Philippines Advances Sustainable Infrastructure Agenda During 2026 ASEAN Chairship
MANILA — The Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) of the Philippines is prioritizing the advancement of sustainable infrastructure during its 2026 chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This commitment was underscored at the ASEAN Committee on Sustainable Infrastructure (ACSI) meeting held on March 12th at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City [1].
Commitment to Regional Connectivity and Resilience
DEPDev Undersecretary and ACSI chairperson Joseph J. Capuno emphasized the Philippines’ dedication to collaborating with ASEAN member states and development partners to foster a more connected, resilient, and prosperous ASEAN region through sustainable infrastructure development [1]. The ACSI is central to advancing regional cooperation in this area, aligning with the long-term vision outlined in ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future.
Sustainable Infrastructure Action Plan 2026-2030
The recent ACSI meeting focused on the Sustainable Infrastructure Action Plan (SIAP) 2026-2030. This plan aims to expand the network of sustainable infrastructure across ASEAN member states, enhancing regional connectivity and bolstering economic competitiveness [1]. The SIAP is designed to promote resilience and improve the quality of life for people throughout the region.
Alignment with ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan
The SIAP is closely aligned with the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan (ACSP), adopted in 2025. The ACSP provides a long-term framework for strengthening physical, institutional, and people-to-people connectivity, supporting the broader ASEAN Community Vision 2045 [2]. Undersecretary Capuno also voiced support for the proposed Multi-Year Programme on Enhancing Sustainable Infrastructure Development and Cooperation in ASEAN, which seeks to strengthen partnerships with external stakeholders to bridge the gap between planning and implementation [2].
International Collaboration
The ACSI meeting included participation from delegations representing Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam, as well as the ASEAN Secretariat [1]. Representatives from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand attended virtually. External partners present at the meeting included the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the European Union, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and UN-Habitat [1].
Philippine Chairship Theme
The Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairship is themed “Navigating Our Future, Together,” reflecting the shared goals and aspirations of member states to promote economic integration and inclusive, sustainable development [4]. The country hopes to leverage its chairship to boost economic activity, potentially benefiting from hosting events like the ASEAN Summit [4]. Undersecretary Joseph J. Capuno of DEPDev also presided over a meeting with representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in October 2025, discussing the ADB’s economic publication, Asian Development Outlook [3].
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