By Lane Afable, News Editor
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Friday the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will respond with unity, wisdom, and resolve as it addresses present challenges particularly in the midst of the Middle East crisis.
Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at the Mactan Expo, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, President Marcos said the ASEAN is once again gathering to demonstrate its capacity to respond with solidarity and resolve at a time when it faces uncertainty.
“Our theme of ‘Navigating Our Future, Together’ has always held true for ASEAN, but now, more than ever, it is a principle that we must continue to share, an idea we must continue to embrace,” President Marcos said.
“If there is one lesson ASEAN has learned over the decades, it is that difficult times do not divide us. For ASEAN, challenges present us with opportunities that have further strengthened our resolve to work more closely, to listen more carefully, and to act more purposefully.”
In preparation for Friday’s summit, he said the Philippines recalibrated its chairship hosting with the ASEAN Member States, strengthening its coordination as their respective Foreign, Economic, Agriculture, and Energy Ministers met.
The summit gathering in Cebu, the President said, reflects ASEAN’s shared understanding that in moments of difficulty, engagement remains essential.
“That when circumstances are challenging, partnership is, more than ever, indispensable. And that even when the future appears uncertain, hope remains the responsibility of leadership,” said the President.
“It is in that spirit that I warmly welcome all of you, reminded of the significance of our gathering. For ASEAN has always drawn its strength not from uniformity, but from unity.”
Friday’s discussions will be aligned with the Philippines’ three Ps: Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors, and People Empowerment, to help the region chart its course as the bloc navigates its future, he added. Expo, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, President Marcos said the ASEAN is once again gathering to demonstrate its capacity to respond with solidarity and resolve at a time when it faces uncertainty.
“Our theme of ‘Navigating Our Future, Together’ has always held true for ASEAN, but now, more than ever, it is a principle that we must continue to share, an idea we must continue to embrace,” President Marcos said.
“If there is one lesson ASEAN has learned over the decades, it is that difficult times do not divide us. For ASEAN, challenges present us with opportunities that have further strengthened our resolve to work more closely, to listen more carefully, and to act more purposefully.”
In preparation for Friday’s summit, he said the Philippines recalibrated its chairship hosting with the ASEAN Member States, strengthening its coordination as their respective Foreign, Economic, Agriculture, and Energy Ministers met.
The summit gathering in Cebu, the President said, reflects ASEAN’s shared understanding that in moments of difficulty, engagement remains essential.
“That when circumstances are challenging, partnership is, more than ever, indispensable. And that even when the future appears uncertain, hope remains the responsibility of leadership,” said the President.
“It is in that spirit that I warmly welcome all of you, reminded of the significance of our gathering. For ASEAN has always drawn its strength not from uniformity, but from unity.”
Friday’s discussions will be aligned with the Philippines’ three Ps: Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors, and People Empowerment, to help the region chart its course as the bloc navigates its future, he added.
