Cebu Protocol ushers in updated ASEAN flag, emblem with Timor-Leste’s inclusion

Detailed summary

The Philippines has marked a historic milestone in regional integration with the unveiling of the updated Association of Southeast Asian Nations ...

MANILA – The Philippines has marked a historic milestone in regional integration with the unveiling of the updated Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Flag and Emblem, with the formal inclusion of Timor-Leste as the regional bloc’s 11th member.

The unveiling took place during the opening ceremony of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Sunday.

Marcos presented the ASEAN flag and certificate to ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn.

The protocol amends the ASEAN Charter for the first time since its signing in 2007, formally recognizing Timor-Leste as the bloc’s 11th member and upholding legal and institutional framework to reflect the expanded membership.

“This year, the Cebu Protocol marked another step in that journey, reflecting an ASEAN of 11 that has shaped the future together,” Marcos said during the opening ceremony.

The updated ASEAN Flag features 11 stalks of paddy (rice) enclosed in a red-and-white circle against a blue field, symbolizing the regional bloc’s 11 member states following Timor-Leste’s admission.

The updated emblem likewise reflects ASEAN’s expanded membership and reinforces its shared identity and regional solidarity.

With Timor-Leste now formally part of the bloc, ASEAN moves forward as an 11-member community committed to regional peace, stability and shared prosperity.

The development highlighted the Philippines’ role in advancing ASEAN integration and strengthening cooperation among Southeast Asian nations.

Opening of the article, excerpted from Philippine News Agency. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.