Manila, March 3 (AseanAll) — The Philippines on March 3, 2026 announced the successful conclusion of the 40th Senior Officials Committee for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (SOCA) Meeting on Tuesday, where participants set a clear direction for a more resilient, inclusive, and people-centered region.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) of the Philippines represented the Philippines at the 40th SOCA Meeting in Makati City and, at the same time, chaired the discussion.
In a post-meeting press briefing, DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene B. Dumlao said the meeting officially marked the conclusion of the ASCC Blueprint 2025, which achieved a 100-percent implementation rate of its strategic measures upon its completion on December 31, 2025.
“This accomplishment reflects not only our compliance with targets but also the tangible improvements to the lives and well-being of the people in ASEAN,” said Dumlao, who is also the DSWD spokesperson.
“Additionally, the ASEAN family continues to strengthen pro-sectoral collaboration towards a resilient, inclusive, and people-centered ASEAN Community. Notable initiatives include efforts to address violence against women and children in cyberspace, advance biosafety and biosecurity, and develop information and work plans that promote shared identity and cooperation,” Dumlao said.
The discussion also looked ahead to the finalization of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Strategic Plan in support of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, Dumlao said.
The meeting also reviewed progress on critical regional issues, including climate change, out-of-school children and youth, and initiatives to protect women and children in cyberspace.
“These priorities reaffirm ASEAN’s commitment to safeguarding both people and the environment as we shape our shared future,” the DSWD official said.
Dumlao stated that ASEAN Senior Ministers are working to establish and operationalize key regional hubs to enhance the bloc’s ability to address emerging challenges.
The SOCA participants also recognized the contributions of women to regional development, as the world celebrates International Women’s Day, especially through the participation of four women who lead or represent their respective SOCA delegations.
“This reflects this year’s theme: ‘Give to Gain’, proving that when we provide space for women’s leadership, our entire region benefits from it,” Dumlao added.
