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.

Teodoro Leads Opening of ADMM-Plus Maritime Security Joint Cooperative Activity, Future Leaders' Program

OLONGAPO CITY, Zambales, September 21, 2026 – Underscoring the importance of trust, cooperation, and networking among regional partners, Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. led the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts' Working Group on Maritime Security's (EWG-MS) Joint Cooperative Activity (JCA) and Future Leaders' Program (FLP) on September 21.

Co-hosted by the Philippines and Japan as co-chairs of the ADMM-Plus EWG-MS, the JCA and FLP will feature a series of harbor and sea phase activities involving personnel, naval assets, ships, and aircraft from eight ADMM-Plus countries from September 20 to 26, 2026. Observers from fellow ASEAN member states and ASEAN dialogue partners were also invited.

"We hope that this exercise will be foundational in two things: number one, learning the procedures or getting familiar with the procedures and working together and cooperation; and secondly, develop, at an early stage, networking, trust, and cooperation amongst all the participants and your respective defense establishments and navies," Secretary Teodoro said.

In his speech, the Defense Chief recalled the outcomes of the ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Disaster Resilience last week, focusing on shared commitments on quicker anticipatory, science-based actions on natural calamities and disasters and the importance of secure and fast transmission of trusted information.

"Our collaboration and cooperation not merely in response but in early prepositioning, working together, and in detection becomes more critical," Secretary Teodoro said, adding that an important avenue for effective and efficient response are free open sea lanes of communication.

Complementing the JCA, the FLP will provide junior naval officers with an opportunity to engage their counterparts on climate change, maritime security, and key topics, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and Critical Underwater Infrastructure security. 

With the theme, "Enhancing Maritime Security and Environmental Resilience in Response to Climate Change," these activities are vital in enhancing security and resilience of individual countries, the ASEAN, and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

"We are committed to sustaining the significant progress we have made in our areas of practical cooperation, strengthening our solidarity, and to defending our principles, shared principles. I look forward to receiving feedback about key observations, lessons learned, and best practices from these important engagements which will guide us in navigating our future together," Secretary Teodoro concluded.

Also present were Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Q. Ezpeleta PN; RADM Edwin M. Nera PN, Chief of Staff, Philippine Navy and Co-Chair; and RADM Terada Hiroyuki JMSDF (Ret.), Co-Chair, along with members of the diplomatic corps and participating delegates.

SiGMA Foundation donates 3,500 wheelchairs to the Philippines

The SiGMA Foundation has formally donated 3,500 wheelchairs to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), supporting communities across the Philippines affected by the southwest monsoon and strengthening a longstanding partnership between the two organisations.

The ceremonial turnover took place on Wednesday, 16 September, at PAGCOR’s Corporate Office at the MET Live Building in Pasay City, Metro Manila. SiGMA Asia Managing Director Neil Shih represented the SiGMA Foundation, while PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro H. Tengco represented the government corporation.

In its effort to help individuals in need across the province and cities, PAGCOR will distribute wheelchairs as part of its relief goods programme. The idea is to assist people with mobility problems in functioning more independently and participating in everyday activities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Shih highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to ensuring SiGMA’s presence in the Philippines extends beyond its role as an events organiser.

“For SiGMA, our presence in the Philippines has always been about more than organising an event. Since we established SiGMA Asia in Manila, we have received tremendous support from PAGCOR, the Philippine government, our industry partners and local communities.”

He added that the organisation’s growing presence in the country comes with a corresponding

responsibility to contribute to the communities that support it.

“As our platform continues to grow in the Philippines, we also believe our responsibility

to contribute to the community should grow with it.”Supporting mobility and independence

The contribution demonstrates the SiGMA Foundation's commitment to programmes that deliver real social impact. According to Shih, the importance of the wheelchair for the people who receive it is much bigger than the mere object itself.

“A wheelchair may appear to be a simple piece of equipment, but for the person

receiving it, it can mean much more. It can mean mobility, independence, dignity and the ability to participate more fully in everyday life.

The Foundation worked with PAGCOR to ensure wheelchairs could reach communities and individuals in need through PAGCOR’s established relief efforts.

For PAGCOR, the donation also represents an extension of its relationship with SiGMA, which has developed through three successful gaming summits held in Manila. Tengco recalled the early stages of the partnership, including his first meeting with Neil Shih when the organisation was seeking PAGCOR’s support to establish a gaming conference in the Philippines.

At the time, Shih told Tengco that he expected the inaugural event to attract at least 10,000

delegates. Tengco recalled questioning the scale of that projection, having recently attended a gaming conference in Macau with considerably fewer attendees. The first SiGMA Summit in Manila subsequently attracted close to 15,000 delegates.

A partnership beyond business

Reflecting on how the relationship has evolved since those early discussions, Tengco described the partnership between PAGCOR and the SiGMA Group as warm and established, with the two

organisations now looking beyond events and industry development to community outreach.

He said the wheelchair initiative demonstrated what could be achieved through cooperation between the private sector and government.

Tengco thanked Shih and the SiGMA Group for their support, while signalling PAGCOR’s willingness to continue working together on future initiatives.

“The wheelchairs are ready to be distributed to the different parts, cities, municipalities and provinces of the Philippines. So, on behalf of PAGCOR, I would like to thank you

[SiGMA Foundation] for the support that you are providing to PAGCOR ”

The PAGCOR Chairman also suggested thatcommunity- focused initiatives could become a regular part of the organisation’s relationship, with opportunities to identify further ways to support communities across the country.

Shih likewise emphasised the importance of the partnership, thanking Tengco, Senior Vice

President Dan Cecilio and the wider PAGCOR team for their continued trust and cooperation.

“The relationship between SiGMA and PAGCOR has developed far beyond the traditional partnership. We share a common interest in supporting the responsible development of the industry while also creating a positive impact beyond the business community.”

Continuing the commitment

The event also brought together media, partners and stakeholders for interviews, photography

For SiGMA Foundation, the donation forms part of its ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities in the markets where the SiGMA Group operates. In the Philippines, that commitment is being delivered in partnership with an organisation with an established national reach and infrastructure to distribute assistance to communities in need.

Shih said the initiative demonstrated the potential of collaboration between government and business when both sides share a focus on community support.

“Today, the ceremony is a meaningful example of what can be achieved when the private sector and government work together with a shared purpose. We hope these 3,500

wheelchairs will make a difference to thousands of Filipinos and their families.”

The donation also reinforces SiGMA’s continued commitment to the Philippines, where its events have brought together the international gaming industry and local operators, regulators,

government representatives, and other stakeholders.

As the Foundation continues to develop its social impact work, the wheelchair donation provides a tangible example of how established industry partnerships can extend beyond commercial activity to support communities and individuals across the country.

#todayph26

Revised outage limits raise concerns on power system reliability in Visayas and Mindanao

QUEZON CITY, 10 September 2026 — Filipino consumers are facing mounting pressure for a more dependable power system as recurring grid alerts expose vulnerabilities in the country’s electricity supply. The Visayas alone recorded 123 yellow and red alerts since January, underscoring the need for policy and system-level measures to strengthen the power system and ensure consumers have access to affordable and secure electricity. 

