By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
With eager anticipation of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored the importance of this three-day event and its impact on Filipinos.
In a video message uploaded to social media Thursday, the President noted that this regional meeting serves as a timely platform for member states to converge on policies to abate the effects of weakening economies, volatile prices of basic goods and fuels, and various security challenges.
He expounded on the Philippines’ chairmanship of this year’s Summit, “Bilang host ng 49th ASEAN Summit, mayroon din tayong napakalaking pagkakataon na manguna sa paghubog ng agenda at bigyang-priyoridad ang mga usaping pinakamahalaga sa ating mga kababayan, tulad ng presyo ng langis at pagkain, seguridad, agrikultura, trabaho at kabuhayan.”
Moreover, President Marcos Jr. welcomed the hosting of the 49th ASEAN Summit as an opportunity for the Philippines to showcase its rich cultural heritage, culinary prowess, world-renowned hospitality, and unique products not only to ASEAN delegates but also to the global community.
He went on to thank each and every individual who gave their best efforts in the preparations for the three-day Summit, which included weavers, fashion designers, culinary experts, set designers, light and sound technicians, stage performers, directors, artists, transport providers, and hotel staff, among many others.
President Marcos Jr. touched on the aspect of tourism, “Kabilang din ang pagkakataon para sa ating turismo na maengganyo ang mga bisita natin na bumalik at tuklasin pa ang Pilipinas. Sana pagbalik nila rito, ito ay para sa bakasyon na at daladala ang kanilang mga kaibigan at ang kanilang mga pamilya.”
The Chief Executive concluded by honoring the Philippines’ ASEAN 2026 chairmanship as a noteworthy achievement that positions the nation as a key player in multinational affairs, expressing optimism that this will translate into more investments, job opportunities, and a better future for the citizenry.
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