The Philippines will chair the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) in 2026, playing a key role in advancing digital governance and urban resilience in Southeast Asia.
The chairmanship was officially handed over by Malaysia to the Philippines during the ASCN’s 8th annual meeting in Kuala Lumpur.
Interior Undersecretary Marlo Iringan emphasized that smart cities focus on practical improvements like faster services and safer streets, citing projects in Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
The country is also pushing its own smart governance program, DRIVEN, in partnership with the World Bank.
The chairmanship will highlight the importance of accountability and resilience in local governance and showcase the growing role of smaller cities in the network.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 4, 2025
PH SET TO CHAIR ASEAN SMART CITIES NETWORK NEXT YEAR
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