Following the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC)’s recent revision of reliability standards and allowable equivalent unplanned outage days for generating units, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) is raising concerns that higher outage allowances could weaken incentives for generation companies to improve plant reliability. 

Over the past year, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has issued repeated yellow and red alerts across Luzon and Visayas grids, signaling that available power reserves had fallen to critical levels. These alerts have coincided with a pattern of unplanned outages among large power plants, particularly coal-fired units, which have gone offline unexpectedly and placed additional strain on an already tight power system.

Under the new ERC Resolution, allowable unplanned outage days have increased for nearly all generation technologies covered by the previous standards. In several cases, the revised allowance is nearly double the limit previously set under Resolution No. 10, Series of 2020.

	Old Allowable Unplanned Outage Days (Resolution No. 10, Series of 2020)	Updated Allowable Unplanned Outage Days (Resolution No. 23, Series of 2026)
Biomass	7.0	32.06
Circulating Fluidized Bed	16.9	27.32
Pulverized	16.8	32.15
Gas Turbine	22.7	26.92
Combined Cycle	7.7	14.35
Diesel	14	21.09
Geothermal	13.7	22.98
Oil-fired thermal	27.8	37.03
Hydro Conventional	6.8	12.72
Pumped-Storage Hydro	-	18.98
Run-of River Hydro	-	12.03

Under the new framework, nearly all generation technologies are allowed more unplanned outage days, although the extent of the increase varies across technologies. For several technologies, among them pulverized coal, combined cycle, and conventional hydro, the allowable outage days effectively doubled. 

According to the ERC, the revised thresholds were based on actual operating and outage data between 2015 and 2024. ICSC acknowledges the value of this data, noting that a decade of operating history provide a clear picture of where the country's generation fleet has struggled to perform reliably. 

However, ICSC stressed that this same historical record should be used to identify reliability gaps, not to establish past underperformance as the accepted benchmark for future reliability.

"A reliability standard should be built around what the grid, and the consumers who depend on it, need going forward, not around what plants have already delivered," Mr. Alberto Dalusung III, ICSC’s Energy Transition Advisor said. "And when a single power plant fails, the impact is rarely confined to that plant alone."

The consequences extend beyond individual plant performance. The Philippines remains heavily reliant on a limited number of large, centralized power plants, a structure that leaves the broader grid vulnerable whenever one of these plants fails unexpectedly. When a major generating unit unexpectedly goes offline, available reserves are quickly depleted, particularly during periods of high demand or limited supply. The grid may then need to dispatch more expensive backup generation, and prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) can rise as a result. These costs are ultimately borne by consumers, who have no direct role in how power plants are operated or maintained.

“When a major power plant gets offline, it can put the entire grid under pressure,” Mr. Dalusung added. “This makes it important for reliability standards to drive better plant performance and ensure that the system is better protected from unexpected outages, rather than simply accepting historical performance as the benchmark. The allowable outage limits should therefore be regularly reviewed and tightened as plant performance improves.”

ICSC has proposed that the ERC treat the revised thresholds under Resolution No. 23 as a transitional standard rather than a permanent benchmark, outlining the following recommendations.

1. Progressive tightening of standards - The ERC should periodically review and reduce allowable outage days as generation performance improves, rather than treating the revised thresholds as a fixed benchmark.

2. Use of outage data for diagnosis, not dilution - Recurring outages should prompt corrective investment and increased regulatory oversight, rather than serve as justification for higher allowances in future revisions.

3. Stronger public disclosure and accountability - Outage performance should be made publicly accessible, with meaningful consequences applied to plants that repeatedly exceed their allowable limits.

4. System-wide evaluation of outage impact - Reliability assessments should account for how outages affect grid reserves, market prices, and consumer costs, rather than treating each incident in isolation.

5. Parallel investment in grid diversification - Expanding rooftop solar, battery storage, and other distributed energy resources would reduce the broader grid's exposure to the failure of any single power plant.

ABOUT

The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities is a Philippine-based non-governmental organization that advances climate, energy, and low-carbon solutions to enable fair and climate-resilient development at the national and international levels.

#todayph26

STRENGTHENING ASEAN AIR TIES: PAF HOSTS 23RD AACC

The Philippines reaffirmed its role in advancing regional air cooperation as it hosted the 23rd ASEAN Air Chiefs’ Conference (AACC) under the theme, " Forging Interoperable and Integrated ASEAN Air Forces: Unified Action for Regional Stability” on September 9, 2026. The conference was conducted via Video Teleconference (VTC), with the Philippine Air Force (PAF) hosting the Philippine component at the PAF Museum, Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City. Chaired by Lieutenant General Arthur M Cordura PAF, Commanding General, Philippine Air Force, the conference featured an exchange of views among ASEAN Air Chiefs on matters of mutual interest and regional security, with Defense Attachés and Embassy representatives from ASEAN member states present at the venue.

The conference provided a platform for the Air Chiefs to share views and discuss areas of cooperation aimed at strengthening professional engagement, interoperability, and regional security. As part of the proceedings, the AACC Chairship was handed over from the Philippines to Malaysia for the AACC 2027. In the Philippines, Lieutenant General Cordura handed the Chairship to Colonel Jafri Ahmad Zulaydi, Malaysian Defense Attaché to the Philippines, representing the incoming AACC Chairman, General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Haji Muhamad Norazlan bin Aris, Chief of Air Force, Royal Malaysian Air Force. Meanwhile, Colonel Michael F Lugtu (MI) PA (GSC), Philippine Defense Attaché to Malaysia, represented the Philippines in the corresponding handover to the Malaysian Air Chief through the VTC.

The hosting of the 23rd AACC underscores the PAF’s role in strengthening air force-to-air force engagement within ASEAN. Through continued dialogue and exchange of views, the conference supports closer cooperation and a shared commitment to regional security and stability.

PH to Convene ASEAN Regional Dialogue on Circular Economy, Pushing Region's Shift Away from Single-Use Waste

MANILA, Philippines — As ASEAN economies grow, so does the waste they leave behind, with plastics, packaging, and electronics piling up faster than the region can recover them. The Philippines is convening the region's policymakers, industry, and civil society to change that trajectory, hosting the ASEAN Regional Dialogue on Circular Economy (ARDCE) on 22 to 23 September 2026 at the New World Hotel Makati.

The two-day Dialogue, convened under the Philippine ASEAN Chairship 2026, will look at how member states can move from a linear "take-make-dispose" model toward one built on reuse, recycling, and resource efficiency, guided by the ASEAN Framework for Circular Economy, the ASEAN Sustainable Consumption and Production Framework, and the ASEAN Regional Action Plan on Marine Debris.

Discussions will span national circular economy policies, the role of local governments, Extended Producer Responsibility and other policy instruments, and financing and market mechanisms that can help businesses and communities make the shift. A dedicated session will focus on ensuring MSMEs and informal waste workers are not left behind as the region formalizes and scales up circular systems.

"Long-term solutions must also address the problem at its source and strengthen measures that can discourage repeated abuse of natural resources," Environment Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna said in an earlier DENR statement on strengthening the country's waste management framework under the EPR Act.

