President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn during a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace on Thursday, November 27. 

Dr. Kao is on a working visit to the Philippines from November 27 to 28 to provide full support for preparations for the country’s upcoming Chairship of ASEAN in 2026. During the meeting, President Marcos and Dr. Kao discussed key priorities and deliverables under the theme “Navigating our Future, Together.” 

Joining the President were senior officials including Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Communications Secretary Dave Gomez, and Undersecretary Ma. Hellen De La Vega. Dr. Kao is also scheduled to meet with other Cabinet officials, including Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque and Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, as well as the Chair of the 2026 ASEAN Business Advisory Council. 

Earlier this month, President Marcos formally launched ASEAN Philippines 2026, outlining three priorities for the country’s leadership of the 11-nation bloc: peace and security anchors, prosperity corridors, and people empowerment. The official ASEAN Philippines 2026 logo reflects these themes, featuring rice stalks for food security, weave patterns for interconnection, waves for maritime cooperation, and a traditional Filipino boat symbolizing ASEAN’s collective journey. 

Source: Presidential Communications Office (PCO)