DTI announces series of key ASEAN economic meetings this week

METRO MANILA – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced on Tuesday a series of pivotal ASEAN meetings aimed to strengthen regional economic cooperation amid evolving global challenges, including the impact of the Middle East conflict on energy markets and supply routes.

Marie Sherylyn D. Aquia, Director of the DTI-Bureau of International Trade Relations, shared the on-going and upcoming meetings which are the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) Negotiating Committee Meeting, Legal Experts Meeting for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, the Preparatory Senior Economic Officials’ Meeting (SEOM), and the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat. The meetings will continue until March 13.

In a briefing, Aquia said that under the Philippines Chairship of ASEAN 2026, “These meetings reflect our shared effort to steer ASEAN’s economic integration efforts through an increasingly complex global environment.”

“In times like these, ASEAN’s strength lies in working together - to keep markets open, strengthen our trade partnerships, diversify economic links, and reinforce the resilience of our regional supply chains. At the same time, ASEAN must continue to seize new opportunities for growth,” Aquia said.

Acknowledging that the digital economy is one of the most significant sectors, Aquia said that digital platforms are transforming how people work, communicate, access services, and grow businesses across the region, the DTI senior official added.

“Ensuring that our region can fully harness this opportunity, and that our people are not left behind in the digital era, is a shared priority for ASEAN. This is where the [DEFA] becomes particularly important,” Aquia told reporters.

While emphasizing that talks remain confidential, Aquia said DEFA seeks to strengthen trust in the digital environment through measures such as online consumer protection, personal data protection, cybersecurity cooperation, and safeguards against online scams.

Alongside the DEFA negotiations, Aquia said ASEAN is also reviewing the agreed-upon provisions to ensure clarity, consistency, and the text's readiness before it moves closer to eventual signing.

Following the DEFA discussions, a Preparatory SEOM Meeting will convene and serve as the preparatory platform ahead of the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat to review the agenda items to be discussed by the Ministers.

The goal is to align Member States’ views, clarify issues, and identify areas of consensus. This enables Ministers to focus on strategic priorities and provide direction on matters needing higher-level guidance.

The ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat is an annual forum where ASEAN Economic Ministers meet to discuss the region’s economic direction. Unlike formal ministerial meetings, the Retreat allows for more open, candid and strategic discussions among Ministers.

“Among the issues to be discussed are the global and regional economic outlook, ASEAN’s economic integration agenda, sustainability initiatives under the ASEAN Economic Community, and developments in ASEAN’s external economic partnerships. Taken together, these meetings demonstrate ASEAN’s continued commitment to cooperation in a rapidly evolving world,” Aquia said.

“As we face global uncertainties, from geopolitical tensions to technological transformation, ASEAN must continue to work together, adapt together, and navigate the future together. As ASEAN Chair this year, the Philippines is proud to facilitate these discussions and contribute to shaping the region’s economic agenda,” Aquia said

Investing in ‘silver economy’ one of ASCC’s top priorities — DSWD chief

MAKATI CITY —  Recognizing the increasing aging population in Southeast Asia, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) is prioritizing investment in the silver economy to promote active aging among its senior citizens.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the 2026 ASCC chair, said this priority will ensure that no sector is left behind in development, including older persons.

“That is part of the ‘I’ of RISE—Inclusive Development—making sure na walang naiiwanan and that the world is aging. Southeast Asia is aging. The Philippines will come to a point that we will also age,” Secretary Gatchalian said during the ASCC press conference at the International Media Center (IMC) in Makati City on Thursday (March 5).

The DSWD’s theme for its ASCC leadership is “RISE ASEAN,” which stands for: Resilient and empowered families; Inclusive development; Smart youth and innovation; and an environmentally sustainable and food-secure future.

According to the ASCC chair, the goal is to encourage the private sector to invest in products and programs for older persons that will allow them to continue contributing to nation-building.

