The Philippines called for clarity, decisiveness, and unity in action that will empower Southeast Asian nations in confronting regional and global challenges as officials gathered in Cebu ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit.
During a joint ministers’ meeting on Thursday, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Foreign Affairs urged ASEAN member-states to deepen cooperation and improve coordination in addressing economic and geopolitical pressures affecting the region.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said ASEAN’s collective response would be crucial in maintaining stability and protecting regional economies amid growing global uncertainties.
“If we act together, we reinforce stability. If we act decisively, we strengthen confidence. And if we focus on implementation, we deliver results our people can feel,” Roque said in her opening remarks.
She stressed that ASEAN should prioritize key concerns such as stabilizing energy supply, managing rising prices, addressing threats to food security, and minimizing disruptions in supply chains.
Roque also emphasized the need to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), noting that these businesses remain vital to economic growth across the region.
According to the trade chief, recent developments in the Middle East underscore how external crises can quickly affect Southeast Asian economies through higher energy costs and supply chain disruptions.
For her part, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro echoed the call for regional solidarity, saying ASEAN has historically overcome crises by working together.
“The Philippines stands ready to work closely with all ASEAN member-states and the ASEAN Secretariat in collectively pursuing decisive actions and concrete measures to address the immediate challenges facing ASEAN,” Lazaro said.
She pointed to previous regional responses to natural disasters, economic crises, and the COVID-19 pandemic as proof of ASEAN’s ability to overcome challenges through cooperation and openness.
“Our region has proven that we can go further and attain more together rather than as individual member-states,” she added.
At the 48th ASEAN Summit, leaders are expected to focus on major regional concerns including energy and food security, as well as the welfare and safety of ASEAN nationals affected by global tensions.
ASEAN leaders are also expected to issue a joint statement addressing the ongoing Middle East crisis, which officials said would reflect the bloc’s unified position and serve as a framework for responding to future regional emergencies.