Delegates from 11 ASEAN Member States convened for the Youth Action Agenda, organized by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Philippines and in partnership with Global Peace Foundation Philippines and SM Cares. 

The delegates, 120 young entrepreneurs, discussed through a roundtable discussion format and produced a policy-facing document endorsed by ASEAN-BAC leadership last July 17. The document will be shared at the ASEAN Youth Entrepreneurship Summit on August 12, International Youth Day. Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary, Regional Operations Group, Blesila Lantayona, National Youth Commission Philippines Undersecretary Joseph Francisco “Jeff” Ortega, and Senior Assistant Vice President for SM Communities Marketing Royston Cabunag opened the program. The Youth Roundtable Discussion was led by ASEAN-BAC Philippines Senior Adviser for Youth Miguel Lopez. 

ASEAN-BAC 2026 Chair Jose Ma. “Joey” A. Concepcion III emphasizes the mission to bring this prosperity for all, steadfast to his commitment of creating market opportunities, and active partnerships; what was adopted from the discussion moved directly into the official regional policy record. 

Under the pillar of Platform, it was highlighted that ASEAN Member States should be able to simplify bureaucratic business processes such as registration, licensing and compliance requirements while consolidating together fragmented inter-agency processes. Expansion and access to affordable finances, grants, and incentives for youth-led enterprises for early-stage entrepreneurs were also underscored to boost access to finances and markets. 

The pillar of Productivity anchors on digital skills and technology, wherein ASEAN member States must invest in digital infrastructure, productivity tools, connectivity, electricity, and affordable equipment for underserved youth entrepreneurs to participate in the digital economy. ASEAN-BAC must also play a role in establishing a single consolidated digital skills platform for technical and soft-skills upskilling. 

Delegates working on the pillar of People also produced the agenda focusing on policy, regulatory reform, and youth representation–wherein it states that ASEAN Member States must integrate voting seats and “direct oversight for entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 within national and regional policymaking councils.” The agenda focuses on the rapidly changing needs and innovations of the digital-native generation while reiterating that both the private sector and ASEAN-BAC member companies must promote existing support programs, financial literacy and compliance education through accessible means. 

The pillar of Planet focuses on sustainability and inclusive business, ASEAN Member States must establish the “ASEAN Sustainable Youth Green Lane” wherein registration, tax incentives, and access to green financing and insurance are streamlined. The ASEAN-BAC and the private sector must also establish, at the local level, a Youth Entrepreneurship Hubs for young entrepreneurs to connect with mentorships, markets, and innovation networks. 

ASEAN-BAC Philippines Executive Director Patrick Chua signed the adoption of the Youth Action Agenda with ASEAN-BAC Philippines Senior Adviser for Youth Miguel Lopez, ASEAN Youth Organization-Philippines Country Director Lee Troy Calimlim, Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Hon. Blesila Lantayona, Executive Director Global Peace Foundation Philippines Leonard Faustino, Program Director for SM Cares Children and Youth Lead for SM for MSMEs Royston Cabunag, ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Council Chairman Charmaine Cobankiat,, and Department of the Agriculture Young Farmers’ Challenge Market Specialist II John Romar Pedrigal.

Present partners and youth organizations included the ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Council, Go Negosyo, the ASEAN Youth Organization, the Young Farmers Challenge Club of the Philippines, the UNDP, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Education's Go Negosyo Youthpreneur program, and the Department of Agriculture, The Philippine Junior Marketing Association, the Management Association of the Philippines NextGen, Junior Chamber International, and alumni of ITC's ARISE Plus BOOST Accelerator. 

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ABOUT ASEAN-BAC PH

The ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN‑BAC) is the region’s principal private sector advisory body, providing business insights and recommendations to ASEAN Leaders. It serves as the primary platform for the private sector to engage with policymakers, advocate for economic cooperation, and advance ASEAN’s integration agenda. It was founded in 2001. 

In 2026, ASEAN-BAC Philippines, led by Chair Joey Concepcion alongside Members George Barcelon and Michael Tan, will once again chair and host the Council and its Dialogue Partners, ensuring that private sector priorities are integrated into regional economic development and policy initiatives.

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