For ordinary Filipinos and communities across ASEAN, the Dialogue points to something concrete: cleaner neighborhoods, new livelihoods built around recycling and resource recovery, and stronger safety nets for the informal waste workers who already do much of this work today. Because waste and pollution do not stop at borders, the region's response has to be shared, and the Dialogue is designed to turn that shared urgency into partnerships and investments member states can act on.

The Dialogue will produce an ASEAN Chair's Summary on Circular Economy Policy and Implementation, capturing key policy messages and priority recommendations. The Summary will feed into discussions at the ASEAN Circular Economy Forum in October 2026, carrying the region's work forward as the Philippines' Chairship year builds toward the 49th ASEAN Summit in Manila this November.

The European Union provides €150 000 (PHP 10.9 million) in response to monsoon floods in the Philippines

 

The European Union (EU) is providing €150 000 (about PHP 10.9 million) in humanitarian funding to support people affected by severe flooding across Luzon in the Philippines. The funding will benefit over 32,000 people in some of the hardest-hit areas, including Ilocos Region, Central Luzon and Metro Manila.

 

This EU funding will support the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) in providing families with essential household items, including sleeping kits, water containers and hygiene items. The response will also provide hot meals and safe drinking water to people in evacuation centres and affected communities. Mobile health teams will offer medical consultations, medicines, health information and mental health support. Hygiene activities and disease monitoring will also be conducted to mitigate the risk of water-borne and vector-borne diseases that often become prevalent after flooding.

 

The funding is part of the EU's overall contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).  It comes in addition to the over €2 million already allocated to humanitarian partners in the Philippines at the start of 2026.

 

Since early August, the southwest monsoon, locally known as ‘Habagat’, has been intensified by several tropical cyclones and other weather systems. Prolonged heavy rain has caused widespread flooding and landslides across Luzon, particularly in low-lying, coastal and mountainous areas, damaging homes, roads, bridges, farmland, water supplies and power lines. Metro Manila has also been affected. By 14 September, more than 10.5 million people had been affected across 11 regions, with more than 120,100 people being displaced in over 500 evacuation centres. More than 4,500 homes have so far been damaged. A total of 188 cities have been declared under a state of calamity.

 

Background

 

The EU and its Member States are the world's leading donor of humanitarian aid. Relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity with people in need all around the world. It aims to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, and safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by natural disasters and man-made crises.

 

Through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department, the EU helps millions of victims of conflict and disasters every year. With headquarters in Brussels and a global network of field offices, the European Union provides assistance to the most vulnerable people on the basis of humanitarian needs.

 

The EU is signatory to a €16 million humanitarian delegation agreement with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to support the Federation's Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF). The Disaster Response Emergency Fund was established in 1979 and is supported by contributions from donors. Each time a National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society needs immediate financial support to respond to a disaster, it can request funds from the DREF, which can then be replenished by the donors.

 

ASEAN Ministers Adopt the Manila Declaration, to Endorse ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the RISE ASEAN Vision

PASAY CITY, Philippines– Secretary of National Defense and Chairperson of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday presided over the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Ministerial Conference on Disaster Resilience (AMCDR) Ministerial Meeting, where ministers from ASEAN Member States adopted the Manila Declaration.

The meeting took place against a backdrop of complex and dynamic risk landscapes, and presented an opportunity to build consensus on exchanging knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned, which are vital to ASEAN efforts to enhance the safety and well-being of its communities and build the resilience and prosperity of the region.

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The Manila Declaration affirms collective commitment to accelerating implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme 2026-2030; strengthening ASEAN accountability, monitoring, and learning for disaster resilience; and shaping ASEAN’s disaster resilience agenda toward 2030 and beyond.

“It likewise reaffirms the role of ASEAN as a global leader and convener in disaster resilience, as well as our commitment to sharing lessons, innovations, and good practices with the international community,” Secretary Teodoro said.

With the concurrence of all member states, it is now slated for notation by state leaders at the 49th ASEAN Summit this November.

Secretary Teodoro also announced that they will seek the endorsement of the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the Resilient, Innovative, Sustainable, and Empowered (RISE) ASEAN Vision, subject to the consensus of all member states.

This statement declares the region’s shared vision of a resilient, innovative, sustainable, and empowered ASEAN, which is defined as “one that can better anticipate, withstand, adapt, recover, and thrive in the face of complex and systemic risks while leaving no one behind.”

“We are hopeful that these critical directions will reduce risks, accelerate resilience, and transform the lives of our people. For our part, the Philippines remains firmly committed to building and enhancing ASEAN solidarity. This is the indispensable pathway to ensuring resilience, security, and prosperity in our region, not only today, but for generations yet to come,” Secretary Teodoro said

ASEAN Set to Honor 11 Businesses That Prove Growth Can Include Everyone

Manila, Philippines—Nearly a decade after the Philippines introduced the idea of "inclusive business" to Southeast Asia, the region is set to recognize what it actually looks like in practice. Eleven companies, one from each ASEAN member state, will be honored on 22 September at the Ninth ASEAN Inclusive Business Forum in Pasay City for building business models that create real income for people usually left out of the formal economy: women, persons with disabilities, small farmers, and rural artisans.

"After nearly nine years of this work, the focus now is on a simple but important question: how do we turn these frameworks and commitments into concrete action?" said Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo in a press briefing at the International Media Center in Pasay City for the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting. 

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The awardees answer that question with numbers, not slogans. In Singapore, coffee chain Foreword Coffee built a business where about seven in ten employees are persons with disabilities or people managing mental health conditions, proof that inclusive hiring can run a profitable, multi-outlet business rather than stay a one-time gesture. In Cambodia, agri-food company Confirel works with 130 palm-sugar farming families and is now planting the first of a million cacao trees meant to give rural households a second, longer-term source of income. In Indonesia, spice enterprise Agradaya sources from more than 500 farmers, over three-quarters of them women, turning small harvests into products now sold in more than five countries. In Timor Leste, natural and herbal products company M2T is transforming traditional knowledge and locally available resources into quality products with strong local identity, added value, and market potential. And in the Philippines, host-country awardee Kawayan Collective has supplied over 95,000 treated bamboo poles for social housing projects, a homegrown, lower-cost alternative to imported steel and cement. The remaining awardees come from Brunei Darussalam, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

"Inclusive business is ultimately about creating meaningful opportunities for low-income communities, smallholder farmers, MSMEs, and other groups to participate in business value chains," Rodolfo said, adding that the goal now is to help move the idea "from policy frameworks to practical action."

This year's forum carries the theme "Building Capacities for Inclusive Business" and marks the anniversary of the framework the Philippines first proposed to ASEAN in 2017. It is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry together with the ASEAN Secretariat, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the OECD, and the ASEAN Foundation, and will include the launch of a new OECD report on the economic contribution of inclusive businesses across the region.

The forum is part of the series of meetings under the Philippines' hosting of the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings, with outcomes feeding into the broader agenda ASEAN Leaders take up at the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits this November.

ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Disaster Resilience Opens in Manila, Strengthening Regional Action for a Resilient ASEAN

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Disaster Resilience (AMCDR) 2026 formally began today, September 15, bringing together Ministers, heads of disaster management agencies, and regional partners to strengthen cooperation and collective action toward a more resilient ASEAN.

Held as a flagship event of the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship, the two-day conference brings together regional disaster management leaders to advance cooperation amid increasingly complex, interconnected, and systemic risks and translate existing regional commitments into concrete action.

In her welcome remarks, delivered on behalf of National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Chair and Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., Special Envoy of the President for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Maria Antonia Loyzaga emphasized the need to recognize emerging areas of exposure and vulnerability while strengthening the links between regional commitments and local realities. 

Loyzaga also highlighted the importance of partnerships in translating regional and global frameworks into action on the ground, particularly through the participation of civil society, the private sector, academia, scientific institutions, and development partners.

“The resilience of our societies is not the work of the government alone. It relies on our constructive collaboration with the private sector, academia and scientific institutions, as well as partners in the development sector,” Loyzaga said.

The conference also marks the 20th anniversary of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER), as ASEAN advances the  implementation of the AADMER Work Programme 2026–2030.

Day 1 discussions focused on translating global and regional disaster risk reduction commitments into implementation. Delegates examined ways to strengthen risk knowledge, early warning systems, and anticipatory action through innovation and partnerships, while advancing the localization of the AADMER Work Programme 2026–2030 through stronger civil defense and public protection systems.

The fifth edition of the ASEAN Risk Monitor and Disaster Management Review (ARMOR) was also launched during the conference, providing an evidence base for strengthening proactive, science-driven, and collaborative approaches to disaster risk management. The latest edition focuses on transboundary challenges that extend beyond geographical, institutional, and technological boundaries.

The AMCDR will continue on September 16 with discussions on recovery readiness and disaster risk financing, whole-of-society preparedness and partnerships, and ASEAN’s post-2030 disaster resilience vision

The conference is expected to adopt the Manila Declaration, which sets out ASEAN’s collective commitment to accelerate the implementation of the AADMER Work Programme 2026-2030 and shape ASEAN’s disaster resilience agenda towards 2030 and beyond.

AEM ASEAN's Record $243.9-B Investment Signals More Jobs Ahead for the Region

Manila, Philippines—Southeast Asian countries pulled in a record USD 243.9 billion in foreign investment last year, as trade and investment ministers from ASEAN's 11 member states wrapped up their annual investment meeting in Manila this week. What makes the number matter isn't just its size, it's that this is the fifth year in a row the region has cleared USD 200 billion. This reflects investor confidence in Southeast Asia to plan around future jobs and projects.

Briefing reporters at the International Media Center in Pasay City, Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo said the record inflows show investors still trust the region even as trade tensions and global uncertainty make businesses more cautious elsewhere. "ASEAN continues to stand out as one of the world's most dynamic and attractive investment destinations," he said. "The message from ASEAN today is clear: ASEAN remains open for business, committed to regional cooperation, and determined to compete successfully in the industries of the future."

That confidence is already turning into jobs Filipinos can point to. Projects the Philippines approved in 2025 alone are projected to create more than 153,000 jobs, and projects approved in just the first six months of 2026 add nearly 54,000 more, over 200,000 jobs already in the pipeline in a year and a half of approvals. Separately, the government's Green Lane program, which fast-tracks the country's biggest strategic investments, has certified 239 projects worth ₱6.32 trillion since it started. Once those are fully built and running, they're expected to employ around 421,000 people.

Where the money goes matters too. Much of it is going into electronics manufacturing and the region's growing digital and tech industries. Governments are also funding clean energy and power grids, which mean fewer brownouts and steadier bills, along with digital infrastructure that brings faster, more affordable internet to more communities.

"The meeting also highlighted the need to move beyond simply increasing investment volumes toward attracting investments that generate innovation, quality jobs, strengthen industrial capabilities, and contribute to sustainable development," said Undersecretary Rodolfo.

This week's meetings are part of the Philippines' hosting of ASEAN's economic ministerial gatherings for 2026. The outcomes will feed into the recommendations ASEAN leaders take up when they meet again in Manila this November for the 49th ASEAN Summit

THE TWENTY-THIRD AEM-ROK CONSULTATION

JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT 

1. The Twenty-Third ASEAN Economic Ministers – Republic of Korea (AEM-ROK) Consultation was held on 20 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. Jung Sung Park, Minister for Trade of the Republic of Korea.

2. The Meeting noted that based on ASEAN’s preliminary statistics, two-way merchandise trade between ASEAN and the ROK stood at USD 226.1 billion in 2025 and foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow from the ROK to ASEAN was recorded at USD 8.9 billion in the same year. These figures placed the ROK as ASEAN’s sixth largest trading partner and seventh largest source of FDI 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 imposed significant cost burdens on businesses, added to 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 a closer and more practical economic partnership between ASEAN and ROK is not only essential but also urgent. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties, while advancing deeper and more resilient supply chain integration. In this regard, the Meeting reaffirmed the importance of dialogue, as well as their shared commitment to constructively engaging with all trading partners to address legitimate trade concerns in a balanced and forward-looking manner and reiterated the need to refrain from any unilateral measures that could further destabilise global economic conditions. 

4. The Meeting welcomed the commencement of the AKFTA Upgrade negotiations in 2026 to ensure that the AKFTA is commercially meaningful and relevant to businesses, trade-facilitative, modern, forward-looking, and responsive to regional and global developments. The Meeting welcomed the inclusion of new areas in the AKFTA, including supply chain connectivity, energy cooperation, raw and intermediate materials, sustainable development, the green economy, and the digital economy. The Meeting underscored that these areas reflect the shared aspirations of ASEAN and the ROK to pursue a more prosperous region by enhancing resilience, strengthening competitiveness, and responding to the challenges of climate change and digital transformation. The Meeting encouraged officials to work closely towards substantial conclusion of the negotiations by 2027.

5. The Meeting noted with appreciation the continued implementation of the Technology Advice and Solutions from Korea (TASK) Programme, which has contributed to strengthening ASEAN’s industrial capacity. The Meeting noted that seven ASEAN Member States have participated in 16 TASK projects.

6. The Meeting noted the implementation of the ASEAN-ROK Think Tank Dialogue on Economic and Trade Policy and the joint research work undertaken by ASEAN and ROK institutions under this platform. The Meeting recognised the important role of the Dialogue in fostering discourse and collaboration on emerging areas in support of well-informed policy development in the region.

7. The Meeting welcomed the continued progress of the ASEAN-ROK Standards Cooperation Network (AKSCN), which promotes cooperation between ASEAN and the ROK in new technologies and standards, and encouraged both sides to continue working on concrete project implementation.

8. The Meeting welcomed the launch of the Trade Academy for ASEAN Officials, scheduled to be held in December 2026, and looked forward to the Academy contributing to the building of sustainable networks among trade officials of ASEAN and the ROK.

9. The Meeting noted the ROK’s proposal on the ASEAN-ROK Partnership for Resilient Industrial Supply Chains and Materials (PRISM), which aims to foster cooperation to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of industrial supply chains in the region by promoting cooperation across areas including minerals, processing and advanced materials, manufacturing, and circularity. The Meeting looked forward to further discussion by Senior Economic Officials on the details of the proposed initiative.

