Here’s what to expect as the Philippines welcomes ASEAN leaders and international dignitaries this November 2026.
The Philippines is preparing to host the biggest diplomatic event of the year, as the 49th ASEAN Summit is set to take place over Metro Manila from November 16 to 18, 2026, inviting regional leaders, international dignitaries, and thousands of foreign delegates to the capital. The summit and its accompanying meetings will take place at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, marking the culmination of the country’s 2026 chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
The Philippines will pass the chairship to Singapore in 2027, closing a year organized around the theme Navigating Our Future, Together, which emphasizes regional unity, resilience, and a people-centered approach to shared challenges. The Philippines originally had the 2027 chairmanship but took over the 2026 slot after Myanmar formally relinquished its turn. The bloc has since expanded to 11 members with the addition of Timor-Leste, which joins its first full cycle of regional meetings.
READ ALSO: Angelina Jolie Is Coming To Manila For The 2026 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit
Who’s Coming To Manila For The 49th ASEAN Summit?
Among the expected attendees is US President Donald Trump, whose visit the Palace confirmed on October 14, 2026. Trump is scheduled to arrive in Manila on November 16 before traveling to China for the APEC summit. Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to skip the gathering, with Premier Li Qiang likely to represent Beijing instead. UN Secretary-General António Guterres is also anticipated to attend.
How The Summit Will Affect Traffic
For Metro Manila residents, however, the summit will mean more than motorcades and international headlines. The government has declared November 16 to 18 as special non-working days across the National Capital Region in an effort to ease traffic congestion and manage security arrangements. The Department of Tourism expects more than 10,000 foreign delegates, while select parts of the capital will offer free jeepney rides under a new transport arrangement.
Some restrictions are already in place. Makati has prohibited drone operations across the city for the entire month of November, while Parañaque has temporarily banned street vending in Baclaran until November 20.
Other ASEAN-Related Events Outside Of The Summit
The summit also caps a busy calendar of ASEAN-related events. Okada Manila hosted the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit from November 9 to 10, while Makati will hold the 54th ASEAN Banking Council Meeting from November 12 to 14. On November 11, the 2026 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit, presented by Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and themed Resilient and Rising, will gather speakers including Angelina Jolie and Lea Salonga.
Banner photo courtesy of Nuwat Chanthachanthuek via Canva
Frequently Asked Questions
The 49th ASEAN Summit will take place from November 16 to 18, 2026, at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
US President Donald Trump, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and ASEAN member-state leaders are expected to attend. Chinese Premier Li Qiang is likely to represent China in place of President Xi Jinping.
ASEAN has 11 member states in 2026, following the addition of Timor-Leste to the regional bloc.
Yes. November 16 to 18 have been declared special non-working days across the National Capital Region to help ease traffic and manage security. Select areas will also offer free jeepney rides, while temporary restrictions will affect certain parts of the metro.
Related events include the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit at Okada Manila from November 9 to 10, the ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit on November 11, and the 54th ASEAN Banking Council Meeting in Makati from November 12 to 14.
