2017年菲律宾担任东盟轮值主席国。对菲律宾而言，这次担任东盟轮值主席国意义重大。其一，2017年是东盟成立50周年，在东盟发展进程中具有历史里程碑意义。其二，杜特尔特作为新上任的总统，一方面要展示菲律宾新总统的领导力，提升菲律宾的国际形象；另一方面要领导东盟各成员国应对诸多挑战，推动区域合作。杜特尔特政府将“合作促改变 与世界接轨”作为2017年东盟发展的主题，承诺继续加强东盟共同体三大支柱建设，促进东盟的六项优先发展事项。在杜特尔特执政时期，菲律宾坚持东盟的中心地位，继续推动东盟区域主义发展，在东盟社会文化安全共同体建设方面提出了多项倡议。
In 2017，the Philippines took over rotating chairmanship of ASEAN from Laos coinciding with the organization’s historic 50th anniversary. Taking the rotating chairmanship is a great opportunity for the Philippines in the year of 2017，the Philippines attempted to orientate the ASEAN future under the leadership of newly-elected president Duterte and to reshape Philippine image on the international stage. Facing regional issues and challenges in various aspects，President Duterte declared the theme for ASEAN in 2017 as “partnering for change，engaging the world”，announcing to reinforce the three pillars of the ASEAN community with the highlight of six priorities development programs. During the Duterte administration，the Philippine government plays an important role in promoting the ASEAN’s community-building，ensuring the centrality of ASEAN and supporting connectivity of ASEAN in variety of fields.
