The Philippines hosted senior transport officials from ASEAN and its dialogue partners this week for high-level talks aimed at advancing regional priorities on mobility, connectivity, resilience, and sustainable transport systems.
Through the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the country convened the 61st ASEAN Senior Transport Officials Meeting and the 5th ASEAN-US Senior Transport Officials Dialogue from May 19 to 21, 2026 via videoconference.
As chair of the ASEAN Transport Meetings in 2026, the Philippines led discussions on initiatives to strengthen cooperation and build safer, more seamless, resilient, sustainable, innovative, and inclusive transport systems across the region.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the Philippines remains committed to working with ASEAN member-states to improve regional mobility and ensure that transport cooperation delivers concrete benefits to citizens.
“As we navigate our future together, it is incumbent upon ASEAN to show the world our strong commitment to continuously work towards strengthening our transport connectivity and mobility for the betterment of our people and the future generations,” Lopez said.
The meetings also aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen transport systems and connectivity in support of regional growth and public welfare.
Transportation Undersecretary for Planning and Project Development Teodorico Jose Delfin said transport remains one of the clearest examples of ASEAN integration because it directly affects people’s daily lives.
“In many ways, transport is one of the most visible and tangible manifestations of ASEAN integration. Through transport, our very people should be able to see, feel, and benefit from ASEAN,” Delfin said.
The meetings underscored ASEAN’s shared commitment to a more connected and people-centered transport sector capable of responding to regional and global challenges through stronger cooperation and collective action.
With a population of nearly 700 million and ASEAN projected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030, transport officials emphasized the sector’s critical role in sustaining shared growth, trade, mobility, and integration across the region.