The Philippines is pushing ASEAN to turn its socio-cultural agenda into concrete economic and social action, with a focus on keeping older workers productive, protecting young people in the digital economy, and strengthening resilience against climate-related shocks.
Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the Philippines is using its 2026 ASEAN chairmanship to advance initiatives that can help vulnerable groups remain economically productive while reducing the social and financial costs of demographic and climate pressures.
On the emerging “silver economy,” Gatchalian said ASEAN should encourage private investment and research into products, services, and livelihood models that allow older people to remain active in the economy.
“We have to start challenging our companies to do research and development, so that they can still make our older people more productive,” Gatchalian said at the ASEAN Business Media Exchange 2026 on Monday.
He cited an initiative involving retired farm workers in Mindanao that seeks to turn homestead plots into sustainable livelihood opportunities, potentially offering a model for aging agricultural communities across ASEAN.
The Philippines is also pushing stronger safeguards for young people navigating the digital economy. Gatchalian said the recently concluded ASEAN Youth Summit emphasized responsible and resilient digital use, with its outcome expected to reach ASEAN leaders in November.
Youth development has become a broader regional priority as ASEAN addresses the effects of digital transformation on employment, skills, well-being, and economic participation.
Climate resilience is the third major focus, with Manila advocating a regional framework built around anticipatory action, social protection, and disaster-response triggers.
Gatchalian warned that many near-poor families remain “one shot away from going back into poverty,” particularly after climate-related disasters.
“It has to be a commensurate regional approach towards disaster response and towards disaster recovery,” he said.
The push reflects the Philippines’ broader effort to make ASEAN cooperation more responsive to economic and social shocks, rather than limiting regional commitments to policy statements. The country has also advocated a Manila-ASPECT framework to improve regional disaster interoperability, data sharing, logistics, and cross-border response.