10. The Meeting acknowledged the outcomes of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaoundé, Cameroon from 26 to 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 pursuing meaningful and comprehensive WTO reform to improve all of its functions, including the dispute settlement system, and to ensure that the WTO is equipped with the tools needed to respond to the realities of today’s global economy. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to working closely together to advance a reformed, revitalised and effective WTO that ensures credibility and confidence and delivers practical results for all WTO Members, including developing and least developed Members. The Meeting also recognised the positive role of plurilateral initiatives in the WTO, including Joint Statement Initiatives (JSIs), in fostering new ideas, advancing discussions on emerging trade issues, and building momentum towards multilateral outcomes.

11. The Meeting welcomed Timor-Leste’s accession as the 11th Member State of ASEAN and looked forward to its closer engagement in ASEAN-ROK 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 continuing to provide necessary capacity-building and technical assistance to support Timor-Leste’s effective integration into the regional economy.

THE TENTH AEM-HONG KONG, CHINA CONSULTATION

1. The Tenth ASEAN Economic Ministers-Hong Kong, China (AEM-HKC) Consultation was held on 20 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 Dr. Bernard Chan, Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of HKC.

2. The Meeting noted that according to ASEAN’s preliminary statistics, two-way merchandise trade between ASEAN and HKC amounted to USD 154.5 billion in 2025. Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow from HKC into ASEAN also reached USD 16.5 billion during the same year. Taking these figures into account, HKC was positioned as ASEAN’s seventh largest trading partner and fourth largest source of FDI in the previous year. Concurrently, ASEAN as a bloc was HKC’s second-largest merchandise trading partner in 2025. The FDI stock from ASEAN to HKC stood at USD 57.8 billion at the end of 2024, positioning ASEAN as HKC’s sixth largest source of FDI.

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 noted with concern 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 HKC is essential and reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties and deepening 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 welcomed the signing of the First Protocol to Amend the ASEAN-HKC Investment Agreement (AHKIA) which would further enhance the predictability and certainty of investment regimes for ASEAN and HKC investors and contribute to a more conducive and stable environment for two-way investment flows between both sides. The Meeting urged all Parties to continue working towards the resolution of other issues under the Work Programme of the AHKIA, recognising that the conclusion of all remaining elements of the Work Programme would further solidify the investment framework, bolster investor confidence, and unlock greater investment opportunities between ASEAN and HKC. On the First Protocol to Amend the ASEAN-HKC Free Trade Agreement (AHKFTA), the Meeting underscored the importance of its entry into force as soon as possible, in order to deliver further benefits of the AHKFTA to traders and businesses of both sides. The Meeting strongly urged the remaining Parties to expedite the deposit of their written notifications on the implementation of the First Protocol to Amend the AHKFTA.

5. The Meeting expressed appreciation for HKC’s second instalment of its annual contribution of HKD 6 million for the implementation of the AHKFTA Economic and Technical Co-operation (ECOTECH) Work Programme for 2026 and looked forward to the continued effective and timely implementation of approved projects in 2026. The Meeting noted that a number of the approved projects fall within the expanded scope of the ECOTECH areas of cooperation, in particular in the areas of Sustainable Economic Development and Digital Transformation, and looked forward to these initiatives generating meaningful outcomes and tangible benefits, especially in addressing emerging issues. The Meeting reaffirmed the importance of the AHKFTA ECOTECH Work Programme as a cornerstone of the ASEAN-HKC economic cooperation, recognising that it serves as a vital and practical mechanism for building capacity, narrowing development gaps, and deepening regional economic integration. The Meeting committed to working closely to ensure effective implementation of the ECOTECH Work Programme to maximise its impact and deliver concrete benefits to businesses, investors, and communities across ASEAN and HKC.  

6. The Meeting noted HKC’s strong interest and readiness in acceding to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), as well as the potential benefits and important contributions that HKC’s accession could bring in. Recognising that the accession of new members would enhance regional economic integration and reinforce RCEP as an inclusive and dynamic trade framework, the Meeting encouraged the RCEP Joint Committee to advance the accession progress for the applicants into the RCEP, including HKC, at the earliest possible time.

7. The Meeting noted the ongoing discussion between ASEAN and HKC on the collaboration between the ASEAN Single Window and HKC’s Trade Single Window, including the pilot project to exchange the electronic Certificate of Origin (e-CO Form AHK). The Meeting encouraged continued engagement to advance the project, taking into account AMS’ readiness.

8. 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 and comprehensive WTO reform to improve all its functions, including the dispute settlement system, and to equip the WTO with the tools necessary to address the realities of today’s global economy. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to work in close coordination to advance a reformed, revitalised and effective WTO that commands credibility and confidence, and 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, advancing discussion on emerging trade issues and building the momentum toward multilateral outcomes.

9. The Meeting welcomed Timor-Leste’s accession as the 11th Member State of ASEAN and looked forward to its closer engagement in ASEAN-HKC meetings and economic cooperation mechanisms. The Meeting acknowledged Timor-Leste’s continued efforts to advance its effective participation and full integration to 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 readiness to continue providing the necessary capacity-building and technical assistance to support Timor-Leste’s effective integration into the regional economy.

THE THIRTY-SECOND AEM-METI CONSULTATION

JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT

1. The Thirty-second ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) – Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Consultation was held on 20 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. Ryosei Akazawa, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan.

2. The Meeting noted that according to ASEAN’s preliminary statistics, total two-way merchandise trade between ASEAN and Japan reached USD 245.4 billion in 2025, while foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows from Japan into ASEAN amounted to USD 9.5 billion in the same year. These figures placed Japan as ASEAN’s five-largest trading partner and five-largest source of FDI last year.

3. The Meeting exchanged views on regional and global economic developments, noting that rising geopolitical tensions, trade-related uncertainties, and regional conflicts continue to affect the stability and predictability of the international economic environment, creating a challenging operating environment, particularly for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The Meeting also took note of the increased volatility in global energy markets, including risks to key energy supply routes such as in the Middle East, or any straits used for international navigation and its potential implications for global supply chains. 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. In this challenging climate, the Meeting stressed the importance of strengthening ASEAN-Japan cooperation to enhance supply chain resilience, energy security, regional stability, and global resilience, including through the “Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience (POWERR Asia),” and noted Japan’s continued support. The Meeting also affirmed that the realisation of the “Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) 2.0” will contribute to strengthening the economic and energy resilience of the region. Furthermore, the Meeting welcomed Japan’s cooperation projects that contribute to industrial upgrading with a focus on energy efficiency, which are being implemented in alignment with the “ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC)

5. The Meeting welcomed the progress report of the implementation of the Future Design and Action Plan (FDAP) of Innovative and Sustainable ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation 2023-2033, reaffirming its importance as the overarching strategic blueprint that provides a long-term vision and concrete direction for advancing ASEAN-Japan economic relations in a forward-looking, innovative, and mutually beneficial manner. The Meeting noted the growing number of initiatives undertaken under the FDAP’s four pillars of strengthening cyber-physical connectivity, promoting open innovation beyond borders, developing dynamic human capital, and advancing sustainability. The Meeting called on both sides to maintain strong momentum across all four pillars to ensure that the FDAP remains relevant and fit for purpose, strengthens economic resilience, and delivers its full transformative potential for the region. 

