Manila, March 6 -- The Philippines, as this year's chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), will steer the bloc and ensure that the region remains "on track" to becoming the world's 4th largest economy.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro made the statement during a dialogue hosted by the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) in New York City on March 5, where she also outlined ASEAN's priorities for 2026.

She said the Philippines' chairship will focus on advancing regional peace and security, strengthening economic cooperation and resilience, and promoting a more people-centered ASEAN community.

"The Philippine Chairship in 2026 has set out an ambitious policy agenda to ensure that our region of 684 million...