DSWD to host 2 high-level ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community meetings on Nov 4-6

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as the 2026 chair of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) pillar, will host the 41st Senior Officials Meeting for ASCC (SOCA) and the 36th ASCC Council Meeting from November 4 to 6, at the Conrad Manila in Pasay City.

“The two high-level council meetings will provide a platform for ASCC Ministers and Senior Officials to address critical humanitarian and development issues in the ASEAN region. The sessions are expected to yield key outcome documents dedicated to improving the lives of ASEAN citizens in line with the ASCC’s four priorities reflected in the word ‘RISE’ which stands for: Resilient and empowered families; Inclusive development; Smart youth and innovation; and, Environmentally sustainable and food secure future,” Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD spokesperson, said on November 3 (Tuesday).

The meetings will serve as platforms for ASEAN Member States to review the progress of the ASCC Blueprint 2025 implementation, discuss the ongoing development of the ASCC Post-2025 Strategic Plan, advance the realization of the ASEAN Community’s socio-cultural goals, formulate relevant policy agenda, declarations, and statements, strengthen collaboration among Member States, and address key issues and concerns under the ASCC’s purview.

On November 4, the 41st SOCA meeting will review the final monitoring report and the End-Term Review of the ASCC Blueprint 2025, along with updates on the ASCC Strategic Plan.

Additionally, SOCA leaders will discuss outcome documents slated for adoption and notation by ASEAN Leaders during the 49th ASEAN Summit on November 15 to 17.

Aside from the substantive discussions that will be facilitated in the meetings, the 36th ASCC Council meeting on November 6 will launch the ASCC Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning System.

“The new system enhances the ASCC Database for Monitoring and Evaluation (ADME) System which serves as a core digital platform that tracks the progress, baseline studies, data, and other important information used in policymaking under the ASCC,” the Asst. Secretary Dumlao explained.

In accordance with ASEAN’s established alphabetical rotation of chairship, the Philippine government, through the DSWD, will transfer the ASCC chairship to the government of Singapore, signifying the transition of leadership and the continuation of the ASCC’s regional cooperation agenda.

The DSWD’s leadership in the ASCC is part of the Philippines' ASEAN chairship for 2026 with the overall theme “Navigating our Future, Together.” (AKDL)