JOINT STATEMENT OF THE ASEAN TOURISM MINISTERS ON ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

The Second ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Retreat, 29 September 2026, Manila, the Philippines 

1. We, the ASEAN Tourism Ministers, convened at the Second ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Retreat on 29 September 2026 in Manila, the Philippines, and exchanged views on the evolving global and regional situation and its implications for ASEAN tourism. We underscored the importance of the Retreat as a valuable platform for candid, strategic and forward-looking ministerial dialogue, enabling ASEAN to respond collectively and in a timely manner to emerging challenges and opportunities affecting the tourism sector. We reaffirmed our commitment to ASEAN Centrality and recognised the need for continued regional coordination, vigilance and policy preparedness amidst an increasingly complex and uncertain global environment. 

2. We recognised tourism as a vital driver of ASEAN’s economic growth, employment, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), investment and people-to-people connectivity. We noted that, while tourism in the region continues to recover and expand, the sector remains highly exposed to external shocks, including geopolitical tensions, energy market volatility, economic uncertainty, climate-related risks, natural hazards and increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events, and rapid technological change. In this context, we stressed that the Retreat has an important role in strengthening collective leadership, promoting timely policy coordination and ensuring that ASEAN tourism remains resilient, competitive, sustainable and inclusive. We further underscored the need to strengthen climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction across the tourism sector, including through enhanced business continuity planning, preparedness and coordinated crisis communication, as well as measures to support the timely recovery of affected destinations and tourism-dependent communities following disasters and other major disruptions. 

3. We expressed concern over the continued tensions in the Middle East and the resulting volatility in global energy markets, noting their direct impact on aviation fuel and transportation costs, travel demand, connectivity, tourism businesses, investor confidence and destination competitiveness. We recognised the need to closely monitor these developments and their implications for ASEAN tourism, and to strengthen coordination with relevant ASEAN Economic Community sectoral bodies, particularly those responsible for energy and transport, to support the resilience and continued growth of the sector. We placed particular emphasis on strengthening interdependence among ASEAN Member States through closer intra-regional travel linkages, and agreed on the value of directing greater marketing investment toward emerging second- and third-tier destinations across the region, as a means of cushioning the sector against any decline in long-haul arrivals driven by higher fuel prices. 

4. We recognised that the Retreat provides an important opportunity for Ministers to provide strategic direction on key priorities for ASEAN tourism cooperation and to translate the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan (ATSP) 2026–2030 into concrete and actionable outcomes. In this regard, we discussed the review and updating of the ASEAN Tourism Agreement to ensure its continued relevance to the evolving regional and global tourism landscape, including developments in digitalisation, sustainability, connectivity and changing traveller expectations. We tasked the ASEAN National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) to advance the review and report progress to the ASEAN Tourism Ministers. 

5. We discussed the development of the ASEAN Sustainable and Resilient Tourism Investment Outlook and underscored the importance of mobilising quality and sustainable investment to strengthen tourism infrastructure, enhance destination resilience and improve competitiveness across ASEAN. We welcomed engagement with the private sector, financial institutions and development partners to help develop investment-ready projects and expand opportunities for tourism destinations and enterprises, including MSMEs. We expressed our appreciation to the Asian Development Bank for its support in developing the Outlook. 

6. We acknowledge with appreciation the Philippines’ initiative on ASEAN Tourism Intelligence and exchanged views on the value of stronger regional tourism data, analytics and demand forecasting to support evidence-based policymaking and more timely responses to shocks and changing market conditions. We agreed that improved tourism intelligence could strengthen ASEAN’s collective capacity to anticipate emerging trends, support destination management and enhance the region’s competitiveness. We tasked the ASEAN NTOs, supported by the ASEAN Secretariat, to further study the initiative and recommend the way forward. 

7. We recognised that a skilled and adaptable tourism workforce is essential to the resilience and long-term competitiveness of the sector. In line with the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan (ATSP) 2026–2030, we encouraged stronger cooperation on tourism education, skills development, upskilling and reskilling, including digital and sustainability-related capabilities, to help workers and enterprises adapt to changing visitor needs and future disruptions. We also emphasised the importance of inclusive opportunities for women, youth and local communities across the tourism value chain. 

