Manila, 11 June 2025: ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe met with His Excellency Dr Teodoro Herbosa, Secretary of the Department of Health of the Philippines, in Manila to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration in regional health policy.

During the meeting, President Watanabe shared updates on ERIA’s ongoing initiatives and expressed appreciation for the Philippines’ continued support. He also underscored potential areas for enhanced cooperation, particularly in view of the country’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026.

Secretary Herbosa welcomed the opportunity to work more closely with ERIA and highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in addressing shared health challenges. The discussion covered pressing issues such as the ageing population, regional health security, and the development of human capital in the healthcare sector.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening societal resilience and promoting public well-being across the Philippines and the broader ASEAN region.