Philippines pushes for ASEAN disaster response framework

MANILA, Philippines – As climate change worsens and more communities become vulnerable to hazards, Southeast Asian countries are looking to agree on a regional disaster response plan.

The Philippines, which is chairing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2026, is leading talks on the Manila-ASEAN Strategic Protocol for Emergency and Comprehensive Transformation (ASPECT) Framework.

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian introduced the planned framework during the 35th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting in Makati City on Thursday, March 5.

“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 countrymen — not just our countrymen, but all throughout the region — is to make sure na kapag may sakuna…ready ang magkakapitbahay na magtulungan,” Gatchalian said in a press briefing following the meeting.

(The theme of ASEAN is always to make sure that regional cooperation is at the heart of everything we do. What better way to take care of our vulnerable countrymen — not just our countrymen, but all throughout the region — is to make sure that when there’s a disaster, we neighbors are ready to help each other.)

According to Gatchalian, they will still deliberate on the trigger mechanism for other countries to respond in times of disaster, the type of response, and who the dialogue partners would be in case of calamities that are larger in scale.

The framework’s effectiveness would be measured based on speed, quality, and suitability of the response, depending on the scale of the disaster.

The Philippines is targeting to have the framework adopted in 2026, before its ASEAN chairmanship ends.

“Sisiguraduhin natin na meron nang (We will ensure that there is a) commensurate disaster response to disasters affecting the region,” added Gatchalian.

The initiative is aligned with this year’s ASCC theme, “RISE ASEAN.” RISE stands for resilient and empowered families, inclusive development, smart youth and innovation, and an environmentally sustainable and food-secure future.

The framework was conceived under the push for an environmentally sustainable and food-secure future, stemming from the need for secure food supplies during disasters.

Investing in women, children

On the sidelines of the ASCC events, the Philippines and Singapore also signed a memorandum of understanding to share knowledge on family and child development, focusing on the first 1,000 days of a child’s life — a critical growth period — to help combat stunting.

In Singapore’s case, it assists women even before they get pregnant, acknowledging that a child’s health is linked to their mother’s.

“Nagpadala na tayo ng social workers natin (We have sent our social workers) recently to Singapore to get the general concept…. And we’re going to start with the details already, operationalizing it,” Gatchalian said.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will expand its First 1,000 Days (F1KD) initiative for pregnant women who are Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, to add seminars and other programs meant to educate women on self-care.

The F1KD initiative, launched in 2025, also provides a monthly cash grant of P350.

The expanded F1KD will be implemented along with family development sessions for those under 4Ps and parent effectiveness sessions.

“Sisiguraduhin natin na nauunawaan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino na ang pamumuhunan o ang pag-aalaga…sa kanilang mga kababaihan sa pamilya, even if hindi pa siya nagbubuntis, ay pamumuhunan sa ating bansa,” Gatchalian said.

(We will ensure that every Filipino family understands that investing in, or caring for the women in their family, even if they have yet to become pregnant, means an investment in our country.)

The ASCC meetings also led to talks on securing investments in products and programs for the elderly and continuing to recognize their role in society. For the youth, Southeast Asian officials agreed to push for digital literacy and ethical use of emerging innovations and technologies.

More high-level meetings and technical working groups will be convened in the Philippines in the coming months. The two main events — the 48th and 49th ASEAN summits — will take place in Cebu in May and in Pasay City in November, respectively. – Rappler.com