Manila, Oct. 29 -- The Philippines will help further improve regional stability, promote shared growth and ensure inclusive development among communities during its Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) chairship next year, a trade official said Wednesday.

This, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s acceptance of the country's chairmanship from Malaysia during the closing ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tuesday.

"Our thematic priorities will guide ASEAN toward practical cooperation-ensuring peace that enables progress, prosperity that reaches every sector, and empowerment that drives participation from all," Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque said in a statement. ...