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ASEAN-BAC PH to push for women's economic empowerment across ASEAN

[4 AUGUST 2026 | Mandaluyong, Philippines] - The ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Philippines formalized a knowledge partnership with the Philippine Women's Economic Network (PhilWEN) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to boost women's economic empowerment across the ASEAN region under the Philippines' ASEAN Chairship in 2026.

The agreement was signed by ASEAN-BAC Chair Jose Ma. Concepcion III, ASEAN-BAC Philippines Executive Director Patrick Chua, and ASEAN-BAC Philippines Senior Adviser for Women Nora Terrado, together with PhilWEN President Aurora Garcia and Chairperson Cristina Concepcion.

Under the partnership, ASEAN-BAC Philippines will work hand-in-hand with PhilWEN to push forward the 2026 Action Agenda on Women’s Economic Empowerment (AAWEE). PhilWEN will serve as ASEAN-BAC Philippines’ strategic knowledge partner, delivering essential technical expertise, supporting policy development, and facilitating key stakeholder engagement to ensure the successful rollout of the regional action agenda.

ASEAN-BAC Philippines chair Jose Ma. Concepcion III (center), flanked by ASEAN-BAC PH Senior Adviser Nora Terrado and Philippine Women's Economic Network (PhilWEN) President Aurora "Boots" D. Geotina-Garcia at the MOU signing last August 4, 2026. Joining them are (at left): ASEAN-BAC PH Executive Director Patrick Chua and (at right) PhilWEN Chairperson Cristina Concepcion.

In line with ASEAN-BAC Philippines’ “People” pillar and the Philippines theme for its chairship, “Navigating Our Future Together: Advancing Prosperity for All,” the initiative reinforces the council’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind. By evaluating existing regional efforts and shaping a forward-looking action plan, the agenda aims to create inclusive economic opportunities and ensure women remain at the center of Southeast Asia’s growth story.

Also present during the signing were PhilWEN Vice President and Trustee Myren Garcia; Trustees Pacita "Chit" Juan, Maricelle Narciso, Imelda Nicolas, and Jeannie Javelosa; SPARK Executive Director Maica Teves; Network for Enterprising Women President Ella Santos-Sol; and Secretariat Claire Gaurana.

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 4, 2026 at 05:05 PM

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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.

CONCEPCION: CORRUPTION LOOMS LARGE AS PH PREPARES FOR ASEAN 2026

The chaos surrounding the issue of systemic corruption in the Philippines looms large as a private sector delegation prepares for the country’s chairship of the ASEAN in 2026. ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Philippines chair and incoming ASEAN BAC chair Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III expressed this concern in his speech during the 51st Philippine Business Conference & Expo (PBCE) last Tuesday, October 21, 2025. This is as he and members of the ASEAN-BAC PH, which include George Barcelon and Michael Tan, prepare to leave for Kuala Lumpur for the ASEAN Business Investment Summit and the turnover of the ASEAN chairship from Malaysia to the Philippines.Speaking at a plenary session of the event organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Concepcion called the corruption scandal “a big setback”. “It reflects so poorly on the Philippines,” he said. “I know that the private sector plays a huge role in economic growth but it is also important that our legislators understand that we cannot do this alone,” he said.Concepcion pointed out that ASEAN 2026 will be the biggest event of its scale under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s presidency. “As we host the ASEAN in 2026, we have to project that the Philippines has a great future,” he said.“We have to project that this country is an honest country. That we do not steal from [our] people,” he said. At the same time, he thanked government agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Office of the First Lady, which support efforts to help the country’s micro-, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through collaborations with Go Negosyo, the non-profit he founded in 2005 to advocate for the country’s small entrepreneurs. He also thanked the PCCI, whose members regularly volunteer to become mentors to MSMEs through Go Negosyo’s public entrepreneurship mentoring events throughout the country.MSMEs will be a priority agenda for the ASEAN-BAC chairship, along with agriculture and food security, the creative industry, digital technologies, and human capital, specifically the economic empowerment of women and the youth. “If we want this country to be more inclusive, it cannot be just [the few] who are enjoying prosperity … The key is to bring about greater prosperity for every Filipino,” he said.Concepcion was a panelist on a session on “Scaling Local Enterprises for Global Impact”. The session was opened by DTI Secretary Cris Roque, who presented the government’s key initiatives and programs that empower MSMEs to embrace digital transformation.