The Philippines, represented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD,) has called for a more responsive and resilient ASEAN socio-cultural cooperation during the 40th Senior Officials Committee for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (SOCA) meeting on Tuesday (March 3) at The Peninsula Manila in Makati City.

Undersecretary Adonis Sulit of the DSWD’s Policy and Planning Group (PPG) chairs the 40th SOCA meeting which was attended by senior officials and representatives from all ASEAN member states.

The high-level meeting reviews the progress of the ASEAN Socio Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint 2025 and the advance preparations for the 35th ASCC Council Meeting and the 48th ASEAN Summit.

In his opening remarks, Undersecretary Sulit as SOCA chair highlighted the importance of the meeting amid evolving global challenges.

“The convening of this 40th SOCA meeting is both timely and significant, as ASEAN continues to navigate an increasingly complex global environment—marked by overlapping social, economic, health, climate, and technological challenges,” the SOCA chair said.

“This meeting provides an important platform for reflection, coordination, and collective action to ensure that the socio-cultural pillar remains responsive, inclusive, and resilient,” Undersecretary Sulit added.

As chair of the SOCA under the Philippines’ leadership of the ASCC pillar, the DSWD also called for ASEAN members’ commitment to strengthening regional cooperation anchored on people-centered and inclusive development.

Over the course of the meeting, senior officials checked on the accomplishments under the ASCC Blueprint 2025 and discussed key policy and institutional developments to ensure a smooth transition toward the ASCC Strategic Plan.

“As the ASCC Blueprint 2025 concluded, and with the commencement of the ASCC Strategic Plan, we are hopeful that this meeting would serve as an important platform for reflection, foresight, and convergence,” Undersecretary Sulit said.

“It is an opportunity to reinforce coherence across sectoral bodies under the ASCC, strengthen monitoring and implementation mechanisms, and ensure that the socio-cultural agenda continues to deliver tangible outcomes for the peoples of ASEAN,” the DSWD official emphasized.

The SOCA chair also highlighted the importance of women’s leadership in regional cooperation as four women are currently serving as or representing SOCA leaders.

“This is a concrete manifestation that at the time the Philippines is chair of the ASCC, women are not only participants in shaping policy and regional cooperation, but are at the forefront of driving transformative change across ASEAN,” the SOCA chair pointed out.

In concluding his message, Undersecretary Sulit said the Philippines remains fully committed to working hand in hand with its regional partners to advance a people-centered ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.

“The Philippines looks forward to engaging closely with all ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN Secretariat as we work together toward a more caring and sharing ASEAN community—one that leaves no one behind and remains firmly anchored on solidarity, cooperation, and mutual respect,” Undersecretary Sulit said. (YADP)