Transport officials from across Southeast Asia convened in Yangon, Myanmar, from May 21-23, 2025, for the 59th ASEAN Senior Transport Officials Meeting (STOM) and the ASEAN-US STOM at the Wyndham Grand Hotel. The gathering underscored the region’s commitment to enhanced connectivity and sustainable transport development.
The three-day meeting centered on strengthening regional transport cooperation and connectivity as key drivers of economic growth throughout Southeast Asia. Participants engaged in comprehensive discussions covering the advancement of ASEAN transport projects, work plan updates from different transport sectors, and strategic partnerships with dialogue partners, particularly the United States.
The Philippine delegation brought substantial expertise to the discussions, led by Department of Transportation Undersecretary Teodorico Jose R. Delfin. The team included Assistant Secretary Dioscoro T. Reyes, CAAP Director General LTGEN Raul L. Del Rosario, AFP (Ret). Aside from DOTr and CAAP, other senior officials representing key transportation agencies from the land, sea, and air sectors also participated in the event, including officials from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and Land Transportation Office (LTO).
This multi-agency representation highlighted the Philippines’ comprehensive approach to regional transport cooperation across all major sectors.
CAAP took center stage in presenting the Philippines’ significant strides in aviation development by outlining its multifaceted initiatives encompassing aviation safety and security, airspace management enhancements, sustainable air transport promotion, comprehensive unmanned aircraft systems regulation, and in the strengthening of regional air connectivity.
The successful conclusion of the 59th STOM reaffirmed ASEAN’s collective dedication to building a safer, more interconnected, and environmentally sustainable transport ecosystem. The outcomes from the meeting will guide regional cooperation efforts and inform future policy directions of the ASEAN while also signaling the region’s strategic approach to leveraging international expertise and resources in achieving its transport connectivity goals.
