Manila to Host the 2026 ASEAN Governors and Mayors Forum: Setting the Stage for a Landmark Event in Regional Urban Cooperation
UCLG ASPAC, serves as the Secretariat of the ASEAN Governors and Mayors Forum (AGMF), is pleased to announce that Manila City will host the important AGMF and the Meeting of the Governors/Mayors of ASEAN Capitals (MGMAC) in September 2026. This announcement marks a significant stride in empowering local and regional governments as the primary drivers of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
The confirmation followed a high-level strategic visit to Manila led by Dakila Carlo E. Cua, President of UCLG ASPAC, and Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, Secretary-General of the organisation. Held from January 12 to 14, the visit engaged key national and local stakeholders to establish a collaborative framework for the 2026 events, underscoring the critical role of cities in translating regional commitments into concrete local action.
A central highlight of the visit was a meeting with the Manila City Government, led by Mayor Isko Moreno. Mayor Moreno expressed Manila’s readiness to host a high-level regional gathering, with preliminary plans identifying The Manila Hotel as the prospective venue.
“Manila is honoured and ready to welcome our fellow leaders from across ASEAN,” Mayor Moreno said, emphasising that the forum is intended not only as a platform for dialogue but also as a catalyst for concrete cooperation. He added that the city aims to create a lasting legacy from the event, including a commemorative landmark at Mohen Garden and a potential tree-planting initiative symbolising sustainability. Delegates are also expected to participate in site visits showcasing Manila’s urban development initiatives, including a major housing project that reflects practical solutions to shared city challenges.
The visit also included strategic discussions with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), represented by Undersecretaries Marlo L. Iringan and Francisco R. Cruz. These discussions reinforced the importance of aligning the 2026 forum with efforts to localise the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
The AGMF/MGMAC 2026 is expected to serve as a strategic platform for governors and mayors to exchange knowledge, shape policy directions, and build partnerships that advance sustainable development at the local level. By anchoring regional priorities within cities and municipalities, the forum aims to accelerate progress toward a more inclusive, resilient, and interconnected ASEAN.
The successful visit has laid a strong foundation for what is anticipated to be a landmark event in ASEAN’s local government cooperation. UCLG ASPAC expressed its appreciation to the Government of the Philippines, the DILG, and the Manila City Government for their commitment and collaboration. Preparations will now move forward to ensure the forum delivers meaningful outcomes and strengthens the role of local governments in shaping the region’s future.
