Marcos Advocates for Collective Peace, Extends Filipino Hospitality at Milestone ASEAN Pact Gala

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. hosted a prestigious commemorative gala dinner at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang Palace on Friday, July 24, 2026, marking a historic milestone in regional diplomacy.

The state event celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia, bringing together Southeast Asian foreign ministers, global diplomats, and top international envoys to honor five decades of regional stability.

Coinciding with the conclusion of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, the event also served as a focal point of the Philippines’ ASEAN 2026 Chairmanship.

The 'Hapag-Kainan' of Regional Diplomacy

Addressing an audience that included Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, House Speaker Faustino Dy III, and ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, President Marcos Jr. delivered a deeply personal keynote address. He highlighted that exactly 50 years ago, his father—the late former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.—was among the original signatories who inked the foundational peace pact in Bali, Indonesia.

Reflecting on the treaty's evolution, President Marcos Jr. described it in his PCO-released speech as a testament to regional confidence and cooperation. He likened the diplomatic process to the Filipino hapag-kainan (dining table), where, much like fostering familial trust, open dialogue builds lasting consensus and peace.

Global Expansion and the Spirit of Bayanihan

The 50th-anniversary celebration followed a major expansion of the treaty, with Sweden, Poland, Romania, and Lithuania officially signing on as new High Contracting Parties in Manila. President Marcos welcomed these additions, noting they strengthen the TAC's core principles of sovereignty and mutual respect.

He further emphasized the spirit of bayanihan (communal unity) as vital for addressing regional challenges. To mark the occasion, a commemorative postage stamp and a specialized Sampaguita-themed emblem were unveiled.

A Culinary and Cultural Showcase

The evening was a showcase of Filipino heritage, with a special menu designed to highlight local flavors, including Ensaladang Ubod, Sinigang na Maya-Maya, and Bistek Sushi, as noted in RTVM coverage. Renowned performers such as Lani Misalucha, Jed Madela, Jonalyn Viray, and Darren Espanto entertained guests. The gala concluded with a toast from President Marcos, urging for continued solidarity and ASEAN centrality in an evolving global landscape.