MANILA – The government will expand preventive healthcare services, increase Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) benefit packages, and strengthen the country’s health infrastructure to further improve the implementation of Universal Health Care (UHC), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized on Monday.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said the administration is prioritizing preventive healthcare through PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), with the Department of Health.

The government aims to widen the coverage of YAKAP by accrediting more clinics to provide Filipinos with greater access to preventive health services, he added.

The government would also expand the related GAMOT (Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment) Program, which allows PhilHealth members to obtain essential medicines from more than 2,000 accredited providers, with an annual benefit limit of PHP20,000 per member.

The program covers 75 essential medicines, including antibiotics and drugs for asthma, hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes, cough, fever and other common illnesses.

Beginning next year, Marcos said the government would gradually include various blood tests and medicines under the program to enable early detection and monitoring of kidney, liver, thyroid and Hepatitis B conditions.

He said PhilHealth will further expand its coverage for diseases, medical conditions and healthcare services, while raising benefit limits to keep pace with escalating healthcare costs.

PhilHealth has expanded support for patients with cancer, heart disease, human immunodeficiency virus, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

“Pati na rin ang tuberculosis, na kumikitil ng halos isandaang buhay bawat araw dito sa atin (As well as tuberculosis, which claims nearly a hundred lives each day here in our country),” he said.

He announced plans to double the PhilHealth benefit package for consultation and therapy services for children with developmental disabilities.

The number of therapy sessions covered by PhilHealth will increase from 90 to 150, while beneficiaries will also receive additional financial assistance through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Project Aruga.

He noted that PhilHealth-beneficiary families increased from over five million in 2022 to more than 7.5 million families last year.

Since the last SONA, nearly three million Filipinos have paid nothing for treatments under the DOH hospital ward zero-balance billing.

Over eight million patients have been helped under the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program, which now features “e-MAIFIP” in DOH hospitals and the eGovPH app with only two requirements.

It removed the need for political guarantee letters.

The government will continue improving hospital systems and healthcare facilities, including the establishment of more Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) and specialty centers.

“At magsisimula na rin tayong iguhit ang plano para makapagtayo ng isang Virology and Vaccine Institute dito sa bansa (And we will also begin drawing up plans to establish a Virology and Vaccine Institute in the country),” Marcos said.

The government is increasing the number of healthcare professionals through expanded medical scholarship programs, requiring scholars to serve in public hospitals after graduation.

The President commended the country’s Doctors to the Barrios for their commitment to public service and for serving as role models for future Filipino physicians. (PNA)

Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1280402

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said the government rolled out fuel subsidies, fare discounts and fee reductions to cushion the impact of the international oil price crisis on Filipino commuters, drivers and the transport sector.

In his 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City, Marcos said the transport sector was among the hardest hit by the crisis, with drivers, operators, passengers, workers and businesses all affected by the sharp rise in petroleum product prices.

“Ngunit hindi natin kayang hayaang tumigil o maantala ito, dahil ito’y nagsisilbing piston ng ating ekonomiya (But we cannot allow it to stop or be delayed, because it serves as the piston of our economy),” Marcos said.

The President said drivers were assisted through cash relief under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, along with a PHP10-per-liter diesel subsidy for passenger jeepneys and UV Express units.

He added more than 1.8 million drivers received AICS assistance.

For passengers, Marcos cited the Libreng Sakay program, under which several government agencies deployed their own vehicles to provide free rides. At the same time, the Department of Agriculture used its vehicles to haul agricultural cargo to trading centers nationwide.

Marcos also cited the revived Service Contracting Program for public buses and jeepneys, under which qualified operators and drivers earn additional income for every kilometer they run in passenger service.

Under the program, passengers also get a 20 percent fare discount, on top of the standard 20 percent discount for students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities, for a combined 40 percent discount for priority passengers.

The President said the “Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Tuloy Pasada Program (Livelihood assistance for disadvantaged/displaced workers, continued fare program)” likewise gave additional income to public transport drivers.

On the other hand, riders of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) in Metro Manila continue to enjoy a 50 percent fare discount, along with special discounts on Sundays and major holidays.

