MANILA: The Philippines will commemorate on Tuesday (Feb 24) the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in South-East Asia, a landmark agreement that has served as the foundation of peaceful interstate relations in the region, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.
As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) chair for 2026, the Philippines is honoured to lead this historic milestone. The country was one of the five original signatories when the treaty was signed in 1976 during the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
The golden anniversary is both historic and meaningful, as it is being marked during the Philippines' Asean chairmanship, underscoring the continuity of the country's role in shaping regional cooperation.
From its five founding members, which also include Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, the TAC has grown into a framework now embraced by 58 High Contracting Parties worldwide.
For five decades, the TAC has embodied the Asean model of peaceful engagement, anchored on mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the renunciation of the threat or use of force.
These principles have helped foster stability, solidarity, and closer relations among Member States and partners, providing a secure and predictable environment that supports trade, investment, and economic growth across the region.
As part of the commemoration, the official 50th Anniversary logo will be unveiled through Asean's social media platforms.
The main commemorative activity will be held on July 24, 2026, on the sidelines of the 59th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings.
The commemoration comes amid a series of key ASEAN engagements under the Philippines' chairship.- Bernama-PNA
