DND Chief: ASEAN’s Role in Regional Peace & Prosperity

MANILA – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a major player in ensuring peace and prosperity in the region, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said on Thursday.

“Since its founding on Aug. 8, 1967, ASEAN has been a steadfast driver of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, facing challenges through the collective resolve of its Member States,” Teodoro said in his message on the 10-member regional bloc’s founding anniversary.

He said the Philippines joins its Southeast Asian neighbors in celebrating the 58th year of ASEAN, which he described as a resilient, dynamic, and people-centered community founded on unity, solidarity, and multilateralism.

Teodoro also noted that this year’s theme, “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” reflects ASEAN’s commitment to ensuring that progress benefits all, leaving no one behind.

“The DND takes pride in the achievements of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus in encouraging trust, transparency, and interoperability among defense forces, which have strengthened our ability to respond to humanitarian crises, counter security threats, and safeguard vital sea lanes, including those in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.

As the Philippines prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, Teodoro said, the DND is reaffirming its resolve to advance practical cooperation and uphold a rules-based regional order in support of a peaceful and resilient Southeast Asia.

Aside from the Philippines, ASEAN consists of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. (PNA)