On May 4 and 5, 2026, Professor Elizabeth Aguiling-Pangalangan attended the 32nd Meeting of the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) as the Philippine Representative to the ACWC, together with Dr. Amal T. Torres, ACWC Chair.

The Philippines is hosting the ASEAN this year. The meeting, held in hybrid format, served as an important venue for ASEAN Member States to reaffirm their shared commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of women and children across the region, while advancing a safe, inclusive, and empowered future for all. 

During the discussions, ACWC representatives reviewed the development of the Commission’s 2026–2030 Work Plan, aligned with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. Deliberations focused on addressing emerging and persistent issues affecting women and children, including violence, trafficking, migration, and online exploitation.

The Philippines also highlighted ongoing regional initiatives such as the ASEAN ICT Forum on Child Online Protection and capacity-building programs for frontline responders that promote victim-centered and gender-responsive approaches in combating trafficking.

The meeting likewise noted progress in the formulation of key regional policy frameworks and action plans on violence against women and children, child protection, and migration. It concluded with a renewed commitment to ASEAN Centrality, emphasizing that partnerships with dialogue partners and stakeholders must remain ASEAN-led, responsive to regional priorities, and supportive of sustainable and people-centered development.