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The 2026 ASEAN Summit Philippines will bring Southeast Asian leaders and international representatives to Manila starting November 14, as the country prepares to host the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits. The high-level gathering will focus on regional security, economic cooperation and diplomatic relations, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leading the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairmanship.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that ASEAN leaders will start arriving on Saturday, November 14, while senior officials and other international delegates have already begun arriving for preliminary meetings.

DFA Assistant Secretary Dominic Xavier Imperial, the spokesperson for ASEAN affairs, said the arrival of the leaders will mark the start of the high-level engagements leading to the main summit sessions scheduled from November 15 to 17.

The Philippines is hosting the regional gathering under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. serving as this year’s ASEAN chair.

19 World and Global Institution Leaders Expected

The Philippines is expecting at least 19 world and global institution leaders to participate in the 49th ASEAN Summit and its related meetings, according to the DFA.

President Marcos will be joined by leaders from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.

Myanmar will be represented by the Director-General of its Foreign Ministry’s ASEAN Affairs Department rather than its head of government.

The gathering will also include representatives and leaders from ASEAN’s international partner countries and organizations.

Among those expected to participate in the summit’s plenary are Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.

Their participation highlights ASEAN’s growing engagement with international partners on economic cooperation, regional stability and other shared concerns.

South China Sea and Myanmar Among Regional Concerns

The summit comes at a time when Southeast Asia continues to face significant political, economic and security challenges.

One important concern for the Philippines is maintaining regional peace and stability amid continuing tensions in the South China Sea.

As ASEAN chair, the Philippines has an opportunity to encourage dialogue among member states and strengthen cooperation on maritime security and regional stability.

The continuing political crisis in Myanmar is also expected to be among the issues discussed by ASEAN leaders.

The situation has remained a major challenge for the regional bloc since the military takeover in 2021. ASEAN has continued to pursue diplomatic efforts to address the crisis and encourage progress toward peace.

The summit will provide an opportunity for member states to assess existing regional challenges and discuss ways to strengthen ASEAN’s collective response.

Donald Trump Expected to Attend ASEAN-US Special Summit

One of the major international engagements scheduled during the gathering is the ASEAN-US Special Summit, which is expected to include United States President Donald Trump on November 17.

Trump’s participation is expected to provide an opportunity for discussions between Washington and Southeast Asian leaders on regional cooperation and shared priorities.

President Marcos is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Trump and other visiting leaders, including representatives from Australia, Brazil, Japan and South Korea.

These meetings could provide opportunities for the Philippines to strengthen diplomatic and economic relationships with important international partners.

Government Deploys Thousands of Personnel for Security and Traffic Management

Authorities have intensified preparations to ensure the safety of visiting leaders, foreign delegates and other participants.

The Philippine National Police is preparing to deploy 19,869 personnel to secure summit venues, hotels, accommodation areas and motorcade routes, according to the Philippine News Agency.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will also deploy personnel to manage traffic and assist motorists during the event.

Two lanes along EDSA, from Ayala to Roxas Boulevard, have been designated for ASEAN delegates’ convoys. Temporary stop-and-go traffic arrangements may be implemented along EDSA, Roxas Boulevard and Macapagal Avenue when motorcades pass.

The MMDA has also established security exclusion zones around the Philippine International Convention Center and nearby areas. Only authorized vehicles and personnel with valid credentials will be permitted to enter restricted areas.

The agency has advised motorists to plan their trips ahead of time and allow additional travel time, particularly when passing through affected routes.

November 16 to 18 Declared Special Non-Working Days in Metro Manila

To help manage the expected movement of delegates and reduce traffic congestion, November 16, 17 and 18 have been declared special non-working days in the National Capital Region.

The declaration is intended to support security and traffic arrangements during the international gathering.

The government is coordinating with various national agencies and local government units to ensure that public services, emergency response and security operations remain in place throughout the summit.

Philippines to Showcase Its Leadership in Southeast Asia

Beyond hosting international delegations, the summit gives the Philippines an opportunity to demonstrate its leadership and strengthen its position in regional diplomacy.

The Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairship is guided by three strategic priorities: peace and security anchors, prosperity corridors, and people empowerment.

These priorities aim to strengthen regional stability, expand economic cooperation and promote development opportunities for people across Southeast Asia.

The related summits will also allow ASEAN leaders to engage with major international partners, including the United States, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, New Zealand and Russia.

As the meetings approach, the Philippines is preparing to welcome foreign leaders and delegates while working to ensure that the high-level gathering proceeds safely and smoothly.

The event will also mark an important moment for the country’s diplomatic engagement as it prepares to conclude its 2026 ASEAN chairship and hand over the leadership to Singapore for 2027.