Villamor Air Base, Pasay City
October 8, 2024
Set to promote the Philippines’ interest in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and articulate the country’s position on various international issues, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. left Manila to attend the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) beginning 8 October until 11 October 2024.
Anchored on the theme, ‘Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience’, the ASEAN Leaders are set to explore ways to promote regional connectivity among Member States, as well as strengthen resilience to promote sustainable development and inclusive growth.
In his departure statement in Pasay City, President Marcos Jr. shared that apart from his participation in the Summit, he is also set to engage with ASEAN’s external partners to advance cooperation in areas such as food and energy security, trade and investment, supply chain resilience, MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises), and address the impacts of climate change, among others.
Other than these key areas of cooperation, he will also be discussing global issues that impact the Region and beyond, including the West Philippine Sea, the situation in Myanmar, the conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as other regional and international challenges.
“I intend to champion our advocacies in promoting an open, inclusive, and rules-based international order, and for the peaceful resolution of any disputes in accordance with international law… This administration will continue to ensure that our constructive and deepening engagements with ASEAN, our Dialogue Partners, and stakeholders serve our national interest and the well-being of the Filipino people,” he said.
Relatively, the Chief Executive reassured the Filipino people of the government’s relentless efforts to ensure the safety of over 40,000 Filipino nationals affected by the increasing tensions in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon and Israel, and bring home those who have indicated a desire to return.
He reported that of the 1,500 initial applicants for repatriation in Lebanon, a third of these have already gone home while another third, or about 500, are having their exit visas processed. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will expedite these and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will be chartering flights for them.
This month, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and OWWA are set to bring home at least 162 distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Israel.
“The Philippines urges all parties to refrain from escalating the violence and to work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict… The Philippines will always stand for the principles of international law and the safety of Filipinos in the Philippines and overseas,” President Marcos Jr. ended in his message.
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