Marcos renews commitment to Asean principles of peace, progress

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., attends the plenary session at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Monday, May 26, 2025. (AP file photo/VINCENT THIAN)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippines will uphold the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) principles and the region’s legacy of lasting peace and shared progress.

In a video message for the Asean 58th founding anniversary on Friday, Marcos also extended recognition to Malaysia’s hosting of the Asean Summit in 2025 and looked forward to the Philippines’ turn next year.

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“We take pride in the Philippines’ role more than five decades ago, when we laid the foundation for a region anchored on peace, cooperation, shared progress, and prosperity. Guided by the purpose and principles of ASEAN enshrined in its charter, we have stood together in navigating evolving regional and global challenges over the years,” he said.

“We will uphold ASEAN’s principles and continue the region’s legacy of lasting peace and shared progress as we navigate our future together,” he added.

Celebrated yearly every August 8th, the Asean Day commemorates its founding in 1967 with the signing of the Asean Declaration, also known as the Bangkok Declaration.

Asean has played a vital role in promoting economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region. /apl