ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are moving forward with establishing key regional hubs to enhance the bloc’s ability to address emerging challenges, the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) spokesperson said on March 3, 2026.
Assistant Secretary Irene B. Dumlao reported during a post-meeting press briefing that the regional hubs include the ASEAN Center for Climate Change, ASEAN Coordinating Center for Transboundary Pollution Control, and the ASEAN Center for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases.
“These institutions will serve as critical platforms for cooperation, knowledge sharing, and coordinated regional function,” Dumlao said.
The creation of these hubs, along with other milestones and forward-looking initiatives, reinforced the Philippine Chairship theme of RISE: Resilience, Inclusivity, Sustainability, and Empowerment, which reflects ASEAN’s collective determination to build a stronger, more united, and future-ready community for all.
The Philippines, represented by the DSWD, championed a more responsive and resilient ASEAN socio-cultural cooperation during Tuesday’s 40th Senior Officials Committee for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (SOCA) meeting in Makati City.
The Philippines, as Chair of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Pillar, hosted the 40th SOCA Meeting. A High-Level ASCC Council Forum and the 35th ASCC Council Meeting will also be hosted by the DSWD later this week.
Following the successful SOCA meeting, Dumlao said the senior ministers will convene for a working dinner to review and harmonize the technical draft for further deliberation during the upcoming ASCC Council Meeting.
The DSWD chaired the SOCA meeting as the participants work to establish a clear path towards a more resilient, inclusive, and people-centered ASEAN region.
The Philippines chairs the 2026 ASEAN, guided by the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” that reflects its commitment to leading the regional grouping with unity, clarity, and purpose. |