Marcos said the government also temporarily lowered various fees at the country’s airports and seaports, including terminal fees, landing and take-off fees, harbor fees, anchorage and berthing fees, and storage fees.

He cited Cebu Port, where terminal fees were waived, and airports nationwide, where passenger service charges were also reduced.

Marcos said the terminal fee at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), which links Metro Manila to southern provinces, was suspended for three months for passenger vehicles, while expressway users were given toll fee discounts of up to nearly PHP200.

For cargo carried through Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessels, Marcos said the terminal fee for agricultural products and food items was slashed from PHP500 to just PHP1, while trucks accredited by the Department of Agriculture were given free passage on expressways.

“Dahil sa lahat ng mga pinatupad na ito, milyong-milyong Pilipino ang kahit paano ay direktang nakaramdam ng tulong sa panahon ng mataas na presyo ng petrolyo (Because of all these measures implemented, millions of Filipinos, one way or another, directly felt the help during the time of high petroleum prices),” he added. (PNA)

Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1280398

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said the planned Pax Silica Industrial Hub will strengthen the Philippines’ position in the global artificial intelligence (AI) and technology value chain while creating quality jobs and boosting industrial competitiveness.

During his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said the proposed hub is a product of the 23-member-strong and United States-led Pax Silica Initiative and is envisioned to build an ecosystem with AI at its core.

“It will bring quality jobs to our people, accelerate our industrial competitiveness, and revitalize our economy,” Marcos said.

“As a strategic component of the Luzon Economic Corridor, the hub will be an advanced manufacturing and logistics center in the global AI and technology value chain,” he added.

Marcos also outlined the government’s broader push to develop strategic and emerging sectors to move the country higher in the global value chain.

He said Cagayan is geographically and economically positioned to become the country’s gateway to space and host the Philippines’ first spaceport.

He added that a sounding rocket launch test, in partnership with a South Korean aerospace company, is scheduled for 2027.

Pax Silica is a proposed high-tech manufacturing and innovation hub under the Luzon Economic Corridor that aims to position the Philippines as a key player in global supply chains for semiconductors, AI, and critical minerals.

The Philippines joined the Pax Silica coalition in April as its 13th member. Since then, the coalition has expanded to more than 30 participating countries.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority earlier said the Pax Silica initiative could attract between USD40 billion and USD70 billion in investments once fully developed, creating opportunities for Filipino engineers, researchers, computer science graduates, and other highly skilled professionals to build their careers in the country.

The proposed Pax Silica development at the New Clark City is expected to create up to 190,000 high-quality jobs for Filipinos. (PNA)

Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1280396

MANILA – The Pag-IBIG Fund has raised its maximum housing loan limit to PHP10 million and expanded its Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program (4PH) portfolio, helping build or finance over 500,000 housing units nationwide.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development’s push to bridge the country’s housing gap has yielded historic productivity.

“Ito’y sa pamamagitan ng mga bagong komunidad, mga acquired assets ng Pag-IBIG Fund, Community Mortgage Program, resettlements, at pati na mga paupahan (This is through new communities, Pag-IBIG Fund acquired assets, the Community Mortgage Program, resettlements, and also rental housing),” he said.

More than 100,000 homes were added in just a single year under the expanded 4PH.

“Susi sa lahat ng ito ang magandang sistema ng pautang, upang gawing mas abot-kaya ang mga pabahay para sa mga Pilipino (The key to all of this is a good loan system, in order to make housing more affordable for Filipinos),” he added.

The expansion continues with the Fund’s active membership reaching 17 million.

Marcos said the raising of loan limit gives greater purchasing power and empowers working families and couples to secure their dream homes.

Citing that the Pag-IBIG Fund delivers comprehensive social protection for homeownership and retirement, he affirmed that the institution stands as a reliable partner in times of emergencies, calamities, and personal crises for worker welfare nationwide. (PNA)

Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1280399

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday highlighted the Philippines’ expanding trade partnerships and sustained investment inflows, saying these have strengthened the country’s economy and created more jobs for Filipinos.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address, Marcos said the Philippines has regained its place in the international community, with stronger foreign relations translating into wider market access and economic opportunities through trade agreements and increased investor confidence.

