The Philippines, through the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), has formally turned over the chairmanship of the 46th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Drug Matters (ASOD) to Singapore—marking not only a transition of leadership but also a reaffirmation of ASEAN’s collective determination to confront the drug challenge with unity, innovation, and shared responsibility. This handover symbolizes the region’s steadfast commitment to strengthen cooperation, exchange knowledge, and advance evidence-based strategies toward a safer, healthier, and more resilient ASEAN Community.
In his turnover remarks, Head of Delegation and DDB Executive Director, Undersecretary Earl Saavedra, extended the Philippines’ deep appreciation to ASEAN Member States and dialogue partners for their trust and collaboration throughout its chairmanship. He stressed that the complexity of the drug problem demands a whole-of-region approach, one that upholds harmony, solidarity, and strengthened security cooperation to effectively counter the transnational nature of illicit drug threats.
During its stewardship of the 45th ASOD, the Philippines guided the region in achieving significant milestones. These included the Final Review of the ASEAN Workplan on Securing Communities Against Illicit Drugs 2016–2025, which set the stage for a forward-looking regional strategy, and the enhancement of partnerships with dialogue partners—Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and Russia—through sustained dialogue and joint initiatives. The Philippines likewise took part in the 8th Meeting of the AIPA Advisory Council on Dangerous Drugs (AIPACOOD) in Malaysia, convening 43 delegates from across ASEAN, further reinforcing the region’s collective voice in pursuing balanced, humane, and comprehensive approaches to the drug challenge.
These achievements stand as enduring contributions to ASEAN’s common vision. With Singapore now at the helm of the 46th ASOD, the Philippines expressed confidence that the region will continue to build on this momentum—driving forward cooperation, resilience, and shared action in realizing a drug-free and secure ASEAN.
