The Philippines hosted a series of high-level ASEAN economic meetings in Panglao, Bohol from January 21 to 25, 2026, advancing discussions on the bloc’s economic priorities for the year.
Central to the gatherings was the First ASEAN Senior Economic Officials’ Meeting for the 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting (SEOM 1/57), where officials reviewed the Philippines’ Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs), considered feedback from member states, and aligned plans with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and global economic developments.
During the week, senior officials also took stock of regional priorities, including negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), sustainability initiatives under the ASEAN Economic Community, and strategies responding to evolving geoeconomic conditions.
Cross-sector coordination was highlighted at the 18th Meeting of the Committee of the Whole for the ASEAN Economic Community (CoW), which focused on aligning economic initiatives with political-security and socio-cultural efforts as ASEAN transitions to its post-2025 agenda.
Officials exchanged views on implementation, monitoring, and collaboration across sectors under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
Technical meetings held alongside SEOM and CoW advanced sectoral programs.
The Fourth Meeting of the Focal Group on Global Value Chains discussed the ASEAN Global Value Chain Work Plan 2026–2030, industrial cooperation initiatives, and the ASEAN Semiconductor Roadmap, a Philippine PED for 2026.
Meanwhile, the Third Meeting of the Focal Group on Circular Economy reviewed progress in implementing the ASEAN Circular Economy Framework and explored ways to expand circular economy initiatives across key sectors.
Hosting the meetings in Panglao highlighted how ASEAN discussions can connect with local economies.
Delegates supported Bohol’s tourism, hospitality, transport, and creative sectors, demonstrating the province’s capacity to host high-level international engagements and reflecting the Philippines’ aim to bring ASEAN closer to local communities.
The events were coordinated by the Department of Trade and Industry, the National Organizing Committee, and the Local Government of Bohol, with support from partner agencies, ensuring a smooth and secure conduct.
With the conclusion of the meetings, the Philippines moves forward in its ASEAN Chairship with early momentum on its economic agenda, setting the stage for upcoming engagements including the 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat.
