The Philippine Model ASEAN Meeting (PHMAM) 2026 formally commenced its opening plenary on Jan. 12 at the Design and Art (D+A) Campus Theater 5/F of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, where student delegates, diplomats, and institutional partners gathered under the theme “Ascend ASEAN: Navigating Cohesion for a Future-Ready Region.”

The ceremony opened with the Philippine and ASEAN anthems performed by the Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) Academy Chorale, led by conductor Leoven Kyle Vallejos. 

Hon. Ana Marie L. Hernando, Director-General of ASEAN Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), delivered the welcome address, relaying President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s message to the delegates. The President underscored that a “strong ASEAN is built through policy and people,” particularly the youth, who are tasked with carrying forward the values of dialogue and shared responsibility.

Hon. Hernando emphasized that leadership is not defined by age or position, but by initiative and commitment to service. She highlighted that ASEAN chairmanship is rooted in inclusivity, ensuring that every voice—big or small—is heard and valued. “Peace must be built and protected every day,” she said, urging delegates to participate fully, speak with purpose, and listen with humility as they collaborate across borders and disciplines. 

A special message followed from Ms. Dea Dianka, Programme Specialist and Consultant for the ASEAN Foundation Model ASEAN Meeting East Asia Summit (AFMAM EAS), who thanked the delegates and organizers on behalf of the Foundation. She acknowledged the strong collaboration among partners, including Benilde’s own School of Diplomacy and Governance (SDG), the Intramuros Administration, and the PHMAM Organizing Committee.

Ms. Dianka remarked that through initiatives such as PHMAM, young leaders are equipped with the skills, confidence, and networks needed for lasting regional impact. “ASEAN is not just about diplomacy and policies—it is about you,” she said, “Today, you may be participating in a meeting; tomorrow, you may be leading one.”

PHMAM 2026 Executive Directors Matthew Parra and Zarah Tortocion then officially welcomed the delegates. Reflecting on their experiences representing the country in Jakarta, they remarked that “ASEAN is what people choose to make of it,” and stressed that “meaningful engagement with ASEAN cannot be reduced to simulations alone.” The opening plenary was formally commenced with the striking of the gavel. 

H.E. Marciano Octavio Garcia Da Silva, Ambassador of Timor-Leste to the Philippines, then delivered the keynote address, describing the simulations as “actively rehearsing the future,” where delegates debate and draft resolutions that will shape Southeast Asia. 

He outlined Timor-Leste’s 14-year journey to ASEAN membership, from joining the ASEAN Regional Forum in 2005 to completing wide-ranging reforms that led to its admission as a full member state at the 47th ASEAN Summit on Oct. 26, 2025. He noted that Timor-Leste strengthens ASEAN’s principles of inclusivity and multilateralism, adding that “ASEAN membership does not eliminate challenges, but it provides a platform to address them more effectively.” 

Calling the Philippines a “steadfast friend,” he urged the delegates to move forward, stating that “...this marks the start of a shared responsibility to work together toward a stronger, more inclusive ASEAN.” 

The plenary continued with a cultural showcase by the AUP Academy Chorale, performing a selection of ASEAN folk songs reflecting themes of hope, resilience, and identity. 

During the plenary Q&A, H.E. Da Silva shared insights on his country’s priorities now that it has become a full ASEAN member. Rather than taking a fast track, Timor-Leste is choosing to learn its way in, “The country plans to take things step by step, understand the process and maximize each opportunity to participate and contribute.” 

When asked about priorities for 2026, H.E. Da Silva acknowledged that “every priority is priority in Timo,” He highlighted education as one of their first priorities, stating that  “In order to understand and participate actively in ASEAN meetings then one of our priorities is education, education, education.” 

The event ended on a forward-looking note, highlighting the youth as key actors in shaping ASEAN’s next chapter. With the Philippines assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship, PHMAM 2026 positioned diplomacy as a discipline grounded in practice—where dialogue, responsibility, and perseverance translate into collective action.