MANILA, Philippines — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rexlon Gatchalian on Sunday announced that the agency was set to host the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council meetings on March 2-5 in Makati City. As the Philippine’s representative, the DSWD serves as the ASCC chairman, and will be championing four thematic priorities under the acronym RISE during the council meetings, Gatchalian said. Encapsulating the DSWD’s vision for its 2026 ASCC chairmanship, RISE stands for: Resilient and empowered families; Inclusive development; Smart youth and innovation; and, Environmentally-sustainable and food secure future, according to the DSWD chief. DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, meanwhile, told The Manila Times that the country’s chairmanship would have three priorities – peace and security, prosperity and people empowerment – under the theme ‘Navigating our Future, Together.’’ As Philippine representative, Dumlao said the DSWD would head one of the Asean pillars - Asean Socio-Cultural Community – hence, its hosting of the 35th ASCC meetings. The DSWD spokesman said the department would focus on promoting family resiliency, youth empowerment, and inclusive development of marginalized and vulnerable sectors for a ‘One Asean, One-Response’ region. “More than chairing and hosting the 35th ASCC, the DSWD seeks to ensure that policy discussions will result in regional initiatives that will be felt by the ASEAN people,” she said. The DSWD officials said that aside from hosting high-level meetings, the agency would also take the opportunity to showcase Filipino culture to the other Asean member nations through the presentation of the rich gastronomical heritage and the performance of traditional dances and songs. “We take this ASCC chair[man]ship as an opportunity to introduce the Filipino society, the culture, through experiential programs and activities. Under the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the department has prepared simple yet meaningful activities for the ASCC meeting aside from policy discussions,” Dumlao said.