Marcos orders creation of organizing council for PH hosting of ASEAN 2026

President Ferdinand ”Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered the creation of a national organizing council (NOC) for the Philippines’ hosting of the ASEAN meetings in 2026. 

Signed by Marcos on March 22, Administrative Order No. 17 states that it was agreed on September 2023 by the regional bloc that the Philippines will be the chairman of the ASEAN and hold its summit meetings in 2026. 

”It is imperative to constitute and national organizing council to organize, manage, and supervise all major and ancillary programs, activities, and projects related to the hosting of ASEAN 2026 in the country,” Marcos said. 

The President said the ASEAN national organizing council, headed by the Executive Secretary, would formulate and submit a master plan for the Philippines’ hosting of ASEAN 2026 to him within 60 days from the issuance of AO No. 17, which was uploaded on the Official Gazette on March 31. 

The AO indicates that all chief executives of localities selected to serve as sites for the ASEAN 2026 hosting could be invited as special members of the ASEAN NOC committees. 

Within 30 days from the issuance of the AO, the NOC committees are tasked to formulate and submit to the ASEAN NOC their work as well as budget plans. 

Meanwhile, a Special Committee of Senior Officials for Substantive Matters will be created to formulate and advance the agenda of the Philippines in hosting the ASEAN Summit. 

The ASEAN aims to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavors in the spirit of equality and partnership that will strengthen the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful community of Southeast Asian nations. 

The bloc also aims to promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among countries of the region and adherence to the principles of the United Nations charter. —KBK, GMA Integrated News