8. We emphasised that the effectiveness of ASEAN tourism cooperation depends on stronger coordination within the tourism sector and across relevant ASEAN sectoral bodies. We therefore encouraged closer cooperation with sectors responsible for transport, energy, trade, investment and the digital economy, as well as appropriate cross-pillar coordination, to address issues that directly affect tourism competitivenessand resilience. We also recognised the importance of ensuring that regional initiatives respond to the different levels of tourism development among ASEAN Member States and deliver tangible benefits to local communities and MSMEs. 

9. We reaffirmed our commitment to the effective implementation of the ATSP 2026–2030 and to advancing sustainable, resilient, inclusive and digitally enabled tourism. We agreed to deepen cooperation with ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners, international organisations, financial institutions and relevant stakeholders where such cooperation can support ASEAN priorities, build capacity, mobilise investment and strengthen the region’s preparedness for future disruptions. 

10. We recognised the value of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Retreat as a strategic forum for Ministers to take stock of emerging developments, exchange views on policy directions, and reinforce ASEAN’s collective response to issues affecting the tourism sector. Through this Retreat and our continued cooperation, we reaffirmed our shared commitment to strengthening ASEAN as a resilient, competitive, sustainable and high-quality tourism region that contributes to regional economic integration and the well-being of the peoples of ASEAN. 

DTI launches Negosyo Center Online Portal 2.0 to put business support at entrepreneurs’ fingertips

Giving Filipino entrepreneurs a digital gateway to essential business services anytime, anywhere, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officially launched the Negosyo Center Online Portal 2.0 last September 28 at the DTI NCR Office, Makati City.

Developed by the DTI’s Negosyo Center Program Management Office, the enhanced platform centralizes core business services, including registration assistance, advisory support, updated educational modules and one-on-one virtual pro bono coaching from certified mentors.

By digitalizing the operations of Negosyo Centers, the portal incorporates client profiling, content management and data analytics tools to track entrepreneurial trends, assess user needs and extend vital government resources to remote and underserved communities across the country.

“Small businesses are the beating heart of our economy. When we empower a local enterprise, we do not just build a business—we uplift families, transform communities and drive national growth,” said DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque.

“Through this portal, we are bringing DTI’s services directly to your fingertips, ensuring every local business receives fast, clear and actionable guidance to compete and succeed.”

Secretary Roque highlighted that the portal serves as a critical bridge connecting local producers with expanding international markets, driven by 19 consecutive months of expansion that brought Philippine merchandise exports to a historic seven-month total of $54.92 billion from January to July 2026.

To maintain this growth, DTI is linking MSMEs directly to broad trade networks, including 23 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in force or under active negotiation, substantial progress on the EU–PH FTA, and the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).

To complement market access, DTI is providing direct on-the-ground support tools, including 100% venue-covered trade fairs where all sales go straight back into growing the enterprise—an initiative that generated over ₱1.09 billion for more than 3,500 local businesses in 2025.

In addition, through Small Business Corporation (SBCorp), the DTI is offering targeted collateral-free financing facilities, such as the ₱2-billion Women’s Enterprise Fund, ₱2-billion OFW Negosyo Fund, ₱3-billion Exporter Fund, ₱2-billion MSME Business Fund, ₱2-billion E-Transport Loan Program, and the Youth Enterprise Fund offering up to ₱500,000 processed entirely via mobile app.

“All big businesses started small,” Secretary Roque urged entrepreneurs. “Please use this portal. Ask questions, seek guidance and tell us what support you need so we can tailor our services to help you build stronger businesses and a better future for every Filipino family.”

Business owners and interested parties can access the services directly through the official website at negosyocenter.dti.gov.ph

DTI to launch next-gen Negosyo Center Online Portal 2.0 for MSME Support

Accessing government support for business operations will soon become significantly easier and more streamlined as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launches the upgraded Negosyo Center Online Portal 2.0 (NCOP 2.0) on September 28.

The enhanced platform centralizes essential business development services and resources, allowing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to access comprehensive assistance remotely without visiting a physical office.

The launch will take place at the Model Negosyo Center of the DTI National Capital Region Office in Makati City, which will be livestreamed on DTI’s official Facebook page.

DTI officials, regional and provincial directors, Negosyo Center program leads, entrepreneurs, business coaches and key industry stakeholders are expected to attend.

