Philippines to push for food, energy security in ASEAN
by Alexis Romero · philstarLAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines — As the region faces the impact of the Middle East war and political turmoil like the Myanmar crisis, President Marcos cited the need for greater cooperation and peaceful coexistence as he vowed to push for food and energy security and the people’s safety under his chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
In a video statement released yesterday, Marcos said the region has shown remarkable resilience and has overcome major obstacles since the Philippines last led the ASEAN nine years ago.
However, the regional bloc’s work is far from over, as it continues to “wrestle against an increasingly complex global environment where prompt and sustained cooperation is crucial,” he added.
“As chair, the Philippines will continue to champion the founding ideals of ASEAN – peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and cooperation for shared benefit,” the President said.
“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 reiterated that the Philippines would spotlight three main priorities under its leadership, namely energy security, food security and the safety of ASEAN nationals across the world.
“At this summit, I 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, including those stemming from the conflict in the Middle East,” he said.
“I will push to strengthen food security in the region, keeping the free flow of essential goods and building measures to support farmers and MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises).”
The President also vowed to ensure that ASEAN nationals across the world feel the impact of what is being done in the region.
In the same video, Marcos welcomed Timor-Leste as a full-fledged member of ASEAN, describing the development as “a reflection of the continued relevance of regional cooperation and our shared commitment to the ideals of multilateralism.”
As ASEAN chair, the Philippines is pushing for an amendment to the bloc’s charter to fully integrate Timor-Leste as its newest member.
No consensus on Myanmar
In a related development, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Dominic Xavier Imperial said the regional bloc has not reached a common stance on whether to recognize the results of the recent elections in Myanmar.
Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of the military junta that ousted an elected government, won the Myanmar presidency during an election held last month.
“At the moment, ASEAN has not reached any consensus with regard to the recognition of the results of the election in Myanmar,” Imperial said at a press briefing yesterday here. – Pia Lee-Brago, Emmanuel Tupas