The Philippines kicked off its chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2026 with a bold move.
National Treasurer Sharon P. Almanza led the Bureau of the Treasury in hosting the recent opening of the Third ASEAN Treasury Forum through its first-ever Knowledge Sharing Session, drawing over 200 participants from nine member states.
“We see the ATF as more than a forum; it is a platform to strengthen treasury systems and regional cooperation amid an increasingly volatile global environment,” Almanza said.
“By sharing knowledge and experiences, we aim to build more transparent, resilient, and efficient public financial management across ASEAN.”
The forum spotlighted two key themes: alternative financing for governments and digitalization of social assistance payments. Discussions ranged from innovative sustainable finance instruments, such as Green and Sustainability-Linked Bonds, Debt-for-Development Swaps, and Catastrophe Bonds, to the digital transformation of government-to-person programs.
Filipino and Malaysian presenters highlighted strategies for mobilizing capital markets while enhancing fiscal resilience, including the Philippines’ National Asset Registry System, parametric insurance programs, and the National Indemnity Insurance Program.
The second session showcased how technology is improving social assistance delivery. Speakers from Indonesia and Singapore illustrated systems that integrate digital IDs, interoperable payment infrastructure, and secure data sharing to ensure accurate, inclusive, and timely disbursements to beneficiaries.
Almanza’s message was clear: modern treasuries, smarter financial instruments, and digital G2P systems are essential tools for ASEAN nations to strengthen fiscal sustainability and social protection. The Knowledge Sharing Session not only launched the 2026 ATF calendar but also set the tone for the July forum in Mactan, Cebu, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and preparedness in public finance.
By putting regional fiscal resilience at the center, Almanza is signaling that ASEAN treasuries must innovate and cooperate to weather global volatility while building inclusive economic growth.
