SINGAPORE, 6 February 2026 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro delivered a lecture on the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship this morning at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. The hybrid event drew around 600 members of the diplomatic corps, academe, business community, government  policy makers and media who attended onsite and online.

The Philippines’ top diplomat outlined the theme and priorities of the Philippines’ chairship. emphasizing ASEAN’s role in addressing  peace and security, maritime stability, climate change and emerging technologies amid global uncertainties. She noted that the Philippines assumes a leadership at a pivotal moment, coinciding with the first year of implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, Timor-Leste’s first year as full member of ASEAN, the target conclusion this year of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.  and the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.

Under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together”, Secretary Lazaro highlighted the Philippines’ strategic priorities into the 3Ps, namely: 1) Peace and Security Anchors; b) Prosperity Corridors; and c) People Empowerment. As the ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy on Myanmar, she also presented her priorities and underscored the importance of the Five Point Consensus as the framework for ASEAN’s collective engagement.

While in Singapore, Secretary Lazaro also visited the new Philippine Embassy, which she inaugurated on 20 October 2025 with Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, and met with Embassy personnel. She likewise stopped by the Alkaff Bridge at Robertson Quay, a symbol of friendship between the Philippines and Singapore. Before departing Singapore, Secretary Lazaro passed by Lau Pa Sat, an iconic hawker center in the country and tried some local dishes. END.