The Philippines commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Co-operation in Southeast Asia (TAC) on July 24, hosting a series of high-level diplomatic gatherings in Manila to celebrate five decades of regional peace, non-aggression and constructive engagement.
Officially designated as “TAC Day”, the commemorative events highlighted the treaty’s evolution into a vital international framework.
‘Hapag-kainan’ spirit
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. hailed the treaty’s global legacy during a commemorative gala dinner hosted at Malacañan Palace, according to the Manila Bulletin.
Reflecting on the foundational 1976 pact originally signed in Bali, Indonesia, by his late father alongside founding Southeast Asian leaders, President Marcos noted that what began as a regional agreement has transformed into a global community united by shared principles of peace and mutual respect.
Marcos invoked the traditional Filipino concept of “hapag-kainan” (the family dining table) to illustrate regional diplomatic relations.
Marcos stressed that, much like families strengthening ties around a shared table, sovereign nations can resolve differences and foster enduring security through open dialogue, trust and the Filipino spirit of bayanihan (communal solidarity).
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Four new signatories
A central milestone of the Manila anniversary summit was the formal signing ceremony welcoming four new European signatories: Sweden, Poland, Romania and Lithuania.
The accession of these four countries expanded the treaty’s total membership to 62 High Contracting Parties across five continents.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro called upon the 62 parties to transform the conference’s deliberations into actionable initiatives and practical co-operation, emphasising that although the core principles of the treaty have endured for five decades, their practical implementation must continuously adapt to modern realities.
High-level conference, future co-operation
ASEAN Foreign Ministers and international delegates convened for a dedicated high-level conference to review the treaty’s enduring role in navigating modern geopolitical friction.
Participating representatives exchanged views on enhancing economic integration, disaster management response and joint maritime security frameworks while re-affirming ASEAN centrality.
The Philippines commemorated the milestone by unveiling a commemorative postage stamp and a sampaguita-inspired anniversary emblem, cementing five decades of commitment to sovereign equality and peaceful dispute settlement.
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Carmela Calling 
James Mario Ajero