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Archived press release details and supporting information for official ASEAN-BAC Philippines announcements.

ASEAN-BAC calls for stronger climate financing for sustainability

[AUGUST 19, 2026 | PASIG CITY, PHILIPPINES] – Capital must be mobilized toward climate resilience, sustainable infrastructure, food and energy security, and inclusive growth. This imperative for a more sustainable and inclusive economy was made clear as the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Philippines took part in this year’s “Unlocking Capital for Sustainability” forum, where ASEAN-BAC chair Jose Ma. A Concepcion III delivered the opening address.

The annual flagship event on sustainable finance for Asia Pacific was organized by Eco-Business in partnership with the UN Environment Programme, and convened high-level decision-makers in finance, business, government, and civic society to discuss and commit to actionable initiatives that mobilize the capital markets for sustainable development. This year’s event was held last August 19, 2026 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Pasig City. 

Concepcion led the ASEAN-BAC delegation, which included ASEAN-BAC Philippines Council Members Michael Tan and George Barcelon, and Senior Adviser for the ASEAN Food Security Alliance (AFSA) Dr. William Dar. 

ASEAN Business Advisory Council Chair Jose Ma. Concepcion III delivered the opening address at the “Unlocking Capital for Sustainability” event last August 19, 2026 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig City. The annual flagship event on sustainable finance for Asia Pacific was organized by Eco-Business in partnership with the UN Environment Programme.

In his opening address, Concepcion outlined the need to mobilize capital toward climate resilience, sustainable infrastructure, food and energy security, and inclusive growth.
He highlighted that addressing external shocks to business, such as severe weather disruptions, is now an economic issue and opportunity to be explored. “The transition to a greener and more resilient economy is not only a challenge, it is an opportunity for growth,” said Concepcion.

ASEAN-BAC Philippines Council Member George Barcelon joined the Fireside Chat: Pathways for Resilience in an Era of Geoeconomic Confrontation, where he reaffirmed the importance of strengthening ASEAN’s economic integration, MSME empowerment, and other pathways to resilience. “The Philippines has an opportunity as chair to bring government and business together and push ASEAN towards practical integration,” he said.

Dr. William Dar, in his discussions on the region’s agriculture and food security, mentioned the urgent need to adopt sustainable agricultural practices and ensure region-wide food security amid geopolitical shocks and growing climate risks. He emphasized the need to explore ways to build responsive agricultural systems in ASEAN, expand intra-region trade, and empower farmers in order to strengthen food resilience. 

Under the theme Charting a Shared Future: Pathways For a Resilient ASEAN, the event convened industry leaders and local government heads to discuss ways to make the region more resilient against global uncertainties. These discussions aligned with ASEAN-BAC’s goals of achieving increased productivity and sustainability, and the insights will be further sharpened in ASEAN-BAC’s upcoming ASEAN Business and Investment Summit and the ASEAN Business Awards this coming November.

ABOUT ASEAN-BAC PH

The ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN‑BAC) is the region’s principal private sector advisory body, providing business insights and recommendations to ASEAN Leaders. It serves as the primary platform for the private sector to engage with policymakers, advocate for economic cooperation, and advance ASEAN’s integration agenda. It was founded in 2001. 

In 2026, ASEAN-BAC Philippines, led by Chair Joey Concepcion alongside Members George Barcelon and Michael Tan, will once again chair and host the Council and its Dialogue Partners, ensuring that private sector priorities are integrated into regional economic development and policy initiatives.

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MEDIA NOTE: All interview requests related to ASEAN-BAC PHILIPPINES should be directed to the ASEAN-BAC PH Communications Manager, at josenatividad@gonegosyo.ph 

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Published

August 19, 2026 at 03:29 PM

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CONCEPCION: ASEAN 2026 HOSTING MEANS PH IS READY AND OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Press Release

February 24, 2026, 06:40 PM

CONCEPCION: ASEAN 2026 HOSTING MEANS PH IS READY AND OPEN FOR BUSINESS

As the Philippines prepares to host the annual ASEAN Summits this year, the leader of the private sector’s ASEAN representation believes that the international event presents an opportunity for the country to prove its readiness to do business with the rest of the world.“Coming on the heels of a year marked by corruption scandals, ASEAN 2026 offers the Philippines a timely chance to demonstrate our commitment to reform, accountability, and good governance,” said Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III, the chair of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN–BAC) for 2026. ASEAN–BAC is the official private-sector voice in ASEAN, mandated to promote regional economic integration and strengthen cooperation between business and government.A ceremony this January 29, 2026 at the Malacañang Palace will mark the official handover of the ASEAN–BAC chairship from Malaysia to the Philippines. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will be witnessing the turnover and delivering the keynote message, elevating the occasion to a state-level event and reflecting the Philippine Government’s strong support and leadership in public-private collaboration.

TEAM ASEAN 2026

In the photo are (from left) ASEAN–BAC council member George Barcelon, First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos, Concepcion, the President, Marissa Concepcion, and ASEAN–BAC council member Michael Tan.

PHILIPPINES ASSUMES 2026 CHAIRSHIP OF ASEAN-BAC AT MALAYSIA HANDOVER CEREMONIES

The Philippines officially assumed the 2026 Chairship of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) last October 26, 2025, as ASEAN-BAC Malaysia handed over leadership of the regional body which provides private sector feedback and guidance to boost ASEAN’s efforts towards economic integration and identifies priority areas for consideration by ASEAN Leaders.The ASEAN-BAC Philippines delegation, headed by its chair Jose Ma. Concepcion III, and council members George Barcelon and Michael Tan, traveled to Kuala Lumpur tor the handover ceremonies held as the highlight of the ASEAN-BAC Events and Related Summits held from October 24 to 27, including the ASEAN Business & Investment Summit and the ASEAN Business Awards, and the inaugural ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit. The events are held alongside the 47th ASEAN Summit, which gathers the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.The ASEAN-BAC Philippines is expected to build on the theme “Prosperity for All”, its guiding theme at its last chairship in 2017. “There has been plenty of exchanging of ideas, and I am glad to hear how some resonate with my own views of the role of ASEAN and the private sector in bringing about inclusive, sustainable growth,” said Concepcion. “As we take on this new role, our goal is to build on this momentum, empowering MSMEs and strengthening partnerships that drive inclusive growth and food security across the region. Together, we can ensure that the ASEAN spirit of unity, innovation, and entrepreneurship continues to thrive,” said Concepcion.