SINGAPORE, 28 April 2026 – Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig delivered a lecture on 27 April 2026 at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies of Nanyang Technological University, outlining the Philippines’ strategic priorities for its 2026 ASEAN Chairship and offering perspectives on the evolving regional security environment and ASEAN’s role in shaping the regional security architecture.

Addressing graduate students enrolled in RSIS’ Master’s programme on ASEAN and the Security Architecture in Asia, Ambassador Macaraig underscored that the Philippines approaches its Chairship with a strong sense of responsibility under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” emphasizing the need for ASEAN to remain cohesive, adaptive, and forward-looking amid increasing geopolitical complexity.

He highlighted the Philippines’ three overarching priorities – Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors, and People Empowerment – which advance a comprehensive approach to regional security across ASEAN’s three community pillars. Central to these efforts is the reinforcement of ASEAN centrality, ensuring that ASEAN remains the primary platform for dialogue, cooperation, and norm-setting in an evolving regional landscape.

In assessing the regional security environment, Ambassador Macaraig pointed to intensifying geopolitical competition, the spillover effects of external conflicts, and the growing salience of non-traditional security challenges. He emphasized that these developments require ASEAN to respond with greater coherence and agility, anchored on international law, dialogue, and strengthened regional mechanisms.

He further noted that the Philippines, as ASEAN Chair, has responded to developments in the Middle East by helping convene Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meetings and by streamlining and refocusing its Chairship agenda to address both immediate and longer-term impacts, particularly on energy security, supply chains, and the protection of ASEAN nationals, demonstrating ASEAN’s capacity for timely and coordinated action.

The lecture concluded with a reaffirmation of the Philippines’ commitment to steering ASEAN toward a more cohesive and resilient community capable of navigating present uncertainties while advancing peace, stability, and shared prosperity in the region. (END)