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.