Philippines Hosting ASEAN Socio-Cultural Meeting This Week — DSWD to Champion 'RISE' Agenda for Family Resilience
The Department of Social Welfare and Development is gearing up to host a major regional event this week — the 35th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council meetings, running March 2-5 in Makati City. DSWD Secretary Rexlon Gatchalian made the announcement Sunday, positioning the Philippines as a key leader in ASEAN's social development agenda.
As the Philippine representative, DSWD serves as the ASCC chairman and will push four thematic priorities under the acronym RISE: Resilient and empowered families, Inclusive development, Smart youth and innovation, and Environmentally-sustainable and food secure future.
DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao told The Manila Times that the Philippines' ASEAN chairmanship for 2026 operates under the broader theme 'Navigating our Future, Together,' with three pillars: peace and security, prosperity, and people empowerment.
Beyond the policy discussions, the DSWD plans to showcase Filipino culture to other ASEAN member nations through presentations of the country's rich culinary heritage and performances of traditional dances and songs. 'We take this chairmanship as an opportunity to introduce Filipino society and culture through experiential programs,' Dumlao said.
The meetings come at a significant time for ASEAN cooperation, with the region facing shared challenges from climate change to youth unemployment. The DSWD said it aims to ensure that policy discussions translate into regional initiatives that will be 'felt by the ASEAN people' — not just words on paper.
Source: The Manila Times
