ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) is a gathering where ASEAN engages with non-member
countries on political and security issues. It was established on January 28, 1992, through the
Singapore Declaration at the ASEAN Summit.
The ARF consists of:
● ASEAN member states
● ASEAN Dialogue Partners
● One ASEAN member-observer country
ASEAN’s Success in Achieving Development and Peace in the Region
Since its establishment in 1967, ASEAN has successfully promoted peace, stability, and development
in the region through the implementation of its three main pillars: political-security, economic, and
socio-cultural. These pillars are upheld through the following declarations:
Declaration on the Zone of Peace, Freedom, and Neutrality (ZOPFAN)
Signed on November 27, 1971, by the foreign ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines,
Singapore, and Thailand, ZOPFAN emphasized respect for national sovereignty and regional
cooperation, especially during the Cold War. This declaration:
● Encouraged Southeast Asian nations to maintain peace and security in the region.
● Strengthened cooperation in economic, social, and cultural development.
● Ensured territorial integrity, prevented threats or the use of force, and promoted peaceful
resolution of regional conflicts.
● Advocated for the neutralization of Southeast Asia, ensuring the region remains free from
external interference from powerful nations.
Declaration of ASEAN Concord
The Declaration of ASEAN Concord is a formal agreement aimed at promoting peace, prosperity,
and the well-being of ASEAN citizens. It also strengthened cooperation within ASEAN in the areas
of politics, economy, society, and culture. This declaration led to the implementation of various
programs, including:
Political Achievements
● Successfully organized summits among ASEAN leaders.
● Strengthened intra-regional relations through the signing of the Treaty of Amity and
Cooperation in Southeast Asia, which serves as a guide for peaceful interstate relations.
● Resolved regional disputes peacefully and as quickly as possible.
● Enhanced ASEAN’s political cooperation mechanisms and explored the possibility of an
ASEAN Extradition Treaty.
Economic Achievements
ASEAN has made significant progress in economic development through collaborative efforts:
● Strengthened cooperation in the production of essential goods, particularly food and energy,
for member countries.
● Promoted industrial collaboration, leading to the establishment of ASEAN industrial plants
to meet regional needs.
● Prioritized projects that contribute to food production, foreign exchange earnings, and job
creation.
● Integrated ASEAN economies into global trade and addressed challenges from an
international perspective.
Social Development
ASEAN has focused on uplifting low-income groups, particularly in rural areas. It has also:
● Advocated for equal employment opportunities and fair wages.
● Encouraged youth and women’s participation in social development programs.
● Supported initiatives to address population growth issues by collaborating with Dialogue
Partners to develop strategic solutions.
Cultural Development
ASEAN has also taken steps to preserve and promote cultural identity, including:
● Encouraging the study of national languages of ASEAN countries.
● Supporting scholars, writers, and media representatives in their efforts to promote ASEAN’s
diverse cultures.
● Organizing research, visual arts exhibitions, and cultural performances across member
states.
Through these initiatives, ASEAN has successfully fostered unity, stability, and progress in
Southeast Asia, ensuring its continued growth and resilience in a dynamic global landscape.
ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)
The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) serves as the economic cooperation mechanism of ASEAN. With
the establishment of AFTA, ASEAN has continued to promote internal collaboration among member
countries in trade, services, and investments while strengthening the region’s industrial production
capabilities to enhance its global competitiveness. As a result, ASEAN has not only united its member
states in economic advancement but has also integrated the region into the global economy.
In connection with this, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) contributed to
the realization of the Free Trade Area partnership among ASEAN’s 11 member states and countries
such as China, Japan, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand in 2020. This agreement significantly
impacted the global economy, especially in the post-COVID-19 pandemic recovery phase. This
marked the revitalization of economic progress in the region.
In 2003, ASEAN leaders agreed to continue the success of AFTA and other key initiatives to further
expand and deepen the achievements of the trade agreement. Through the Bali Concord II, the
leaders collectively declared the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) as one of ASEAN’s three
pillars, alongside the Political-Security Community and the Socio-Cultural Community.
ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)
The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is the realization of the region’s goal of economic
integration. It envisions a single market with high-quality production, capable of competing in global
trade despite the challenges of the international economy.
