DFA Hosts 58th ASEAN Day Reception
Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, ASEAN Member States, and Dialogue Partners during the Toasting Ceremony for the 58th ASEAN Founding Anniversary.
MANILA 12 August 2025 - The Department of Foreign Affairs, led by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro hosted a Diplomatic Reception on the occasion of the 58th Founding Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at Makati Diamond Residences on 11 August 2025.
In her keynote address, Secretary Lazaro highlighted the achievements of ASEAN for the past 58 years as well as prospects for future cooperation, as the Philippines prepares for its ASEAN Chairship next year. She underscored that ASEAN remains the cornerstone of regional peace and security, as well as a major driver of economic growth.
Office of ASEAN Affairs Assistant Secretary Ana Marie L. Hernando welcomed the event’s guests, while Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines, and DFA Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Hellen B. Dela Vega delivered their respective ASEAN Day messages, which touched on both the history and progress of ASEAN over the last five decades.
Ambassadors and representatives from the Embassies of ASEAN Member States and Timor Leste, and its Dialogue and Development Partners, joined in the celebrations. Their participation underscores the strong ties between ASEAN and its partners as nations tackle common interests and challenges in the region and globally. Also in attendance were representatives from the national agencies comprising the ASEAN Matters Technical Board which facilitates inter-agency coordination in the formulation and implementation of Philippine policy in ASEAN.
The gathering also welcomed the presence of Hon. Representative Maria Rachel J. Arenas and Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, staunch supporters of the Department of Foreign Affairs in pursuing the country’s interests.
Established on 8 August 1967, ASEAN celebrates its 58th anniversary this year, marked by peace and stability, economic vigor, and people-centered cooperation in the region, nearly six decades since the five founding ASEAN Member States, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, signed the Bangkok Declaration, driven by a common pursuit of regional stability and economic development. END
Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, and ASEAN Member States Ambassadors during the toast and cake-cutting ceremony.