“So now it’s about time, under the chairmanship of our President in ASEAN, we push for investments to be made mula sa private sector para sa mga products and services that can help our active aging,” the ASCC chair pointed out.

“Ang gusto ng ating pangulo, Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., produktibo ang bawat mamamayan sa nation-building. Kaya ang konsepto natin ng silver economy is to get the private sector involved. Sila ang namumuhunan sa mga products and services o sa mga teknolohiya at innovation para masigurado natin na habang tumatanda tayo, eh maging bahagi pa rin tayo ng productive workforce ng ating bansa, or ng ating rehiyon,” the DSWD chief explained to reporters.

Secretary Gatchalian mentioned Brunei Darussalam Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Her Excellency Hajah Nor Ashikin Binti Haji Johari as having said that there is a golden opportunity for the ASCC to work with the ASEAN Economic Community, one of the three pillars of ASEAN.

“Binanggit rin kanina ng minister from Brunei Darussalam that there’s a golden opportunity to work naman with the economic pillar on getting the private sector to invest in this greenfield or new horizon economy,” Secretary Gatchalian said, noting that the ASCC is also pushing to strengthen cross-sectoral and cross-pillar partnerships.

The DSWD chief said the concrete details about the initiatives for older persons will be discussed in the upcoming high-level forums.

“If you ask me for details, there will be high-level forums wherein more concrete details will be provided. But that’s what those forums are for—to bring technology from the 10–11 countries, to bring in the private sector. Ano ba yung pwede nating gawin? Ano ba yung pwede nating deklarasyon para magkaroon ng investments in this new greenfield economy?” Secretary Gatchalian told the Media.

Aside from active aging, the DSWD chief also shared other initiatives discussed in the 35th ASCC council meeting that include the proposed Manila-ASPECT (ASEAN Strategic Protocol for Emergency and Comprehensive Transformation) Framework for regional disaster response, and thrusts for strengthening the families as the basic unit of society and focus on the smart youth in the digital age. (YADP)

Bilateral Ties with Singapore to Strengthen Partnership, Knowledge sharing on Social Protection for Women, Children, other vulnerable Sectors - DSWD Chief

MAKATI CITY —  Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian happily reported that the partnership with Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSFD) will highlight the joint goals of both Southeast Asian nations to exchange experiential learnings and information in social protection programs for the family, child development, women, and other vulnerable sectors.

The partnership, formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on March 4 as a side activity of the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), also focuses on developments related to the First 1,000 Days of a Child.

Secretary Gatchalian noted that the MOU signed with Singapore’s Minister Masagos Zulkifli provides valuable insights that could further enhance the Philippines’ approach to maternal and child care, particularly by emphasizing support for women even before pregnancy.

“If I can borrow the favorite line ng ating kaibigan na minister from Singapore, ni Minister Masagos: ‘You take care of girls, you take care of the country.’ Kapag inalagaan mo ang mga kababaihan, inalagaan mo na rin ang bansa,” Secretary Gatchalian told the reporters during the ASCC press briefing at the International Media Center (IMC) in Discovery Primea, Makati City on Friday (March 5).

The DSWD chief underscored that as a directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department started implementing the First 1,000 Days or the F1KD program as part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

“We have a very vibrant First 1,000 Days program. Kamakailan, inilunsad sa administrasyon ng ating pangulo yung First 1,000 Days grant sa 4Ps. Dinagdagan natin ng grant—hindi lang health grant, hindi lang education grant or rice grant. For the first time last year, nagdagdag tayo ng F1KD, First 1,000 Day Grant,” the ASCC chair explained to reporters.

Learning from the initial technical exchanges prior to the formalization of the partnership, the ASCC chair shared that Singapore starts their FK1D initiative with taking care of the women and girls from the time they are ready to start a family.

