The Philippines will assume the UN Security Council presidency starting today, September 1.

This is the second time in its two-year term as an elected member that the Philippines will oversee the work of the UN body.

Ambassador Lauro L. Baja Jr., the country's permanent representative to the UN, said the Philippines will assume the presidency at a crucial time when the 191 member-countries are discussing reforms in the organization.

President Gloria Arroyo is set to preside over more than 170 heads of states and governments during the High Level Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly next month. The assembly is set to discuss threats to international peace and security.

Baja added that the President will also have the distinction of being the first Asian leader to chair a Security Council summit.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo is also scheduled to preside over a thematic debate in the Security Council on "The Role of Civil Society in Conflict Prevention and the Pacific Settlement of Dispute."

The Philippines will take over the presidency from Japan and will oversee the program of work of the Security Council for the entire month of September.