Philippines Forges Digital Partnership Ahead of 2026 ASEAN Summit
In a significant move to bolster digital growth across Southeast Asia, key private sector organizations in the Philippines have sealed a strategic partnership. The Private Sector Advisory Council – Digital Infrastructure (PSAC-DI), ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), and GoDigital Philippines formalized this collaboration through a memorandum of agreement signed on Wednesday, February 21, 2026. This initiative aims to accelerate digital transformation and enhance regional cooperation as the Philippines prepares to host the 2026 ASEAN Summit.
Key Signatories and Framework
The agreement was signed by prominent leaders including PSAC-DI sector lead Myla Villanueva, ASEAN-BAC Philippines chairperson Jose Ma. Concepcion III, and GoDigital Philippines chairperson Mark Gorriceta. This partnership establishes a cooperative framework that will run through December 2026, focusing on policy dialogue, stakeholder consultations, and joint programs. The primary areas of emphasis are digital infrastructure development, artificial intelligence adoption, and fostering digital inclusion throughout Southeast Asia.
Aligning Private Sector with Regional Priorities
This collaboration seeks to align private sector initiatives with the priorities of ASEAN-BAC and the Philippine government's agenda. Key objectives include supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), promoting emerging technologies, and integrating regional digital economies. Myla Villanueva emphasized that the partnership underscores the private sector's commitment to backing the Philippines' role as ASEAN host and shaping a more inclusive, innovative, and secure digital future for the region.
Strategic Goals and Implementation
Under this agreement, PSAC will work closely with ASEAN-BAC and GoDigital Philippines to facilitate policy dialogues and stakeholder engagements. This includes active participation in ASEAN-level consultations and working groups. The partnership will support MSME development through various initiatives such as consultations, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building programs. Additionally, it will involve joint contributions to regional programs and priority work streams focused on digital transformation and innovation.
Support for the 2026 ASEAN Summit
The collaboration will also aid in preparing policy inputs, identifying speakers, and mobilizing industry sponsorships for events related to the 2026 ASEAN Summit. By leveraging industry expertise and aligning it with national priorities, the partnership aims to position the Philippines as a leader in advancing a secure, innovative, and inclusive digital economy in Southeast Asia. This initiative reflects PSAC's ongoing role in strengthening public-private collaboration to accelerate the country's digital transformation.
This strategic move highlights the Philippines' proactive approach to digital growth, ensuring that digital transformation translates into tangible opportunities for businesses and communities across the region.