6. The Meeting noted Japan’s proposal to prioritise cooperation in key sectors including semiconductor, and critical minerals, biofuels, and circular economy in order to strengthen regional economic resilience. The Meeting also noted the joint statement issued by the Dialogue for Innovative and Sustainable Growth (DISG) Task Force, which compiled input from the private sector. In particular, the Meeting also noted Japan’s proposal to hold public-private roundtables in collaboration with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), the AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC) and others in several sectors to explore areas where cooperation should be strengthened.

7. The Meeting noted the updates on the implementation of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) Agreement and reaffirmed the importance of the Agreement as a key foundation of ASEAN-Japan economic relations. The Meeting welcomed efforts to enhance the utilisation and effectiveness of the AJCEP, including the completion of the transposition of the AJCEP Product Specifical Rules (PSRs) into Harmonised System (HS) 2022, which has enhanced the clarity, usability, and consistency of the rules of origin

8. The Meeting welcomed the progress made in the discussions on the possible upgrade of the AJCEP Agreement and the commencement of the relevant process, including the undertaking of a Joint Feasibility Study (JFS) by ERIA, aiming to explore possible upgrading elements including strengthening supply chain resilience. The Meeting urged the AJCEP Joint Committee to advance the preparatory work, including the timely completion of the JFS, with a view to facilitating further consideration of the way forward on the possible modernisation of the AJCEP Agreement.

9. The Meeting acknowledged the importance of facilitating the flow of data and strengthening consumer and business trust in digital transactions. The Meeting also noted Japan’s readiness to support and assist ASEAN in the implementation of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).

10. The Meeting noted the importance of Japan’s efforts on organising the Asian Export Control Seminar in February for sharing the latest developments and best practices on Strategic Trade Management (STM). The Meeting further noted the convening of the ASEAN STM workshop in July, one of the priority economic deliverables of ASEAN this year, for sharing the latest developments, best practices and conducting fruitful discussions in STM among policymakers from Japan and ASEAN. In support of the proposed ASEAN Leader’s Declaration on STM for Secure Regional Trade, the workshop focused on how effective STM systems contribute to economic security, resilient supply chains, responsible investment, and shared commitment to continue regional dialogue and capacity building. The Meeting also reaffirmed that implementation of STM plays an important role in promoting deeper and more resilient supply chain integration in the region.

11. The Meeting expressed its appreciation to ERIA for its continued contributions in advancing ASEAN–Japan economic cooperation and resilience. The Meeting in particular, noted ERIA’s analytical work and policy recommendations in initiatives, such as the Masterplan for the ASEAN–Japan Next-Generation Automotive Industry and the ASEAN–Japan AI Innovation Co-Creation Roadmap, as part of efforts to strengthen regional cooperation on supply chain resilience, energy security, innovation, startups, and human capital development. The Meeting also expressed its appreciation for Japan’s support following up on these recommendations, including initiatives in the automotive sector such as promoting the use of biofuels and developing human resources, and in the AI sector such as creating business cases and providing capacity building.

12. The Meeting welcomed the continued contribution of AMEICC in advancing practical and industry-oriented cooperation between ASEAN and Japan. The Meeting noted the ongoing work across AMEICC’s three main pillars of (i) sectoral working groups on the automotive industry, the chemical industry, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the Mekong sub-region (ii) the promotion of collaborative projects, and (iii) research, capacity building, and related activities. The Meeting expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support through AMEICC in advancing industrial cooperation, including efforts to strengthen the competitiveness of ASEAN industries, enhance human capital development, and promote innovation and technology transfer between ASEAN and Japan, and in exploring opportunities in emerging fields, such as the circular economy. The Meeting looked forward to the continued support from AMEICC and encouraged both sides to leverage on this platform to further advance ASEAN-Japan industrial cooperation priorities.

13. The Meeting acknowledged the importance of intellectual property (IP) cooperation driven through annual ASEAN-Japan IPR Action Plans, emphasising that capacity building is essential for establishing transparent and streamlined examination procedures and practices. The Meeting recognised that the annual ASEAN-Japan Heads of IP Offices meeting discusses and takes stock of the work items in the Action Plan. The Meeting further recognised that a key point in the 2026-2027 Action Plan aims to strengthen supply chain resilience, particularly in the semiconductor sector, leveraging ERIA's research and capacity building programs.

14. 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, and comprehensive WTO reform to improve all its functions, including the dispute settlement system, and to equip the WTO with the tools necessary to address the realities of today’s global economy. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to work in close coordination to advance a reformed, revitalised and effective WTO that commands credibility and confidence, and 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, advancing discussion on emerging global trade issues, and building the momentum toward multilateral outcomes. The Meeting also welcomed the adoption of interim arrangements for the Agreement on Electronic Commerce at MC14 by participating Members and called for the consideration to incorporate the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement and the Agreement on Electronic Commerce into the WTO legal framework. In addition, the Meeting acknowledged the positive role of the WTO moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions with a view to provide certainty and predictability for the digital economy.

15. The Meeting noted the recommendations of the ASEAN-Japan Business Council (AJBC), the Federation of Japanese Chambers of Commerce and Industry in ASEAN (FJCCIA), and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), including efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience, promote innovation through industry-startup collaboration, and support digital investment and Artificial Intelligence (AI) development. The Meeting also welcomed continued initiatives by JETRO in enhancing regional economic cooperation, including through the collaboration with ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) on the ASEAN Business Barometer Survey that support evidence-based policymaking and deeper ASEAN economic integration.

16. The Meeting welcomed Timor-Leste’s accession as the 11th Member State of ASEAN and looked forward to its closer engagement in ASEAN-Japan 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 their] commitment to continue providing the necessary capacity-building and technical assistance to support Timor-Leste’s effective integration into the regional economy

THE FIFTH AEM TROIKA OPEN-ENDED DIALOGUE WITH SWITZERLAND

JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT

1. The Fifth ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Troika Open-ended Dialogue with Switzerland was held on 20 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. State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland. 

2. 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 a closer and more substantive economic partnership between ASEAN and Switzerland is not only essential but also imperative. The Meeting reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and its commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties, including by exploring methods to foster Swiss private sector engagement with ASEAN, while advancing deeper and more resilient supply chain integration. In this regard, the Meeting further reaffirmed 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.

3. The Meeting took note of 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 and comprehensive WTO reform to improve all its functions, including the dispute settlement system, and to equip the WTO with the tools necessary to address the realities of 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), in addressing emerging trade issues and supporting multilateral outcomes.