Developed by the Negosyo Center Program Management Office (NC-PMO), NCOP 2.0 consolidates several core services: business registration assistance, advisory support, educational modules and one-on-one virtual pro bono coaching from certified mentors.

The platform also incorporates client profiling, content management and data analytics tools. These features allow DTI to track entrepreneurial trends, assess user needs and continuously refine support programs. By digitalizing the operations of brick-and-mortar Negosyo Centers, the portal saves entrepreneurs time and extends vital resources to remote and underserved areas nationwide.

Through dedicated software development, updated educational content and a network of qualified business advisors, NCOP 2.0 ensures local businesses receive consistent, reliable support.

This initiative reinforces the agency’s commitment to digitalizing public service delivery and responding to the evolving needs of Filipino entrepreneurs.

Business owners and interested parties can access the services directly through the official website at negosyocenter.dti.gov.ph. 

THE FIFTEENTH AEM-RUSSIA CONSULTATION

JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT

1. The Fifteenth ASEAN Economic Ministers-Russia (AEM-Russia) Consultation was held on 22 September 2026 in Manila, Philippines. The Consultation was co-chaired by H.E. Ma. Cristina A. Roque, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines and H.E. Vladimir Ilyichev, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

2. The Meeting noted that based on ASEAN’s preliminary statistics, two-way merchandise trade between ASEAN and Russia stood at USD 17.8 billion in 2025.

3. The Meeting exchanged views on regional and global economic developments, noting that rising geopolitical tensions, including unilateral trade actions and regional conflicts collectively threaten the rules-based international order. The Meeting also took note that these developments, compounded by the Middle East crisis which has heightened the volatility in global energy markets – including disruptions to oil and gas supply chains – have inflicted significant costs on businesses, heightened inflationary pressures, and created an increasingly unpredictable operating environment, particularly for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). In this challenging climate, the Meeting stressed that closer and more substantive economic partnership between ASEAN and Russia is essential and reaffirmed the commitment to strengthen trade and investment ties and deepen supply chain integration. In this regard, the Meeting further reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and the shared resolve to constructively engage all trading partners to address legitimate trade concerns in a balanced and forward-looking manner, and to refrain from any unilateral measures that could further destabilise global economic conditions.

4. The Meeting endorsed the ASEAN-Russia Strategic Programme on Trade and Investment Cooperation 2026-2035 (“ASEAN-Russia SPTI”). The Meeting underscored the importance of this document as a key strategic framework to enhance economic cooperation between ASEAN and Russia, covering eleven (11) areas of cooperation on economy, trade and investments; digital transformation; science, technology and innovation; transport; agriculture; energy; mining; climate change; circular economy; tourism; and creative economy. The Meeting looked forward to the implementation of the ASEAN-Russia SPTI to further strengthen ASEAN-Russia cooperation in trade and investment. The Meeting noted the ongoing progress in bilateral cooperation in the frames of ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership Financial Fund particularly in the areas of digital skills, smart and sustainable cities, and animation.

5. The Meeting welcomed the progress in implementation of the Programme of Cooperation (PoC) under the Memorandum of Understanding between ASEAN and the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) on Economic Cooperation in 2026-2030. The Meeting commended the successful holding of ASEAN-EEC joint seminar on Customs Regulation and Best Practices for Developing the Single Window Mechanism in the EAEU and ASEAN, which was held on 28 January 2026 via videoconference. The seminar provided an avenue to exchange experiences in the field of customs regulation and possible development of the single window mechanism in the EAEU and ASEAN. The Meeting noted preparation of the other joint seminars on energy, e-commerce, agriculture, and technical regulation planned for the end of 2026. The Meeting also noted the progress in preparation of the second stage of the Seminar on Digital Transformation in the EAEU and ASEAN and the EAEU-ASEAN Days at the EEC headquarters to be jointly held in first quarter of 2027 in Moscow.

6. The Meeting acknowledged the outcomes of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaoundé, Cameroon from 26 - 29 March 2026 and reaffirmed its strong commitment to upholding an open, predictable, transparent, free, fair, inclusive, sustainable, and rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. The Meeting underscored the urgency of delivering meaningful WTO reform to improve all its functions, including the dispute settlement system, to address the challenges facing today’s global economy. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to work in close coordination to advance a reformed, revitalised and effective WTO that delivers tangible outcomes for all WTO Members, including developing and least developed countries. The Meeting also recognised the positive role that plurilateral initiatives play at the WTO, including the Joint Statement Initiatives (JSIs), to fostering new ideas and building the momentum toward multilateral outcomes.

