THE province of Bohol played hosts to Senior Economic Officials Meeting (SEOM) of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) from January 15-31, 2026.
Gov. Aris Aumntado said that the senior economic officials and delegates took part in 1st Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Economic Officials of the 57th Meeting of the ASEAN SEOM in premier tourist town of Panglao.
He said Bohol takes pride in such hosting as part of the country’s being the ASEAN chair. This year’s Theme: “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
In a dinner tendered by the provincial government, Department Trade and industry Director Marie Sherylyn Aguia of the Bureau of International Trade Relations, expressed appreciation for Bohol’s hosting the event.
The governor said that attending the said dinner are Vice-Gov. Nick Besas, Board Member Jamie Aumentado-Villamor, Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, department heads fo provincial government, Dauis Mayor Marietta Sumaylo, Panglao First Lady Annie Arcay (representing her husband Panglao Mayor Boy Arcay), and Councilor Edi Borja (representing Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Censoria Yap).
Meanwhile, Gov. Aumentado and Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin welcomed ASEAN energy delegates at the South Palms Hotel in Panglao, Bohol, during the welcome dinner for the Special Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (Special SOME) and Associated Meetings.
According to asean202.com.ph, “Delegations warmly welcomed the reception extended by the host agency—Department of Energy, together with the ASEAN 2026 National Organizing Council, noting the warm hospitality and careful coordination that set a forward-looking tone for the meetings. Beyond the ceremony, the dinner served as an early bridge between partners, affirming that ASEAN energy cooperation is built not only on technical work, but also on relationships that enable coordination to move faster and outcomes to reach communities sooner.”
“In her remarks, Secretary Garin underscored that the priority of the ASEAN Special SOME is to ensure that regional energy initiatives translate into real, on-the-ground impact, expanding energy access, shielding consumers from volatility, generating jobs, and strengthening the reliability of our energy systems.” (rvo)
