Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro | Photo via Philippine Consulate General
NEW YORK — Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro delivered a wide‑ranging and assertive address at the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) in New York, outlining the Philippines’ priorities as 2026 ASEAN Chair and calling for a renewed commitment to a rules‑based regional order amid what she described as an era of “upheaval, uncertainty, and unpredictability.”
The event, introduced by Rorry Daniels, Managing Director of ASPI, and moderated by Ambassador (ret.) Philip S. Goldberg, former U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, drew diplomats, academics, and members of the Filipino American community from the New York region, who filled the room for the 47-minute dialogue.
A Region at a Crossroads
Speaking under the ASEAN Chairship theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” Lazaro emphasized that Southeast Asia is entering a pivotal moment shaped by intensifying great‑power rivalry, shifting economic alignments, and rising security risks across the Indo‑Pacific.
A World Defined by the ‘Three U’s”
Lazaro opened with a stark assessment of the global landscape. “The world is entering a period marked by the three U’s: upheaval, uncertainty, and unpredictability,” she said.
She used the framework to describe the pressures reshaping the Indo‑Pacific:
- Upheaval — geopolitical tensions, economic shocks, and technological disruption
- Uncertainty — shifting alliances and volatile policy environments
- Unpredictability — crises that emerge and escalate rapidly
Lazaro argued that these forces demand a more resilient and united ASEAN. She said, “ASEAN remains an honest broker and an effective convenor, providing a viable platform to address matters of both regional and global importance.”
For Fil‑Am civic leaders in attendance, the “three U’s” captured the stakes facing the Philippines and its diaspora — especially as global tensions increasingly intersect with the lives of overseas Filipinos.
Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship: A People-Centered Vision
Lazaro outlined three priorities for the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship:
- Strengthening regional peace and security. She reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). She emphasized the need for mechanisms to prevent conflict in the South China Sea and across the broader Indo‑Pacific.
- Deepening economic cooperation and resilience. Lazaro highlighted supply‑chain security, digital transformation, and inclusive growth as essential to ASEAN’s long‑term stability.
- Advancing a people-centered ASEAN. “Our chairship focuses on a more people-centered ASEAN — one that delivers meaningful benefits to our communities,” she said.
This message resonated with Fil‑Am organizations that have long advocated for stronger diaspora engagement in education, economic development, and civic leadership.
Fil-Am Community: “We Are Part of the Regional Story”
While Lazaro did not directly address the diaspora, her emphasis on people‑centered development and regional cooperation echoed long‑standing Fil‑Am priorities.
Consul General Senen Mangalile, who attended the event, said the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship creates new opportunities for diaspora involvement. “The Filipino community in the United States is deeply invested in the Philippines’ stability and prosperity,” Mangalile said. “Our engagement complements the Philippines’ diplomatic work.”
Fil‑Am academics and policy professionals in the audience noted that the “three U’s” framework mirrors the challenges they track in their own fields — from security studies to migration policy.
Navigating Major Power Competition
A central theme of Lazaro’s talk was ASEAN’s role in managing tensions among major powers. “ASEAN provides a platform where all major powers can engage constructively,” she said, stressing that the region must resist pressures to “choose sides.”
Lazaro reiterated that ASEAN’s strength lies in its neutrality and convening power.
Ambassador Goldberg, who moderated the conversation, praised the Philippines’ diplomatic approach, noting that Manila’s leadership comes at a “critical juncture for regional stability.”
For Fil‑Am foreign‑policy observers, Lazaro’s remarks underscored the Philippines’ growing role as a diplomatic bridge. This role aligns with the diaspora’s own advocacy for rule‑of‑law governance and democratic norms.
Why the Three U’s Matter – A Fil-Am Lens
Lazaro’s “three U’s” framework was more than rhetorical. It served as the backbone of her argument for a stronger, more cohesive ASEAN. For the Fil‑Am community, the framework carries several implications:
- Upheaval demands unity
Regional tensions — especially in the South China Sea — affect overseas Filipinos through economic, security, and mobility impacts. - Uncertainty requires principled diplomacy.
Fil-Am professionals in law, academia, and public service have long advocated for international law-based approaches echoing Lazaro’s message. - Unpredictability calls for resilience.
From global health crises to economic shocks, the diaspora often feels the effects first, making ASEAN’s stability a shared concern.
