By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in transforming the Southeast Asian region into a “resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centered” region.
Marcos Jr. hosted a gala dinner for Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders at Mactan Expo Center in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, capping the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings.
He expressed gratitude to his fellow Southeast Asian leaders for supporting the Philippine chairship and for participating in the annual gathering despite a recalibrated approach due to recent global developments.
“When the Philippines assumed the chairship, we had prepared to welcome you under different circumstances—to share more of our country, to celebrate our culture, and to show, in a richer way, the spirit and hospitality of the Filipino people. Instead, we have been asked to respond to a very different moment,” Marcos Jr. said.
While the region was tested by the latest global challenges, Marcos Jr. said ASEAN member-states have continued to uphold openness, mutual respect, and shared commitment to regional stability.
Marcos Jr. noted that ASEAN’s strength has continued to grow through its readiness to address and overcome the challenges.
“The strength of ASEAN has never depended on the absence of difficulty. It has grown on our willingness to confront difficulties—and that difficult realities that together we share and face as a region,” he said.
“And in that regard, I believe ASEAN has responded as it always has — with steadiness, with pragmatism and with unity of purpose,” Marcos Jr. added.
He reminded his fellow ASEAN leaders that cooperation remains key to regional stability and prosperity.
He said their presence at this year’s summit affirms the region’s shared commitment to a stronger alliance and partnership.
“So as we leave this summit, may we do so with a clearer sense of purpose, a stronger commitment to one another, and the confidence that ASEAN can continue to shape a region that is resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centered,” Marcos said.
