MANILA: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr welcomed the new year with a message of hope, optimism, and gratitude, underscoring the Philippines’ diplomatic progress and its upcoming role as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
The occasion took place during the traditional “vin d’honneur”, a diplomatic gathering traditionally held on New Year’s Day and Independence Day, marked by the exchange of toasts between the President of the Philippines and the Papal Nuncio, who serves as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.
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“I am delighted to welcome you as we usher in 2026, inspired by a renewed sense of hope, optimism, and vitality. We find many reasons to be grateful for the years that have passed, and even more reasons to remain hopeful and resolute as we look ahead,” Marcos said, addressing foreign dignitaries and representatives.
The President emphasized that despite global challenges such as economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, climate-related issues, and rapid technological transformation, the Philippines has made significant strides in building meaningful and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Marcos highlighted the establishment of new foreign service posts in 2025, including the embassy in Suva, Fiji, and consulates general in Seattle, USA, Busan, South Korea, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
For 2026, he approved the opening of embassies in Astana, Kazakhstan, and Accra, Ghana, as well as a consulate general in Miami, Florida.
“This is a crucial part of our proactive effort to extend our global reach to pursue new opportunities for cooperation and bring our services closer to the millions of Filipinos living and working overseas,” he explained.
The President also welcomed the establishment of new embassies in Manila by Peru, the Slovak Republic, and Ukraine, and announced that the Philippines had formally established diplomatic relations with Bhutan, Grenada, and Madagascar in 2025. These new ties, he said, reflect the country’s commitment to forging partnerships across diverse regions.
Looking ahead, Marcos underscored the Philippines’ assumption of the ASEAN chairship in 2026 under the theme Navigating Our Future Together.
He outlined three priorities: peace and security anchors, prosperity corridors, and people empowerment.
“These priorities will direct Asean’s efforts to strengthen dialogue and cooperation on regional security, deepen economic integration through innovation and sustainability, and uplift the lives and resilience of the peoples of Asean member states,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the Philippines’ campaign for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for 2027 to 2028.
“If entrusted with this responsibility, the Philippines will be principled and constructive – a voice that will champion the rule of law, protect civilians, promote conflict prevention, and amplify the perspectives of small and middle powers,” Marcos declared.
The Dean of The Diplomatic Corps, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Most Reverend Charles Brown III expressed appreciation for the hospitality of the Filipino people and commended the government’s commitment to eradicating corruption.
“We commend you for your State of the Nation Address last July, and for your denunciation of those who seek to steal the future of Filipinos through corruption, especially in the area of public works projects. Your government’s continuing commitment to eradicating the affliction of corruption has the complete support of all of us,” Brown said.
He also highlighted the Philippines’ Asean chairship in 2026, noting the potential for achieving great good for Southeast Asia.
“We were heartened by the vision you presented in your speech at the national launch of the Philippine chairship, in particular for your focus that evening on artificial intelligence,” Brown said.
He added that promoting the “safe, ethical, responsible, equitable, and sustainable adoption of AI in all areas, such as trade facilitation, digitalization, and innovation, will indeed enhance regional competitiveness, support micro, small, and medium enterprises, and unlock new opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth.”
