By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured that he and his fellow leaders in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will engage in “productive dialogue and exchange views on regional and global issues” as they meet in Cebu for the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit on May 8.
In a video statement aired during a press briefing at the International Media Center in Lapu-Lapu City Wednesday, Marcos noted that food security, energy security, and the safety of Southeast Asian nationals would be the top priorities under the Philippines’ chairship this year.
“As ASEAN Chair this year, the Philippines carries with pride and resolve the responsibility of shaping the future of the region,” the President said.
He stressed that despite demonstrating “remarkable resilience” in recent years, the bloc’s “work is far from over” as the region navigates an increasingly complex global environment, “where prompt and sustained cooperation is crucial.”
In light of the challenges ASEAN peoples are facing amid geopolitical tensions and global uncertainties, Marcos said he “will lead discussions on how the region can bolster regional preparedness and ensure stable energy supply and accelerate energy diversification to reduce vulnerability to external shocks.”
One of the key outcome documents expected to be adopted during the summit is the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the Response to the Middle East Crisis, which outlines the regional bloc’s collective position on the geopolitical conflict as well as provides concrete measures to address its impact and possible ways forward for future crises.
As food security is one of the three key discussion points in the summit, the Chief Executive said he would push for measures to maintain the free flow of essential goods and strengthen support for farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
He also vowed to ensure the protection of ASEAN nationals abroad, recognizing their contributions to regional economies.
Before closing his message, Marcos said the Philippines will continue to promote ASEAN’s founding principles of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and cooperation.
“Through these actions, we will embrace an ASEAN where its peoples enjoy a secure, peaceful, and stable future,” he said.
The President earlier ordered a scaled-down summit due to energy constraints, recalibrating the original plans into “bare-bones” activities, such as shortening the two-day leaders’ summit into one as well as shifting preparatory meetings to online or video conferencing.
According to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Deputy Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs and ASEAN Spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial, these austerity efforts “saved a lot of money” in terms of delegates coming to the Philippines and using venues for face-to-face gatherings.
Meanwhile, Imperial said all ASEAN leaders will attend the summit, except for Myanmar, which will be represented by its foreign minister.
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