He noted that the country now has 23 free trade agreements (FTAs), either in force or under active negotiations with other countries, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnerships and a forthcoming Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates.

“As we have witnessed and proven during this difficult period, our strong foreign relations have earned us incalculable dividends. The Philippines is once again a full member of the community of nations,” he said.

“Our exports have been growing, reflecting high productivity and the increasing competitiveness of our products and services in the international trade market.”

Marcos said the government would continue reinforcing the country’s strengths, enhancing its comparative advantage and diversifying its export portfolio.

The Philippines, he said, has remained competitive in supplying critical components to leading technology firms worldwide while expanding exports of indigenous farm products, such as ube, coconut, bananas, and other tropical fruits, as well as newer products like enoki mushrooms.

The President also cited reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business in the country and accelerating digital transformation, saying these have encouraged more foreign investments.

“Foreign investments continue to pour in because of our beneficial policies, especially those promoting ease of doing business and accelerating digital transformation that curb red tape and corruption,” he said.

He emphasized that over the past three years, more than PHP6 trillion worth of investments have been facilitated through the government’s Green Lanes Initiative, with the projects expected to generate more than 400,000 jobs.

Marcos said the country’s economic zones have continued to provide a foundation for investment growth, posting consistent expansion over the past three years.

He cited the proclamation of new economic zones in areas outside Metro Manila, including Dumaguete and Misamis Oriental, noting that the government would also make a strong case for Palawan and the halal industry.

He also said the administration would continue pursuing strategic and emerging industries, including industries that would position the Philippines higher in the global value chain, including pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, luxury goods, technology and logistics.

“We continue to strive for bigger and greater things, venturing into areas heretofore unimaginable,” Marcos said. (PNA)

Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1280392

MANILA – The Philippine government continues to sustain its effective and practical diplomacy with foreign partners to alleviate the diverse impacts of the Middle East crisis on Filipinos, said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday.

In his penultimate State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said the administration’s ability to engage with a range of states allowed the country to buy and import needed oil at the onset of the war despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

“Sa kabila ng pagsara ng Strait of Hormuz, ay nagawa nating makabili at makapag-angkat mula sa ibang pagkukunang bansa tulad ng Japan, South Korea, Oman, India, maging sa Russia, pati na sa China (In spite of the Strait of Hormuz blockade, we were able to buy and import from several countries such as Japan, South Korea, Oman, India, even Russia and China),” he said.

“Dahil sa mga ito natiyak natin na sapat ang supply ng bansa na tatagal hanggang halos dalawang buwan (Because of this, we were able to secure enough supply that could sustain us for at least two months),” he added.

Manila, he pointed out, has also taken all measures to ensure the safety of Filipino seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, including through initiating talks with Iran.

Last April, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro had a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and secured an assurance from Tehran to allow the “safe, unhindered, and expeditious” passage of Philippine-flagged vessels, energy sources, and all Filipino seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz.

Between June and July, at least four Philippine-registered vessels manned by 81 Filipino seafarers already safely transited through the Strait of Hormuz and have exited the conflict area in the Persian Gulf region. (PNA)

Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1280390

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday announced the expansion of government assistance programs and proposed tax relief measures aimed at easing the financial burden on millions of Filipinos, particularly vulnerable families, workers and small businesses.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, Marcos said the government has earmarked more than PHP60 billion for assistance programs until the end of the year to help Filipinos cope with continuing economic challenges.

“Hanggang kailangan, asahan ninyo na hindi titigil ang pagsuporta ng pamahalaan. Naglaan tayo ng mahigit PHP60 bilyon para dito, hanggang katapusan ng taon (As long as it is needed, you can count on the government’s support to continue. We have allocated more than PHP60 billion for this purpose until the end of the year),” Marcos said.

He added that funds recovered from alleged irregularities in government projects would be redirected to programs that directly benefit the public.

Marcos said the government would recalibrate its assistance programs to cover more Filipinos in need, including beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Walang Gutom Program.

