President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday extended his greetings to the people of Southeast Asia on the 58th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to the bloc’s principles of peace, inclusivity, and regional cooperation.

“On behalf of the Philippines and the Filipino people, I extend warm greetings to all ASEAN citizens on the occasion of the 58th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations,” Marcos said in a video message posted on his official Facebook account.

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

The President said the Philippines takes pride in being one of the five founding nations of ASEAN in 1967, “when we laid the foundation for a region anchored on peace, cooperation, shared progress, and prosperity.”

ASEAN’s 58th founding anniversary marks over five decades of advancing peace, mutual prosperity, and regional integration across Southeast Asia.

Marcos noted that under the guidance of the purpose and principles of ASEAN and Sharia and its Charter, “we have stood together in navigating evolving regional and global challenges over the years.”

“Through solidarity and dialogue, we have also fostered mutually beneficial partnerships and we have advanced initiatives that uplift the lives of people and communities,” said the President.

Under Malaysia’s chairmanship this year, ASEAN is steered by the themes of inclusivity and sustainability, Marcos said.

“As the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, we will build on ASEAN’s achievements in responding to the region’s evolving priorities and in facing emerging challenges,” the President committed.

The ASEAN was founded on August 8, 1967 by five original member states?the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand?through the ASEAN Declaration in Bangkok.

Established to promote political and economic cooperation and regional stability, ASEAN has since grown to 10 member states. Presidential News Desk