ASEAN leaders seek action on haze, energy, and food concerns

Mary Sophia Angela Buenavidez

Transboundary haze, energy security, and food security are among the key issues set to headline discussions at the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings, as regional leaders seek collective solutions to challenges affecting Southeast Asia.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Spokesperson for ASEAN Affairs Dax Imperial said these concerns were among the issues discussed during the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings on November 14.

As the ASEAN 2026 Chair, the Philippines is pushing for measures to address the three key issues, with outcome documents expected to be adopted as the summit concludes on November 17, according to the DFA.

This comes after fires in parts of Indonesia’s Sumatra and Borneo islands contributed to deteriorating air quality across Southeast Asia, with several areas in the Philippines also experiencing the effects.

In the Philippines, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) reported that haze affected air quality in several areas, including CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and parts of Metro Manila where air quality levels were classified as “acute unhealthy.” 

The haze also prompted class suspensions in parts of the Philippines and Malaysia.

Imperial said the proposed measures would be elevated to the leaders’ level for further discussion as ASEAN seeks to strengthen its regional response to the recurring environmental concern.

Meanwhile, the ASEAN economy faces uncertainties in global fuel supply amid geopolitical tensions and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Among the regional initiatives is the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security (APSA), which aims to facilitate coordinated emergency fuel-sharing arrangements among member states during supply disruptions.

The agreement was first ratified by the Philippines, which is now calling on other member states to expedite its implementation.

Leaders also discussed measures to strengthen food security, with the ASEAN Plus Three foreign ministers supporting emergency rice reserves and advancing digital agriculture through 2026–2035 Cooperation Strategy on Food, Agriculture, and Forestry.

The summit is expected to set the direction for the region’s collective response to these pressing concerns in the upcoming days from November 15 to 17.