The expanded assistance, he said, is expected to reach around 3.5 million beneficiaries of the two programs, 1.5 million minimum wage earners who are members of the Social Security System, and 2.5 million poor Filipinos who have yet to receive government aid.

The President said continued assistance would also be extended to the transport sector, farmers and other agriculture stakeholders, and overseas Filipino workers affected by global uncertainties.

“Kung susumahin, mahigit pito’t kalahating milyong pamilya na lubos na nangangailangan ang matutulungan natin sa mabigat na kabanatang ito (In total, we will be able to assist more than 7.5 million families who are in great need during this difficult chapter),” he said.

Aside from expanding social protection programs, Marcos said the government is also seeking to provide relief to the middle class and small businesses, which continue to feel the effects of economic disruptions.

“So, to ensure the continued progress of the middle class amidst the lingering effects of the crisis, we will pursue tax relief measures that promote growth, generate revenue, and advance equity toward socio-economic sustainability,” he said.

The President urged Congress to pass measures that would expand income tax exemptions to workers earning not more than PHP350,000 annually and reduce income tax rates for other workers.

He said the proposed reforms also seek to remove the minimum corporate income tax for small businesses and grant tax amnesty covering unpaid income tax, estate and donor’s tax, value-added tax and related penalties.

“Kaya bilang natatanging proteksyon sa kanila at para mas mapakinabangan nila ang pinaghirapan nilang kita, nanawagan ako sa Kongreso na maipasa ang batas na magbibigay ng bahagyang ginhawa para sa ating bayaring buwis (Therefore, as a special form of protection for them and to allow them to benefit more from their hard-earned income, I call on Congress to pass legislation that will provide some relief from our tax obligations),” he said.

Marcos also underscored lessons learned from recent crises, citing the importance of strengthening national security, ensuring food and energy stability, maintaining strong international relations, and enhancing the government’s capacity to respond swiftly and effectively during emergencies.

He said these lessons have enabled the government to improve its response to the needs of Filipinos, particularly those belonging to vulnerable sectors. (PNA)

Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1280384

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. spent the week advancing the administration’s key priorities on housing, public services, food and energy security, healthcare, digital transformation, national defense, and international cooperation through a series of programs, infrastructure projects, and policy initiatives across the country.

From July 20 to 24, the President led the rollout of government assistance, inaugurated strategic facilities, strengthened partnerships with international allies, supported farmers and local communities, reinforced the country’s defense posture, and expanded access to essential public services, underscoring the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and responsive governance.

On July 20, the President began the week by reaffirming the Philippines’ longstanding alliance with the United States, meeting with U.S. Ambassador Lee Lipton and U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor.

President Marcos also welcomed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss deeper cooperation on security, trade, energy, and regional stability.

The next day – July 21- the President went to Lucena City in Quezon province to spearhead the distribution of Certificates of Entitlement to 100 of the 1,100 beneficiaries, advancing the administration’s housing program by helping families secure ownership of the land they occupy.

The Chief Executive also inaugurated the expanded Port of Lucena Passenger Terminal Building to improve passenger travel and boost trade and tourism in Southern Luzon.

The President likewise led the distribution of assistance under the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang Program, supported Presidential Scholars, and strengthened local government services. The program provides P200,000 to each barangay, with P100,000 allocated to five Presidential Scholars, who will each receive P20,000 in educational assistance.

After the three events in Lucena, the Commander-in-Chief went directly to Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City to preside over the change of command in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, honoring outgoing AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. and welcoming General Antonio Nafarrete as the new military chief.

The following day – July 22- the President launched the Bangsamoro Government Convergence Program in Maguindanao del Norte, bringing education, infrastructure, and other government services to more than 2,000 barangays across the Bangsamoro region.

President Marcos also reaffirmed the enduring partnership between the national government and the Bangsamoro government, saying their shared commitment to peace, inclusive development, and mutual trust is helping build a more prosperous Philippines.

The President said the partnership is anchored on responsibility and a common vision of ensuring the well-being and dignity of every Filipino.

