Manila, March 3 -- The Philippines on Tuesday underscored the need for a responsive, inclusive, and resilient regional community as it opened the 40th Senior Officials Committee for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Socio-Cultural Community (SOCA) Meeting in Makati City.

Speaking before senior officials and representatives of ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN Secretariat at The Peninsula Manila, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Group Adonis Sulit welcomed delegates and reaffirmed the country's commitment to advancing the socio-cultural pillar.

As chair of the meeting, Sulit extended greetings to new SOCA members and recognized the presence of senior officials who...