By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
As one of the five founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), one may be wondering what benefits the country continues to reap not only as a member but also as the host in this year’s Summit.
In a media briefing in Cebu on Wednesday, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Deputy Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs and ASEAN 2026 Spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial expounded the importance of being a part of the 11-country bloc.
Manila’s place among ASEAN member states enables the country to benefit from a stable security and political situation within the region, which continues to entice investors and private sector to team up with ASEAN countries.
In turn, this serves as an economic pillar that continues to thrive through exchanges of goods between nations that benefit micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) alike, resulting in a flourishing business environment.
Asec. Imperial likewise noted the socio-cultural exchanges that bridge language barriers and geographical gaps to foster unity among the member states, which is particularly evident in setting agendas and joint statements on issues that may affect the region.
The ASEAN spokesperson explained, “Iyong mga capacity building, technical assistance, pati po iyong mga policies—lahat po iyon mayroon na tayo at iyon po ay gumagana na. Dahil po doon, mas handa po tayo sa mga kailangan nating gawin kapag mayroon tayong mga natural calamities.”
Iyong partnership po natin sa mga dialogue partners—nakakatulong iyon sa mga pangangailangan natin ng Pilipinas, para matugunan natin iyong problema na dinudulot ng climate change.”
These perks highlight the indispensable role of the Philippines as a key partner in trade, commerce, security, and development in the region and, to a greater extent, on the international stage.
jpv