“Together, we are advancing a shared vision of a more peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive Philippines, guided by the belief that the strength of our nation rests on the well-being and dignity of every Filipino,” President Marcos added.

On July 23, the President pushed the administration’s energy agenda with an inspection of the Malampaya Phase 4 Project to help secure the country’s future energy supply and reduce dependence on imported liquefied natural gas.

And because agriculture and food security remained among the government’s priorities, President Marcos inaugurated the Ibato-Iraan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in Palawan, providing year-round irrigation to more than 1,000 hectares of farmland.

Later that day, President Marcos visited two soldiers injured while carrying out their duty in the West Philippine Sea at Camp Ricarte Station Hospital, Palawan, expressing the nation’s gratitude to the soldiers for their bravery and dedication in protecting the Philippines sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

On the last working day of the week, July 24, President Marcos had a busy schedule, leading a series of activities that advanced the administration’s priorities in food security, healthcare, digital infrastructure, and emergency medical services.

In the morning, President Marcos inspected the Food Security Complex in Pampanga, which could help reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmers’ incomes.

The President later proceeded to the Milled Rice Area to observe the ongoing distribution of Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) checks by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to 21 associations from the agriculture sector and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) to 600 beneficiaries.

Aside from food security, President Marcos is also prioritizing healthcare by personally checking the Department of Health-Jose B. Lingad Children’s Medical Center, which expanded access to specialized pediatric healthcare. The President was joined by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos during the inspection.

With digital transformation being one of his administration thrusts, the President graced the inauguration of the Converge Angeles Data Center. The Center is designed to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure.

President Marcos’ fourth and last activity in Central Luzon was the turnover of 34 Patient Transport Vehicles in San Fernando, Pampanga, which completed 100-percent provincial coverage across all 82 provinces under the government’s Patient Transport Vehicle Program, ensuring that every province now has access to free emergency patient transport.

The Chief Executive vowed to roll out a nationwide fire truck distribution program for local government units (LGUs), the funding of which is already available, with procurement now underway.

President Marcos said the initiative, to be implemented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), aims to ensure that all LGUs are equipped with fire trucks, noting that many municipalities either lack the equipment or are using outdated units.

The President capped his busy day by hosting a gala dinner at Malacañang Palace to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

As ASEAN Chair for 2026, the Philippines led the celebration of the treaty, which has promoted peace, cooperation, and mutual respect since it was signed in Bali, Indonesia, in 1976.

Welcoming diplomats, foreign ministers, and ASEAN officials, President Marcos compared diplomacy to the Filipino tradition of gathering around the hapag-kainan.

The series of activities underscored the administration’s focus on delivering essential government services, strengthening economic and food security, modernizing infrastructure, improving healthcare, enhancing national defense, and deepening international partnerships ahead of the President’s State of the Nation Address. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. hosted a gala dinner at Malacañang Palace on Friday to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

As ASEAN Chair for 2026, the Philippines led the celebration of the treaty, which has promoted peace, cooperation, and mutual respect since it was signed in Bali, Indonesia, in 1976.

Earlier in that day, Sweden, Poland, Romania, and Lithuania joined the treaty, bringing the total number of participating countries to 62.

Welcoming diplomats, foreign ministers, and ASEAN officials, President Marcos compared diplomacy to the Filipino tradition of gathering around the hapag-kainan.

“In every Filipino Home, there is a place where people come together,” President Marcos said. “In our language, we call it hapag-kainan… Tonight the Philippines extends its hapag-kainan to all of you,” President Marcos said.

The President said that just as families build friendships around the table, leaders also build peace and agreement through dialogue.

President Marcos also recalled that his father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, was among the leaders who signed the treaty 50 years ago.

“Only in time did I come to realize that the document signed that day was far more than a treaty. It was a statement of confidence in our region’s future, a conviction that despite our differences, Southeast Asia could build its security through mutual respect and cooperation,” President Marcos reiterated.

The President also linked the treaty’s spirit to the Filipino value of bayanihan, where people help one another and celebrate together after the work is done.

