Philippines to Host Key ASEAN Finance Meetings in Bohol to Strengthen Regional Economic Ties
The Philippines is set to host the Asean Finance and Central Bank Deputies’ Meeting–Working Group and related meetings from February 9 to 13, 2026, in Panglao Island, Bohol. This significant five-day event will bring together senior finance officials from across Southeast Asia to discuss critical economic priorities and enhance regional cooperation.
Leadership and Coordination by Philippine Authorities
The meetings will be jointly led by the Department of Finance and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, which serve as co-chairs of the Asean Finance Track’s AFCDM-WG. This collaboration underscores the Philippines' active role in shaping financial policies within the ASEAN region.
Officials from the 11 ASEAN member states are expected to engage in discussions on several key areas, including:
- Financial services integration
- Regulatory cooperation
- Capital market development
- Financial inclusion
- Strategies to strengthen economic resilience amid global uncertainty
Platform for Advancing ASEAN Economic Goals
The AFCDM-WG serves as a vital platform for senior officials to coordinate finance and central bank initiatives, guide sectoral bodies, and advance key objectives under the ASEAN Economic Community agenda. During the meetings, the DOF will co-chair the 84th Meeting of the Asean Working Committee on Financial Services Liberalization and the second meeting of the Asean Working Group on Finance–Health Collaboration. Meanwhile, the BSP will co-chair the Asean Working Committee on Capital Account Liberalization.
The event will culminate with the AFCDM-WG session on February 13, co-chaired by the DOF and BSP, marking a pivotal moment in regional financial diplomacy.
Philippines’ Priority Economic Deliverables for 2026 ASEAN Chairship
As part of the Philippines’ Priority Economic Deliverables for its 2026 ASEAN Chairship, the co-chairs will seek approval for three major initiatives:
- Promoting sustainable and resilient ASEAN capital markets
- Advancing financial health as a regional priority
- Strengthening cross-border payments
These initiatives aim to deepen capital markets, incorporate financial well-being into policy discussions, and improve regional payments through interoperable, transparent, and well-regulated systems aligned with the G20 Roadmap.
Efforts Toward Financial Liberalization and Integration
The Asean Finance Track will also continue efforts to liberalize financial services within the region and with dialogue partners. This includes implementing commitments under the Asean Framework Agreement on Services and preparing for the transition to the Asean Trade in Services Agreement, as well as supporting Timor-Leste’s accession process.
Officials emphasized that these efforts support ASEAN’s broader financial integration goals by encouraging cross-border investment, improving market access, and increasing regulatory transparency while maintaining financial stability.
Venue Selection and Strategic Importance
Panglao Island was chosen as the venue for its accessibility and modern facilities, providing an ideal setting for policy discussions among ASEAN policymakers, regulators, and development partners. This selection highlights the Philippines' commitment to fostering productive and collaborative environments for international economic dialogue.