7. The Meeting welcomed the organisation of the ASEAN-Russia Business Forum, held on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit on 17 June 2026 in Kazan, Russia. The Meeting noted that the Forum, which attracted the high-level participation, provided an opportunity to exchanging views on prospects for further strengthening ASEAN-Russia economic ties.

8. The Meeting noted the continued efforts of the Russia-ASEAN Business Council in strengthening economic cooperation through business forums, platforms, including ASEAN-EAEU Business Dialogue at the Saint-Petersburg International Economic Forum and ASEAN-Russia Business Dialogue at the Eastern Economic Forum. The Meeting also welcomed initiatives in key areas such as energy solutions, digital transformation and AI, infrastructure development, education and talent development, as well as environmental and waste management cooperation. The Meeting noted the continued active cooperation between the Russia–ASEAN Business Council and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, including efforts to engage representatives of the Russian business community in the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit.

9. The Meeting welcomed Timor-Leste’s accession as the 11th Member State of ASEAN and looked forward to its closer engagement in ASEAN-Russia meetings and economic cooperation mechanisms. The Meeting acknowledged Timor-Leste’s continued efforts to advance its effective participation and full integration into ASEAN, including through the implementation of its ASEAN economic commitments in the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s Full Membership in ASEAN. In this regard, the Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to continue providing the necessary capacity-building and technical assistance to support Timor-Leste’s effective integration into the regional economy.

Faith, Science, Justice and Sustainable Action for the HIV Response

                        

Pasig City–Faith leaders, people living with HIV, civil society organizations, community advocates, youth leaders, health-sector representatives, and development partners came together for the Faith Forward: Reclaiming HIV in the Health Agenda Multistakeholder Dialogue, held from September 24–26, 2026, at the Astoria Hotel in the Philippines.

Organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC) in partnership with the Network Positive Advocates, Inc. (N+), the three-day dialogue centered on the overarching theme “Faith, Science, Justice and Sustainable Action for the HIV Response.”

The gathering provided a critical platform for stakeholders to confront persistent gaps in the HIV response and strengthen collective action toward a future where people living with and affected by HIV can access comprehensive, rights-based, and stigma-free health services.

#PLHIV #wcc #elenafelix

#networkpositiveadvocatesinc

#thephilippineseventnewstv

#thephilippinepostnewstoday                                      

World PET Expo 2026 Returns for a Bigger Second Edition, Uniting Pet Owners, Businesses, and Industry Leaders

Manila, Philippines - Worldbex Services International (WSI) officially opens the second edition of the World PET Expo, a premier event celebrating the growing pet industry in the Philippines. Running from September 24 to 27, 2026, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, the expo brings together pet owners, businesses, and industry professionals for a weekend dedicated to pets and their well-being.

Pet ownership continues to grow across the Philippines. According to the International Trade Administration, a Kantar Philippines survey found that 94% of Filipino households are pet owners, giving the Philippines the highest level of pet ownership in Southeast Asia. While dogs remain the most common household pets, cats have also become increasingly popular.

For many Filipinos, pets are considered part of the family, with owners placing greater emphasis on their pets’ health, happiness, and overall well-being. This growing commitment has also driven demand for a wider range of pet products and services, from premium toys and accessories to diapers, strollers, and carriers designed for pets on the go.

The World Pet Expo responds to this growing interest by providing a dedicated platform where pet owners can discover products, services, and information to help them care for their pets. The event also highlights the businesses and innovations contributing to the continued growth of the pet industry.

The Opening Ceremony was held on September 24, 2026, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and was hosted by radio DJ and events host Tina Ryan. Her enthusiasm and energy was felt throughout the ceremony and helped bring the mood of everyone watching on high lievels. The ceremony was attended by industry leaders, distinguished guests, and VIPs who gathered to celebrate the official opening of the expo.