To mark the golden anniversary, the Philippines unveiled a commemorative postage stamp and a Sampaguita-inspired anniversary emblem, symbolizing 50 years of peace across five continents.

Closing the event, President Marcos called on leaders to continue upholding the treaty’s values.

“May this evening remind us that every enduring partnership begins with a conversation, every lasting friendship with mutual trust, and every meaningful cooperation with the simple willingness to sit together, listen to one another, and seek common ground,” President Marcos emphasized. IPND

The 11 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the High Contracting Parties (HCPs) to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) on Friday called for stronger dialogue and practical cooperation to address regional and global challenges as they concluded the inaugural High-Level Conference marking the treaty’s 50th anniversary.

During the conference’s plenary session held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila, co-chairs of the three breakout sessions presented the outcomes of their discussions on conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy, maritime security and cooperation, and emerging threats and challenges.

Presenting the outcomes of the first session, European Union High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas said participants agreed that the TAC’s core principles remain relevant amid growing global challenges.

She said delegates stressed that preventing conflict requires addressing its root causes, including poverty, climate change, health issues, and lack of education. They also highlighted the important role of women in peace-building and emphasized that peace and security should go hand in hand with development, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges.

“Peace-building is not only about ending wars. But it is confidence-building for the whole-of-society approach. It is also national reconciliation that requires everybody on board,” Kallas said.

She added that participants also discussed the risks posed by rapidly evolving technologies and underscored the importance of accountability in preventing future conflicts.

Presenting the outcomes of the session on maritime security and cooperation, Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said participants expressed strong support for the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the legal foundation for maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation at sea.

He said delegates called for closer cooperation to combat piracy; illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; marine pollution; and other cross-border maritime threats. They also highlighted the need to strengthen information sharing, maritime domain awareness, search and rescue cooperation, and the protection of critical underwater infrastructure.

“These things cannot be dealt with in isolation, and that is another essential reason why we need to work together,” Balakrishnan said.

In the third session, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said participants agreed that the TAC remains a living document whose principles continue to guide ASEAN’s efforts to promote dialogue, peaceful settlement of disputes, mutual trust, confidence-building, and cooperation.

He said discussions also focused on emerging challenges such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cybercrime, supply chain disruptions, climate change, pandemics, and food and energy security.

Participants also supported closer cooperation through information sharing, capacity building, and ASEAN-led mechanisms.

“Overall, the discussion reflected a strong sense that the TAC continues to provide a valuable framework for dialogue and cooperation among the High Contracting Parties. The meeting shared the view that the continuing relevance of the TAC will depend not only on the enduring value of its principles, but also on the ability to translate those principles into cooperation in addressing today’s and tomorrow’s challenges,” Phuangketkeow said.

Closing the conference, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro presented the outcome documents adopted during the event, including an ASEAN-sponsored United Nations General Assembly resolution commemorating the TAC’s 50th anniversary, the Guidelines on the Modalities for Engagement of ASEAN with High Contracting Parties, and the ASEAN Chair’s Statement.

Lazaro said the documents demonstrate ASEAN’s commitment to keeping the TAC relevant as a platform for dialogue, confidence-building, and practical cooperation.

“These outcome documents demonstrate that 50 years since the signing of the TAC, the treaty continues to evolve cognizant of the evolving global dynamics, and at the same time, true to the vision upon which it was delivered,” she said.

“They reaffirm that the TAC is not only a legacy of ASEAN’s founding fathers, but also a dynamic framework through which ASEAN and its High Contracting Parties can continue advancing peace, stability, and rules-based cooperation,” she added.

Lazaro urged the 62 High Contracting Parties to translate the conference’s discussions into concrete initiatives and practical cooperation, stressing that while the treaty’s principles have remained constant for five decades, their application must continue to evolve in response to present-day realities.

“May today’s discussions remind us of our enduring commitment to the treaty. We not merely affirm a set of principles. We carry with us a conviction to uphold perpetual peace, promote amity, and sustain cooperation among our peoples,” she said.

“The responsibility now rests with all of us to ensure that the treaty endures and that the conversation we began today continues beyond this conference unto our respective nations and communities,” she added. | PND