Manila, Feb. 28 -- Strengthening of families as a foundation of a resilient regional community will take center stage in the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) chairship of the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC).

The ASCC is one of the three pillars of the ASEAN Community, which focuses on people-centered initiatives.

"Our ASCC meet is anchored on the theme 'RISE ASEAN,' the significance of having resilient and empowered families across the ASEAN region will be among the lead discussions in this year's ASCC Council," DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a news release on Saturday.

The ASCC focuses on four priorities, highlighted under the acronym...