The Philippine Embassy in Singapore brought together the ASEAN diplomatic community and its dialogue, sectoral and development partners in Singapore on 18 August 2026 for a dinner at the Embassy’s Sinagtala Hall to celebrate the 59th Anniversary of the Founding of ASEAN under the Philippines’ Chairship year.
Guest of Honor Mr. Albert Chua, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, joined Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig, the Heads of Mission of all ASEAN Member States in Singapore, and Heads of Missions and senior representatives of ASEAN partner countries. The gathering brought together representatives from at least 38 countries across the diplomatic corps in Singapore.
The event began with a cocktail reception at the Embassy’s Narra Circle, featuring tropical fruits and delicacies from across ASEAN, brought together through the contributions of AMS in Singapore. The pre-event reception highlighted the rich agricultural and culinary diversity of the region and the bounty that ASEAN countries share.
Ambassador Macaraig, in his welcome remarks at the Sinagtala Hall, highlighted ASEAN’s 59-year record of cooperation and resilience, anchored on consensus, mutual respect, and regional centrality. He emphasized the Philippines’ 2026 Chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” and its focus on three areas: peace and security anchors, prosperity corridors, and people empowerment. He also cited key milestones of the Chairship, including the 48th ASEAN Summit, the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), and the 59th ASEAN FMM in Manila. He also echoed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s statement in his recent SONA wherein he described ASEAN as a “safe harbor” amid global uncertainties.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary Chua, who is also Singapore’s ASEAN Senior Official Meeting (SOM) Leader, underscored ASEAN’s achievements in dialogue, consultation, and consensus-building, particularly in navigating major regional and global challenges. He noted ASEAN’s achievements and significant milestones, and emphasized the need for continued cooperation among AMS and with external partners. He said the Philippines’ Chairship theme remains particularly relevant to ASEAN’s current challenges, and assured Singapore’s readiness to assume the Chairship later this year.
The evening’s program also featured the video message of President Marcos to commemorate ASEAN’s 59th anniversary, a video clip on the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship, a toast and a cake-cutting ceremony joined by the GOH and all ASEAN Heads of Mission.
The Embassy hosted an ASEAN-inspired Filipino lauriat-style dinner. Two (2) of Post’s personnel entertained the guests with musical performances, followed by a special musical presentation by Ambassador Macaraig. The fellowship continued with an open-mic singing session and “tagayan” tradition featuring Philippine coconut wine (lambanog), both of which added a distinctly Filipino touch to the evening.
The event provided an opportunity to highlight the Philippines’ priorities as ASEAN Chair and to strengthen engagement with ASEAN Member States, Dialogue, Sectoral and Development Partners, and the wider diplomatic community in Singapore.
The event marked the first ASEAN celebration hosted by the Philippine Embassy at the newly redeveloped Chancery. It provided a setting for ASEAN Member States, partners, and the wider diplomatic community to celebrate ASEAN’s achievements, exchange views, and strengthen ties as the Philippines completes its 2026 Chairship and prepares to hand over the Chair to Singapore.
Source: Philippine Embassy
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<p>Time: November 2025<br /> By: WTO and International Trade Group, Legal Department – VCCI</p>