4. The Meeting welcomed the finalisation of the 2026 – 2030 ASEAN-EFTA Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation (JDC) Workplan, recognising it as an important step forward in providing a structured and comprehensive framework to strengthen and deepen the ASEAN-EFTA economic relationship. The Meeting noted that the Workplan focuses on fostering cooperation through the sharing of information, experiences, and best practices, as well as policy dialogue, taking into account the strategic direction of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and EFTA’s economic priorities, ensuring it reflects the shared interests and complementarities of both sides. The Meeting looked forward to the full and effective implementation of the Work Plan and called on officials to maintain momentum in translating its objectives into concrete and meaningful outcomes that advance ASEAN-EFTA economic cooperation.

5. The Meeting welcomed Timor-Leste’s accession as the 11th Member State of ASEAN and looked forward to its closer engagement in ASEAN-Switzerland meetings and economic cooperation mechanisms. The Meeting acknowledged Timor-Leste’s continued efforts to advance its effective participation and full integration to 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 their commitment to continue supporting Timor-Leste’s effective integration into the regional economy, through existing ASEAN - Switzerland

ASEAN Fast-Tracks Implementation of Sendai Framework Ahead of 2030

MANILA, Philippines— ASEAN Member States, alongside regional and international partners, convened during the first session of the ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Disaster Resilience (AMCDR) to strengthen coherence between global and regional disaster risk reduction commitments. The high-level panel focused on accelerating the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 and the AADMER Work Programme 2026–2030.

Moderated by Ms. Kareff Rafisura, Chief of Disaster Risk Reduction at UNESCAP, the discussion featured key perspectives from Dr. Abdul Muhari, Deputy Minister for Prevention at Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB); Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito R. Alejandro IV, Deputy Administrator for Administration at the Philippines’ Office of Civil Defense; Mr. Marco Toscano-Rivalta, Chief of the UNDRR Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific; and Mr. Shombi Sharp, Deputy Executive Secretary of ESCAP.

Framing 2026–2030 as a critical window for accelerated action, the panel reviewed progress and remaining gaps under existing disaster reduction frameworks. Panelists drew attention to the region’s increasingly complex risks, including compounding climate impacts, environmental damage, rapid urbanization, technological hazards, and widening socioeconomic inequality.

Dr. Abdul Muhari pointed out that while global reporting under the Sendai Framework reflects significant progress in disaster risk governance, member states must now accelerate translating these administrative systems into reduced impacts on the ground. 

"We should not ask, 'Did the infrastructure survive?' Instead, we should go forward, 'Can the system continue to function at minimum services?” stated Dr. Muhari. “We should see the protection is not in particular assets, but in systems.  We should ensure that the steel can deliver the minimum services under unexpected stresses."

Highlighting the systemic connection between development and disaster risk, Mr. Shombi Sharp stressed that resilience must be embedded in all public and private sector investments.

"If development is not risk-informed and disaster-resilient, it is not development," Sharp remarked. 

To ensure commitments lead to measurable progress, emphasis was placed on strengthening monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and learning systems while avoiding excessive administrative burdens. Strategic focus was also given to improving policy coherence across disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and sustainable development.

"The key principle should be to make monitoring and reporting more useful rather than simply asking members to report more," added Dr. Muhari. "We must adopt the approach of collect once, use multiple times.” He stressed that accountability should be linked to real-world results such as reduced risk, better-prepared communities, effective early action, and strengthened local resilience rather than simply tallying submitted reports or completed activities.

Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito R. Alejandro IV emphasized that regional commitments only gain true value when translated into local actions. "Implementation must be supported  by adequate capacities and resources," Alejandro noted.

Reflecting on ASEAN's leadership, Mr. Marco Toscano-Rivalta highlighted how the region is trailblazing oon global disaster governance. “AADMER is the only international legally binding agreement on disaster risk reduction and has been the case for 20 years,’’ he pointed out. He also called for deeper private sector engagement, emphasizing that linking businesses with early warning systems, damage and loss tracking, and risk-informed capital investments will serve as a major innovation for disaster risk management beyond 2030.

The AADMER Work Programme 2026–2030 serves as the primary mechanism for regional resilience, driven by core priorities in prevention, mitigation, and global leadership. Panelists explored how ASEAN Member States, sectoral bodies, the AHA Centre, and development partners can actively contribute to its implementation.

Among the top priorities identified was the urgent need to expand universal, people-centered multi-hazard early warning systems and institutionalize anticipatory action through stronger science-policy partnerships, innovation, and transboundary collaboration.

Recommendations from the session will form part of the Manila Declaration, outlining ASEAN’s collective commitments heading into the 2030 deadline.

ASEAN Accelerates Innovation, Data Sharing, and Partnerships for Early Warning Systems

MANILA, Philippines— The ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Disaster Resilience (AMCDR) 2026 opened the third session bringing together disaster management leaders, public safety officials, and international partners to discuss concrete ways to translate regional frameworks into local action and strengthen public protection systems across the region.  Opening the discussion, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Executive Director and Administrator of the Office of Civil Defense, Undersecretary Harold N. Cabreros stressed that regional commitments only gain real value when converted into concrete, localized actions where disasters strike. He emphasized the need to give local government units the authority and funding they need, modernize civil defense systems, and strictly enforce accountability to protect lives, livelihood, and critical infrastructure. "Regional commitments can only translate into resilience outcomes if local governments and frontline institutions have the authority, resources, information, and technical capacity to act," Usec. Cabreros emphasized. He highlighted that strengthening local capacities should extend beyond preparedness and response to include risk anticipation and foresight, ensuring hazard and impact data directly inform local decision-making. Usec. Cabreros added that while national governments bear the responsibility of providing the necessary policy, institutional, financial, and capacity-building support, local governments and frontline institutions must remain accountable for translating these resources into concrete measures on the ground. The discussion brought together regional and international perspectives and was moderated by Mr. Ronaldo Reario of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA). Speakers included Mr. Teong How Hwa, Deputy Commissioner for Strategy and Corporate Services, Singapore; and His Excellency Mr. So Socheath, Advisor to Cambodia’s National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM). Framing conversations around the 20-year milestone of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER), speakers focused on the critical necessity of empowering frontline communities while modernizing civil defense architectures to withstand multi-hazard disasters. “Disaster risk reduction or resilience cannot sit solely with the disaster management authority, which in this case is the Singapore Civil Defence Force. We believe that disaster management responsibility must be integrated across areas such as land use planning, infrastructure, health, environmental management, and also the continuity of essential services,” Mr. Teong emphasized. He noted that embedding disaster risk considerations across all key government sectors forms the core of Singapore's national strategy, which also guides its contributions to regional policy frameworks under ASEAN. The session also highlighted the importance  of practical cooperation, and regional interoperability, particularly using ASEAN mechanisms and  arrangements.  Singapore’s Operation Lionheart and India’s NDRF operational models were cited as examples of how to strengthen mutual assistance, cross-border response capacity, and critical infrastructure resilience in alignment with the Sendai Framework. Delegates further underscored that localization must be people-centered and responsive to local needs.  Discussions emphasized that engaging local governance, academia, businesses, communities, civil society, must be fully integrated into disaster preparedness structures to ensure no community is left behind.  AHA Centre and ASEAN representatives framed the session's overarching purpose as a transition toward strict implementation and accountability. To ensure regional declarations translate into tangible resilience on the ground, progress should be assessed not only through  frameworks and , but also through  measurable outcomes in community preparedness, capacities of local institutions, protection of the vulnerable populations, continuity of essential services, and resilient recovery across Member States. As  climate-related hazards, and other emerging and systemic risks continue to increase and affect communities  across Southeast Asia, the panelists affirmed the importance of fully institutionalizing and localizing the AADMER Work Programme 2026-2030. The session underscored the need to translate regional commitments into practical action at the national and local levels, ensuring that communities are better equipped to anticipate, prepare, respond, and recover from disasters.

