Manila, Feb. 26 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is ready to host the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) council meetings scheduled at The Peninsula Manila in Makati City on March 2-6.

Assistant Secretary Juan Carlo Marquez of the DSWD's Policy and Planning Group assured the public that the department has long been preparing for the ASCC meetings and is ready to host the ASEAN senior officials and ministers.

"In terms of preparation, we are very prepared, lalo na sa pangunguna ng ating butihing Kalihim, Secretary Rex Gatchalian, na talagang very particular sa mga details, sa preparations, very hands on (especially under the leadership of Secretary Gatchalian, who...