DSWD chief highlights Manila-ASPECT Framework for region-wide disaster response in 35th ASCC council meeting

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as chair of the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), is pushing for the adoption of a region-wide framework to improve humanitarian response and coordination during disasters.

“Following the directive of the President, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., taking into account the intensifying environmental threats we experience, we initiated the [Manila] – ASEAN Strategic Protocol for Emergency and Comprehensive Transformation, or ASPECT. The framework aims to develop a roadmap for regional interoperability and cooperation, for the timely and effective access of support in anticipation of and in response to disasters and extreme weather events,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian told reporters in the press briefing at the International Media Center (IMC) in Discovery Primea, Makati City on Thursday (March 5).

The DSWD chief, who chairs this year’s ASEAN-ASCC, emphasized that the Manila-ASPECT Framework will guarantee an anticipatory, integrated, and inclusive regional approach to disaster response.

“Ang tema lagi ng ASEAN is to make sure na regional cooperation is at the heart of everything we do. What better way to take care of our vulnerable [citizens], not just our [citizens] but all throughout the region, is to make sure na kapag may sakuna na hindi naman naiiwasan na, ay ready ang mga magkakapit-bahay magtulungan,” the DSWD chief told reporters.

According to Secretary Gatchalian, the Manila-ASPECT Framework is a significant policy document aligned with the ASCC’s pro-people agenda.

“Bahagi ng pag-develop ng ating human capital ay protektahan mo yung vulnerable, protektahan mo yung mga mahihirap para masigurado natin na hindi sila lalong maghirap o lalong maging vulnerable sa pagkakataon ng mga disaster. And this is a very progressive move. This is a very progressive vision of our President,” the DSWD chief said.

Secretary Gatchalian added that one of the features of the framework is to operationalize a trigger mechanism that will facilitate regional inter-operability.

“So sa framework na isusulong, sa mga darating na araw kasi magkakaroon pa ng mga pagpupulong, gagawa tayo ng una, trigger mechanism. Pangalawa, ano ba yung group response or yung regional response. At pag napakalaki na netong kalamidad na to, kakailanganin na rin natin ipasok yung mga dialogue partners ng ASEAN to put in the necessary capacities for better disaster response,” the DSWD chief explained to reporters.

According to Secretary Gatchalian, the Manila-ASPECT Framework will be up for discussion and adoption during the 48th ASEAN Summit to be held within the year.

Aside from the ASPECT Framework, the 35th ASCC council meeting focused on priorities for regional people empowerment represented under the acronym R.I.S.E which stands for Resilient and Empowerment Families; Inclusive Development; Smart Youth and Innovation; and, Environmentally Sustainable and Food Secure Future.(AKDL)

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