Highlighting World Pet Expo’s growing role as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and industry development, WSI Managing Director Ms. Jill Athnie Ang shared, “World Pet Expo is becoming the premier platform where the pet industry comes together …  Together, we are building an industry, strengthening a community, and creating a better future for our pets.” 

Other distinguished guests also delivered messages during the ceremony, including Mr. Ernie Lopez, the Advocacy Ambassador for the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.; Ms. Pamela Pascual, the Chairman and CEO of the World Trade Center Metro Manila; Hon. Dr. Christian P. Daquigan, DVM, Officer-in-Charge and Director for the Bureau of Animal Industry for the Department of Agriculture (represented by Dr. Glenn Reyes); Hon. Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano , Mayor for the City of Pasay  (represented by Former Councilor Joey Calixto Isidro , Special Assistant to the Mayor ); Hon. Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, Supervising Head for the Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG) in the Department of Trade and Industry (represented by Mr. Emerson Labang, Officer-in-Charge for the Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion); and Hon. Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. of the Department of Agriculture (represented by Asec. Michael De Joya Garcia).

With four days of activities, exhibits, and opportunities for pet owners and industry stakeholders, the World Pet Expo 2026 aims to bring the pet community together while showcasing the products, services, and innovations shaping the future of pet care in the Philippines.

Spend your “fur-fect” week with your fur friends in this exciting event, here at the World Pet Expo 2026, happening here at the World Trade Center Metro Manila! This event is open until September 27, 2026, so come and get your tickets now at https://worldpetexpo.ph/. Follow the official pages on social media to stay up-to-date with the latest updates and news:

The World PET Expo 2026 is organized by Worldbex Services International and is for the benefit of the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. 

#todayph26

PDRF empowers Dumagat-Remontado communities to lead risk and resource mapping in their ancestral domain

ANTIPOLO CITY—Recognizing the Indigenous knowledge and practices of the Dumagat-Remontado of Antipolo City, the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), through its Building Resilience through Inclusive Development and Gender Equality (BRIDGE) Project and supported by the Antipolo City Government, conducted a community risks and resources mapping led by the chieftains and elders of the Kaksaan Ne Dumaget de Antipolo on September 14-18, 2026.

Rapu Modesto Sta. Ana and seven Chieftains of Kaksaan Ne Dumaget de Antipolo indigenous group participated and led the discussions during the five-day participatory risks and resources mapping workshops and field survey across the nine communities within their Ancestral Domain in Antipolo City. 

"When Indigenous Peoples lead the identification and planning of programs that affect their communities, we unlock genuine ownership, trust, and wisdom that outside experts simply cannot replicate," said BRIDGE Project Director Anna Katrina Aspuria. "These communities have stewarded these ancestral lands for generations. Any resilience strategy that doesn't draw on that knowledge is fundamentally incomplete."

During the workshops conducted from September 14-16, the chieftains, elders, and community members identified and mapped the locations of the household settlements, critical facilities, lifelines, livelihoods, and water sources of the upland communities across their ancestral domain.

With the chieftains and the elders serving as the local guides, the BRIDGE Project Team and the representatives from the Protected Area Management Office surveyed, geo-tagged, and validated the location and status of the risks and resources mapped by the community during the last two days of the activity, including visiting areas that have the potential to become eco-tourism sites managed by the communities of Indigenous People (IP) in Barangay San Jose and Barangay Calawis. 

"The chieftains didn't simply point us to locations," noted the field team. "They explained the reasoning behind each settlement, the seasonal patterns, the vulnerabilities. That contextual knowledge is irreplaceable in building resilient communities."

The data and insights gathered through these activities will serve as input to the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP) of the Dumagat-Remontado of Antipolo, the critical document that outlines how an indigenous group manages, develops, and protects the ancestral lands and natural resources included in their Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT). 

BRIDGE Project is providing technical assistance in the development of their ADSDPP as part of the Foundation’s commitment to assist in the enhancement of resilience of Antipolo City through the increase in adoption of gender-responsive, climate and disaster resilient Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) practices by women and indigenous people.

Within the context of the BRIDGE Project, resilience is defined as “the ability of the communities and local institutions to foster self-reliance in building a sustainable future.” 

Funded by Global Affairs Canada, BRIDGE is a four-year project implemented by PDRF in partnership with the local governments and indigenous communities of Antipolo City and Baguio City.