President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will place energy stability, food security and migrant safety at the forefront of the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu, as Southeast Asia braces for external shocks linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
Marcos said he will spearhead discussions on how ASEAN can strengthen regional preparedness, secure energy supply and accelerate energy diversification to lessen the region’s vulnerability to disruptions beyond its borders. The Leaders’ Summit is scheduled for Friday, when heads of ASEAN member states are expected to tackle economic, political, security and other regional concerns.
The agenda carries direct implications for ordinary people. Fuel supply disruptions can drive up transport costs, affect the movement of food and place additional pressure on the prices of basic goods. Marcos also said the region must strengthen food security, ensure the steady flow of essential goods and support farmers as well as micro, small and medium enterprises.
The President said the summit must also address the safety of Southeast Asians abroad, recognizing the role of overseas ASEAN nationals in both their home economies and host societies.
“Their safety is equally important, recognizing the contribution of overseas Asean nationals in our societies and our economies,” Marcos said.
Marcos framed the Philippines’ chairmanship around cooperation among Southeast Asian nations as they confront risks that no single country can handle alone.
“As chair, the Philippines will continue to champion the founding ideals of Asean — peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and cooperation for shared benefit,” he said.
He added that ASEAN’s response must be anchored on a unified approach and collective vision.
“We will continue to stress that as one region, our efforts will truly be effective on the basis of a unified approach and collective vision. Through these actions, we will embrace an Asean where its peoples enjoy a secure, peaceful, and stable future,” Marcos said.
