Strengthening Local Government Cooperation in the Philippines: UCLG ASPAC Mission Advances ASEAN Vision 2045, AGMF 2026 Preparation, and Local Development Initiatives
MANILA, Philippines — The AGMF Secretariat, led by Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi and AGMF Programme Officer Mohammad Ridwan, concluded a high-impact mission to the Philippines this March, strengthening the bridge between local governance and regional strategy. The visit marked a critical milestone in advancing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and laying the groundwork for the 2026 ASEAN Governors and Mayors Forum (AGMF).
Regional Integration at the Local Level
At the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) General Assembly in Manila, the AGMF Secretariat engaged with hundreds of municipal leaders to emphasize that regional vision begins at the local level.
The success of ASEAN’s economic, political-security, and socio-cultural pillars in ACV 2045 depends on concrete actions by municipalities at the local level, such as aligning regional priorities with their local development plans
Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, speaking at the LMP General Assembly, 10 March 2026
Preparations for the ASEAN Governors and Mayors Forum (AGMF) 2026
High-level coordination for AGMF 2026 advanced during a visit to Manila City Hall. The AGMF Secretariat met with city officials to align on the strategic framework for the event. These discussions ensured that the host city and regional organizers are in lockstep regarding the forum’s role in showcasing Philippine leadership within the ASEAN community.
CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines — Following the engagements in the capital, the mission shifted to Catbalogan City to focus on implementation and community empowerment.
Advancing the ASEAN SDGs Park Initiative
The visit culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize the partnership on the ASEAN SDGs Park Project. This initiative creates a public space that merges sustainable development with economic opportunity through a modular, sustainable marketplace that serves as a pilot for regional replication.
Women’s Month Celebration
At the end of the mission, the Secretariat participated in an event hosted by the Catbalogan City Government focused on women in governance. In the session, Dr. Bernadia highlighted that women’s leadership is a primary driver for improved public services, stronger community engagement, and more inclusive economic opportunities. Empowering women at the local level was underscored as a necessity for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