“Kung tayo nga upon conception bago tayo nagbibilang, sila namumuhunan na sila o inaalagaan na nila yung kanilang mga kababaihan na maaaring magbuntis. Ang explanation sa akin ni Minister Masagos, pag nagpamilya na—kasi obviously pag nagpamilya ka na, the next progression is magkaanak—pag nagpamilya na ang isang babae, talagang inaaruga na talaga nila, tinututukan na nila,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

This perspective learned from Singapore also brought into the fore the importance of the DSWD’s Project ProtecTeen program, which focuses on helping teenage mothers cope with the challenges of early motherhood.

“Ang teenage pregnancy natin is on the rise. And ang reaction natin lagi is reactive. That's repetitive—the reaction is reactive. Study shows na kapag ang isang dalaga ay naging—undergoes being a teenage mother—she's already so stressed kasi hindi niya alam anong gagawin niya. Natigil na siya sa pag-aaral. Hindi niya alam saan siya kukuha ng pagkain or ipapakain sa anak niya. So you can imagine the mental anguish na pinagdaraanan niya. So that's why ang Singapore namumuhunan na siya early on by teaching somebody na kung sakaling mangyari ito sa’yo, ito yung dapat mong gawin. So it's the power of information,” Secretary Gatchalian told reporters.

According to Secretary Gatchalian, the MOU focuses on sharing of lessons and not on the possible provision of grants or anything monetary.

“That's why nga excited kami dun sa MOU. Kasi marami siyang nilalaman na hindi pinag-uusapan kung kaya mo bang bayaran, kaya mo bang ibigay itong grant na ito. Hindi ganoon eh. Kaalaman yung ibinibigay nila sa atin—makabagong kaalaman, makabagong pag-iisip hinggil sa usapin ng kababaihan, women's health, at the same time hinggil sa usapin ng pagpapamilya, taking care of the family,” Secretary Gatchalian stressed.

Celebrating the Women’s Month this March, this timely highlights the significant role of the women sector in nation building.

“Alam nyo, in this month of celebrating Women's Month, I think the best tribute of our President to Women's Month is that memorandum of understanding between Singapore and the Philippines,” the DSWD chief said.

Other areas of cooperation under the partnership include programs for the persons with disabilities, conduct of learning visits to facilities, and undertaking joint activities to support human capacity building and skills enhancement in the areas of social work. (KI/GDVF)

FinTech Alliance PH joins DTI Supply Chain and Logistics Group

MAKATI CITY - Lito Villanueva, Founding Chairman of FinTech Alliance Philippines, has been inducted as a member of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Supply Chain and Logistics Group (DTI-SCLG).  Villanueva took his oath joining 32 other industry leaders tapped to provide advisory support aimed  at  improving  the  quality,  affordability  and  reliability  of  the  country’s  logistics  sector, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and businesses in remote areas. 

He was selected by the SCLG in recognition of his contributions to the growth of the Philippine fintech  and  digital  finance  ecosystem.  As  Founding  Chairman  of  FinTech  Alliance PH, the country’s  largest  and  premier  digital  industry  association,  Villanueva  represents  over  140 

corporate  members that collectively account for more than 95% of the nation’s digital retail financial  transaction  volume.  Under  his  leadership,  the  Alliance  has  been  instrumental  in advancing  policy  dialogue,  industry  standards,  and  innovation  partnerships  that  accelerate inclusive digital transformation.   

The  DTI-SCLG  serves  as  a  public-private  advisory  body  supporting  national  efforts  to strengthen supply chain systems amid the continued expansion of trade and digital commerce. DTI  Secretary  Ma.  Cristina  A.  Roque  and  Undersecretary  Mary  Jean  T.  Pacheco  led  the induction ceremony. 

Villanueva said closer collaboration between digital finance and logistics stakeholders will help businesses participate more competitively in global trade. 

“As Founding Chairman of FinTech Alliance Philippines, I believe that integrating digital finance solutions into supply chain ecosystems is critical to empowering MSMEs and enabling them to scale  beyond  borders.  

