At the helm

Some Filipinos today might first think of Helm as the celebrated fine-dining restaurant by chef Josh Boutwood, the first and only establishment in the inaugural Michelin Guide Philippines to earn two Michelin stars.

- LITO VILLANUEVA

It is a remarkable achievement for our country, but more than that, it feels symbolic.Because the Philippines is no longer waiting quietly on the sidelines. The world helm alone means to take ownership, to lead and ultimately, to take responsibility and pride for what's to come.

Across industries, from food to finance, we are beginning to take our rightful place at the helm. And by 2026, that symbolism becomes literal.

For the fourth time in our history, the Philippines will assume the ASEAN chairship, not just as host nation, but as an agenda-setter at a time when the region stands at a digital and economic turning point.

This moment matters. Chairship isn't about ceremony. It's about direction.

ASEAN itself described our role this way: "As the Philippines assumes the ASEAN chairship in 2026, it underscores the shared responsibility of navigating an increasingly complex regional landscape through cooperation, mutual respect and solidarity." That means we help steer the economic and digital future of a region home to over 680 million people.

The ASEAN chairship is a coordinating role with real influence. The chair country leads the setting of priorities for the year, hosts summits and ministerial meetings, and guides discussions that shape regional policies across trade, security, digitalization, climate and economic integration. It also has the responsibility of shepherding agreements toward consensus (a hallmark of ASEAN decision-making), so that every member state moves forward together rather than unevenly or in isolation.