Once fully implemented, AEC is expected to facilitate the free movement of goods, services, and
investments, along with the greater flow of capital and skilled labor across the region.
Most importantly, through trade alignment and investment regulations, ASEAN aims to strengthen
its position as an attractive destination for investments. In the following years, ASEAN actively
engaged in free trade agreements and signed six regional trade deals to further boost economic
cooperation.
Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ)
As part of ASEAN’s security initiatives, the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty
(SEANWFZ) was established. Signed on December 15, 1995, by ASEAN member states, the
SEANWFZ Treaty, also known as the Bangkok Treaty, commits the region to remain free of nuclear
weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.
Through this treaty, ASEAN reaffirms the importance of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of
Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and promoting global peace
and security. The treaty also established the Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (NWFZ) in Southeast
Asia—one of five such zones worldwide, alongside Latin America and the Caribbean, the South
Pacific, Africa, and Central Asia.
ASEAN Vision 2020
Since its inception, ASEAN has built a zone of peace, freedom, and neutrality, continuously fostering
progress among its people. Today, ASEAN serves as a market of 500 million people with a total
gross domestic product (GDP) of US$600 billion. This economic success has contributed to regional
stability and a significant reduction in poverty rates.
Trade and investment have flourished due to the liberalization of trade regulations, helping ASEAN
achieve its vision set for 2020. The vision includes a unified external outlook, where member states
live peacefully, with stability and prosperity, bound together through partnerships and cooperation in
developing a caring and dynamic community.
The Philippines in ASEAN
The Philippines is one of ASEAN’s founding members. Initially, it had a developing economy when
it joined ASEAN. However, according to Mr. Motoo Konishi, co-chair of the Philippines
Development Forum, in a 2013 press statement, the Philippines is no longer regarded as the "sick
man of Asia" but is now recognized as "Asia’s rising tiger."
Role of the Philippines in ASEAN
As an ASEAN member, the Philippines plays a crucial role in guiding ASEAN’s external relations
with its strategic dialogue partners. However, this leadership role rotates among member states, with
a new chairmanship every three years, ensuring equal representation. The ASEAN chair is
responsible for promoting ASEAN’s interests while strengthening diplomatic ties based on mutual
respect and equality.
The Philippines has chaired ASEAN four times, each with significant contributions:
● 1987 Manila Declaration – Strengthened political and economic cooperation between ASEAN
members and their dialogue partners.
● 2007 Cebu Summit – Advocated for the protection and rights of migrant workers within
ASEAN.
● 2015 ASEAN Convention – Led the expansion of ASEAN’s anti-human trafficking initiatives.
● 2017 ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Ending All Forms of Malnutrition – Launched
strategies and cooperation efforts in food security and nutrition through sectors like
agriculture, public health, and social welfare.
According to Article 31 of the ASEAN Charter, ASEAN leadership rotates annually in alphabetical
order based on the English names of member countries. The Philippines previously held the ASEAN
chairmanship in 1987, 1999, 2006, and 2017.
An ASEAN chair is expected to actively promote ASEAN’s interests and welfare, work toward
strengthening ASEAN as a community, and uphold ASEAN centrality in policy-making and
cooperation efforts.
A notable example of this commitment was President Corazon Aquino’s state visit to Indonesia
(August 25–26, 1986), where she promoted regional cooperation and signed economic agreements,
including air search and rescue cooperation for emergency situations. Similarly, President Fidel V.
Ramos' visit to Malaysia (January 27–30, 1993) proposed key initiatives to enhance ASEAN
cooperation.
During the presidency of Joseph Estrada and his visit to Singapore from October 11–14, 1998,
discussions were held regarding bilateral trade between Singapore and the Philippines and the need
to strengthen the relationship between the two countries during economic hardship. In Singapore,
Filipinos working and residing there made significant contributions, which the country’s leadership
highly valued.
During President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on August 7, 2001,
regional issues were discussed, and agreements were strengthened to enhance cooperation between
the two countries in healthcare services, technology and communication, and, most notably, tourism.