Stronger  alignment  between  fintech  and  logistics  will  unlock  faster payments, improved liquidity, and greater transparency across the value chain,” Villanueva said.  “We thank the DTI-SCLG for the trust and recognition. The FinTech Alliance stands ready to work with both government and industry partners to help Filipino enterprises leverage digital innovation as a competitive advantage in the global supply chain,” Villanueva added. 

Fintech Alliance PH to Launch Fraud Intelligence Data Sharing Network at 2026 General Membership Meeting

 

TAGUIG CITY – Fintech Alliance PH will convene leaders from across banking, fintech, credit bureaus, regulators, and industry partners for its 2026 General Membership Meeting and New Members’ Oath-Taking on March 11, 2026, 10:00 AM at Marquis Events Place,

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. 

The FinTech Alliance PH is the Philippines’ premier and largest digital industry association, comprising over 140 corporate members that collectively account for more than 95% of the country’s digital retail financial transaction volume with combined user base in excess of 110 million Filipinos.  

This year’s General Membership Meeting marks a decisive step in strengthening the country’s collective digital defense with the official launch of the Fraud Intelligence Data Sharing Network. The  initiative  represents  a  coordinated,  industry-wide  effort  to  enable  timely  intelligence exchange, reinforce fraud prevention capabilities, and enhance trust across the Philippine digital finance ecosystem. 

A key highlight of the program will be the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing between the  Cybercrime  Investigation  and  Coordinating  Center  (CICC)  and  Fintech  Alliance  PH, formalizing  deeper  collaboration  between  government  and  industry  in  the  fight  against cybercrime and digital fraud. 

The meeting will also spotlight strategic priorities for 2026, including: 

• Cybersecurity as Infrastructure: Fortifying Our Digital Defense • Enabling Blockchain and Digital Assets • ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN BAC) Collaboration • Key Strategic Initiatives for 2026 

Delivering the keynote address is Atty. Eugene Teves, Managing Director of the Technology and Digital  Innovation  Office  of  the  Bangko  Sentral  ng  Pilipinas,  who  will  share  regulatory perspectives  on  digital  innovation,  blockchain  enablement,  and  the  evolving  supervisory framework for emerging technologies. 

Also joining the distinguished roster of speakers is Joey Concepcion, Chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN BAC), who will present on the Philippines’ role in advancing inclusive economic growth and regional fintech collaboration within ASEAN; and Atty. Renato “Aboy” Paraiso, Executive Director of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC),  who  will  discuss  the  government’s  strengthened  enforcement  strategy  and  the importance of public-private intelligence sharing in protecting digital infrastructure. 

The program will be hosted by Rico Hizon, award-winning news anchor with CNBC, BBC News, and CNN Philippines, currently with ANC, bringing seasoned insight and perspective to the Alliance’s milestone gathering. 

Lito  Villanueva,  Founding  Chairman of FinTech Alliance PH, emphasized the importance of industry solidarity in addressing evolving digital threats: 

“Fraud  does  not  recognize  institutional  boundaries,  and  neither  should  our  response. 

The launch of the Fraud Intelligence Data Sharing Network reflects our shared commitment to come together as one ecosystem to protect the integrity of our digital economy. By strengthening collaboration  and  institutionalizing  intelligence  exchange,  we  are  reinforcing  trust  as  the foundation of innovation. 

This is about standing united to secure the future of digital finance in the country.” 

Another highlight of the event will be the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding with key industry bodies, including ASEAN Business Advisory Council, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and the oath taking of the new set of corporate members. 

These  partnerships  highlight  Fintech  Alliance.PH’s  continued  effort  to  foster  cross-sector collaboration in advancing financial inclusion, digital trust, and sustainable fintech innovation. 

In  addition  to  major  partnership  milestones,  the  program  will  culminate  in  the  oath-taking ceremony of new member organizations, formally welcoming them into the country’s premier fintech association. 

The 2026 General Membership Meeting is supported by sponsors CIBI and TransUnion. 

