THE Philippines, in hosting the 2026 Asean Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Pillar, will highlight the country’s “RISE Asean” agenda, which supports “a truly ‘One Asean, One Response’ region” or unity in addressing common concerns. The Philippines, as the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) chairman, is taking an active role in engaging in high-level dialogues that are shaping cooperation in security, economic integration, and social development. The meetings aim to strengthen family resilience, empower young people, and advance inclusive development for marginalized and vulnerable communities across the region. “The forum affirms that empowering individuals, families, and communities is both the means and the measure of Asean’s success,” said Social Welfare and Development Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao. She said RISE stands for “R - Resilient and Empowered Families, I - Inclusive Development, S - Smart Youth and Innovation, and E - Environmentally Sustainable and Food Secure Future.” The Philippines, through the ASCC Pillar, is hosting this week the 40th Senior Officials Committee for the Asean Socio-Cultural Meeting and the 35th ASCC Council Meeting. “Beyond these high-level meetings, the richness of the Filipino culture will also be highlighted through our curated gastronomic and heritage tours, and performances of traditional music and dance,” Dumlao said in a briefing. In the 40th SOCA Meeting, she said senior officials will review and harmonize key frameworks in support of the Philippines’ people empowerment agenda. The high-level ASCC Council Forum will bring together ministers, senior officials, experts, youth leaders, and development partners to place people empowerment at the forefront of Asean’s forward trajectory. Dumlao said at the 35th ASCC Council Meeting regional ministers will adopt key frameworks and finalize priority social policies for Southeast Asia. “The Philippines welcomes our Asean family not only with a strong pro-people agenda, but with the spirit of unity and partnership. As we navigate our future together, may we continue shaping a resilient, dynamic, and truly people-centered Asean,” she added.