Several agreements were also established during President Benigno Aquino III’s visit to Vietnam
from October 26–30, 2010, including academic cooperation, defense collaboration, disaster
preparedness and response—particularly in environmental disasters such as oil spills—and search
and rescue operations for accidents and calamities at sea. The Aquino administration also played a
crucial role in halting the execution of Mary Jane Veloso in April 2015.
During President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, his visit to Indonesia on September 8–9, 2016,
emphasized discussions on illegal drugs, transportation—particularly in air and maritime
travel—and improving the mobility of people between the two countries.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. also visited Indonesia from September
4–6, 2022. During this visit, a plan of action between the Philippines and Indonesia for 2022 to 2027
was signed, focusing on defense and security cooperation. Additionally, a memorandum of
understanding was established for cultural cooperation and the development and promotion of a
creative economy between the two nations.
The strong relationships among Southeast Asian countries serve as a pathway to improving the
political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of our nation. Furthermore, it also benefits fellow
ASEAN member countries.
ASEAN as One of the Foundations of the Philippines' Foreign Policy and Trade Policy
The ASEAN continues to serve as a promoter of regionalism and a mediator between conflicting
nations in the region. The Philippines strongly supports ASEAN to further enhance order, diplomacy,
and global trade in alignment with international standards for the benefit of the region.
As stated in the ASEAN Declaration, ASEAN is also one of the pillars of the Philippines’ trade and
foreign relations policies. This is evident in its guidelines aimed at strengthening peace, stability, and
freedom in the region through various initiatives, economic policies, trade agreements, and practical
cooperation.
Due to the diverse socio-cultural systems among its member countries, ASEAN leaders often have
differing positions on various issues. In such instances, the organization must maintain a balanced
stance to advance its interests, particularly in matters concerning the protection and promotion of
human rights, democracy, and trade.
ASEAN is not merely an organization where leaders hold meetings. The leaders of each country
strive to improve the conditions and livelihoods of their people in the region. The Philippines, like
other member states, benefits significantly from its ASEAN membership. One of the organization’s
accomplishments is making travel more accessible and affordable for everyone. It is only fitting that
ASEAN aims to provide more convenient services for its service providers.
In October 2017, during the 23rd ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting, member countries signed
several agreements to improve transportation within the region. The organization has also
contributed to making goods and services more affordable. ASEAN encourages deeper economic
integration among its member states, particularly in trade and services. Import taxes on products
have been reduced or, in some cases, eliminated through the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).
This has led to lower tariffs and duties on imported goods, potentially resulting in a lower cost of
living and increased purchasing power for consumers.
ASEAN has provided opportunities for its member nations' citizens, including employment
prospects, more affordable travel options, and lower-cost goods and services. The organization has
also expanded educational opportunities, enhancing national education systems through ASEAN
Integration. For instance, in August 2017, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs announced at the
ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila that Canada would offer a $10 million scholarship program to
support post-secondary students and mid-career professionals from Southeast Asia. Additionally, the
National University of Singapore offers scholarships for ASEAN countries' students pursuing
graduate studies.
Overall, ASEAN has significantly contributed to the Philippines' progress. With the support of other
Southeast Asian nations, the country is becoming more prepared for globalization. The organization's
role is one of the key reasons why the Philippines is advancing toward a stable and well-structured
direction in terms of investment, business, and employment opportunities for its citizens. Therefore,
Filipinos should take pride in and appreciate their country's strong ties with other ASEAN member
nations.
China's Claim Over the West Philippine Sea
During the administration of Benigno S. Aquino, the Philippines became the frontliner among all
ASEAN countries in defending the West Philippine Sea against China's interference. The Philippines
took the lead in calling out China for its actions and made the boldest move ever—filing an
arbitration case in 2013.
The Philippines has long been a key security ally of the United States in Southeast Asia. U.S. support
gave the Philippines greater confidence in challenging China.
This encouraged other concerned ASEAN nations to align with the Philippines, reducing their fears
while deterring China from becoming more aggressive and coercive in the West Philippine Sea,
despite its growing economic and military power.
Within ASEAN, the Philippines also led the campaign for regional unity against China's territorial
claims over areas owned by ASEAN member states. The country pushed for collective action to
address issues affecting ASEAN members and resist China's encroachments in the region.