ASCC PH Hosts 3 Major Meetings this Week

MANILA —The Philippines, through its Chairship of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Pillar, announced on Monday that it is hosting three major meetings to strengthen family resilience, empower young people, and advance inclusive development for marginalized and vulnerable communities across the region.

In a media briefing at the International Media Center, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary Irene B. Dumlao said these meetings emphasize the Philippines’ “RISE ASEAN” agenda, which supports “a truly ‘One ASEAN, One Response’ region.”

 Dumlao said the three meetings are:

First, the 40th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (SOCA) Meeting, where senior officials will review and harmonize key frameworks in support of our People Empowerment agenda.

Second, the High-Level ASCC Council Forum, which brings together ministers, senior officials, experts, youth leaders, and development partners to place people empowerment at the forefront of ASEAN’s forward trajectory. 

“The Forum affirms that empowering individuals, families, and communities is both the means and the measure of ASEAN’s success,” Dumlao said.

The third meeting, Dumlao said, is the 35th ASCC Council Meeting, where regional ministers will formally adopt key frameworks and finalize priority social policies for Southeast Asia.

“Beyond these high-level meetings, the richness of the Filipino culture will also be highlighted through our curated gastronomic and heritage tours, and performances of traditional music and dance,” Dumlao said.

Dumlao said the Philippines is deeply honored to welcome the Ministers and Heads of Delegations of “our ASEAN Family, led by H.E. Rex Gatchalian of the Philippines as ASCC Chair and H.E. Masagos Zulkifli of Singapore as ASCC Vice Chair, alongside our esteemed counterparts from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor Leste, and the ASEAN Secretariat.”

Gatchalian is the DSWD Secretary.

“The Philippines welcomes our ASEAN family not only with a strong pro-people agenda, but with the spirit of unity and partnership. As we navigate our future together, may we continue shaping a resilient, dynamic, and truly people-centered ASEAN,” Dumlao said.

As the 2026 ASEAN Chair, the Philippines is taking an active role in shaping the regional agenda, engaging in high-level dialogues that are shaping cooperation in security, economic integration, and social development.

 

ASCC PH Chairship unveils ‘RISE ASEAN’ agenda

MANILA — The Philippines, through its Chairship of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Pillar, unveiled on Monday the “Rise ASEAN” agenda to underscore its commitment to strengthening family resilience, empowering young people, and advancing inclusive development for marginalized and vulnerable communities across the region.

In a media briefing at the International Media Center, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary Irene B. Dumlao said the “RISE ASEAN” agenda pushes forward “a truly ‘One ASEAN, One Response’ region.”

“Today, March 2, 2026, officially marks the beginning of a monumental week for the Philippines and the entire Southeast Asian region. The Philippines, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development as Chair of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Pillar, alongside our fellow Member States, is championing ‘People Empowerment’ guided by the theme ‘RISE ASEAN,’” Dumlao said.

Dumlao explained that RISE stands for “R - Resilient and Empowered Families, I - Inclusive Development, S - Smart Youth and Innovation, and E - Environmentally Sustainable and Food Secure Future.”

Dumlao said the RISE ASEAN agenda aligns with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, adding that this agenda “reinforces our shared aspiration for a people-oriented and people-centered ASEAN.”

“It is guided by three core priorities: peace and security, prosperity, and people empowerment. These are pillars that affirm that our collective future rests on the strength and resilience of the communities we nurture today,” Dumlao said.

“The Philippines welcomes our ASEAN family not only with a strong pro-people agenda, but with the spirit of unity and partnership. As we navigate our future together, may we continue shaping a resilient, dynamic, and truly people-centered ASEAN,” Dumlao said.

The Philippines, through the ASCC Pillar, is hosting this week the 40th Senior Officials Committee for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural (SOCA) Meeting and the 35th ASCC Council Meeting, among other meetings.

As the 2026 ASEAN Chair, the Philippines is taking an active role in shaping the regional agenda, engaging in high-level dialogues that are shaping cooperation in security, economic integration, and social development.