AMCDR ASEAN Set Focus on Localized Action and Disaster Resilience

MANILA, Philippines— The ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Disaster Resilience (AMCDR) 2026 opened the third session bringing together disaster management leaders, public safety officials, and international partners to discuss concrete ways to translate regional frameworks into local action and strengthen public protection systems across the region.  Opening the discussion, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Executive Director and Administrator of the Office of Civil Defense, Undersecretary Harold N. Cabreros stressed that regional commitments only gain real value when converted into concrete, localized actions where disasters strike. He emphasized the need to give local government units the authority and funding they need, modernize civil defense systems, and strictly enforce accountability to protect lives, livelihood, and critical infrastructure. "Regional commitments can only translate into resilience outcomes if local governments and frontline institutions have the authority, resources, information, and technical capacity to act," Usec. Cabreros emphasized. He highlighted that strengthening local capacities should extend beyond preparedness and response to include risk anticipation and foresight, ensuring hazard and impact data directly inform local decision-making. Usec. Cabreros added that while national governments bear the responsibility of providing the necessary policy, institutional, financial, and capacity-building support, local governments and frontline institutions must remain accountable for translating these resources into concrete measures on the ground. The discussion brought together regional and international perspectives and was moderated by Mr. Ronaldo Reario of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA). Speakers included Mr. Teong How Hwa, Deputy Commissioner for Strategy and Corporate Services, Singapore; and His Excellency Mr. So Socheath, Advisor to Cambodia’s National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM). Framing conversations around the 20-year milestone of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER), speakers focused on the critical necessity of empowering frontline communities while modernizing civil defense architectures to withstand multi-hazard disasters. “Disaster risk reduction or resilience cannot sit solely with the disaster management authority, which in this case is the Singapore Civil Defence Force. We believe that disaster management responsibility must be integrated across areas such as land use planning, infrastructure, health, environmental management, and also the continuity of essential services,” Mr. Teong emphasized. He noted that embedding disaster risk considerations across all key government sectors forms the core of Singapore's national strategy, which also guides its contributions to regional policy frameworks under ASEAN. The session also highlighted the importance  of practical cooperation, and regional interoperability, particularly using ASEAN mechanisms and  arrangements.  Singapore’s Operation Lionheart and India’s NDRF operational models were cited as examples of how to strengthen mutual assistance, cross-border response capacity, and critical infrastructure resilience in alignment with the Sendai Framework. Delegates further underscored that localization must be people-centered and responsive to local needs.  Discussions emphasized that engaging local governance, academia, businesses, communities, civil society, must be fully integrated into disaster preparedness structures to ensure no community is left behind.  AHA Centre and ASEAN representatives framed the session's overarching purpose as a transition toward strict implementation and accountability. To ensure regional declarations translate into tangible resilience on the ground, progress should be assessed not only through  frameworks and , but also through  measurable outcomes in community preparedness, capacities of local institutions, protection of the vulnerable populations, continuity of essential services, and resilient recovery across Member States. As  climate-related hazards, and other emerging and systemic risks continue to increase and affect communities  across Southeast Asia, the panelists affirmed the importance of fully institutionalizing and localizing the AADMER Work Programme 2026-2030. The session underscored the need to translate regional commitments into practical action at the national and local levels, ensuring that communities are better equipped to anticipate, prepare, respond, and recover from disasters.

THE AEM-USTR CONSULTATION

1. The ASEAN Economic Ministers – United States Trade Representative (AEM-USTR) Consultation was held on 20 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 Ambassador Rick Switzer, Deputy United States Trade Representative.

2. The Meeting noted that based on ASEAN’s preliminary statistics, two-way merchandise trade between ASEAN and the U.S. stood at USD 550.5 billion in 2025. Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow from the U.S. to ASEAN was recorded at USD 30 billion in the same year.

3. The Meeting exchanged views on regional and global economic challenges as well as the importance of keeping trade corridors open to facilitate trade flows, including energy supplies and other essential goods. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties, while advancing more resilient supply chains. In this regard, the Meeting further reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and the shared resolve to constructively address trade concerns.

4. The Meeting welcomed the implementation of the 2025-2026 ASEAN-U.S. Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) Work Plan, which delivered good outcomes in many areas including digital economy, trade facilitation, intellectual property rights, good regulatory practices, and agriculture. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitments for deeper trade and investment ties through the endorsement of the 2026-2027 ASEAN-U.S. TIFA Work Plan, focusing on areas of shared strategic interests such as the digital economy, micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) development, trade facilitation, intellectual property rights, standards, good regulatory practices, labour, agriculture, competition and consumer protection, and strategic trade management.

5. The Meeting noted that the ASEAN-U.S. TIFA, signed in 2006, has served as the cornerstone of ASEAN-U.S. economic engagement for two decades. The Meeting underscored the importance of ensuring that the TIFA remains relevant, responsive, and forward-looking, and to continue to align it with the evolving priorities of both ASEAN and the United States, while reinforcing its role as the primary platform for advancing ASEAN-U.S. economic cooperation in the years ahead.

6. The Meeting recognized the important contribution of the U.S.-ASEAN Connect Series and the ASEAN-U.S. Partnership Programme in strengthening the ASEAN-U.S. economic relationship. The Meeting noted that the U.S.-ASEAN Connect Series has served as an effective platform for promoting digital cooperation, supporting MSMEs, fostering business linkages, and connecting U.S. and ASEAN businesses, investors and entrepreneurs across key sectors, thereby contributing to a more dynamic and commercially vibrant economic relationship. The Meeting also recognized the significant role of the ASEAN-U.S. Partnership Programme in providing targeted technical assistance and capacity building to ASEAN Member States. The Meeting expressed its appreciation for the continued support of the U.S. through these programmes, recognising that sustained and deepened U.S. technical assistance and engagement will be essential in advancing shared economic priorities.

7. The Meeting underscored the need to meaningfully reform the WTO to improve all its functions. The Meeting reaffirmed WTO Members’ commitment to work together to improve the WTO so that it is responsive to their needs and interests. The Meeting also recognised the positive role that plurilateral initiatives can play at the WTO, including the Joint Statement Initiatives (JSIs), to foster new ideas, advance discussion on emerging trade issues, and build momentum toward multilateral outcomes.

8. The Meeting noted the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC)’s recommendations particularly toward achieving a robust ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) as well as advancing trade facilitation and resilient regional supply chains. The Meeting also welcomed USABC’s support of the Philippines ASEAN Chairship 2026 priorities.

9. The Meeting welcomed Timor-Leste’s accession as the 11th Member State of ASEAN and looked forward to its closer engagement in ASEAN-U.S. 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.