TOKYO, Japan—President Marcos called on fellow leaders to come up with a 10-year roadmap on new technologies and climate-resilient plans.

Marcos made the call during his intervention at one of the sessions of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Japan Commemorative Summit on Sunday, Dec. 17, as he sees Japan as a major player in the economic development of Southeast Asia.

He also views Japan as a major player in addressing climate change and the region’s adoption of new technologies.

"As one of the countries most vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change, the Philippines realizes that agriculture is intrinsically linked with climate," Marcos said.

"Inasmuch as food security is one of my administration’s top priorities, I encourage new agricultural technologies and the crafting of a climate change-resilient, sustainable, inclusive, and people-centered ASEAN-Japan Strategic Economic Cooperation Roadmap beyond 2025 for the next 10 years," he added.

The President also urged ASEAN Member States and Japan to undertake novel joint ventures to reduce carbon emissions, promote renewable energy, and enhance environmental sustainability.

“I am confident that this partnership will continue to grow and expand with the AJCEP Agreement [ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement] and RCEP [Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement] in place,” Marcos said

“Furthermore, with the recent addition of the “ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision” that recommends the future direction of ASEAN-Japan cooperation, we anticipate an even more vigorous economic relation,” he said.

Marcos said the Philippines is keen to collaborate with Japan to bring about the initiatives set out in the Future Design and Action Plan for Innovative and Sustainable ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation 2023 – 2033, noting the country’s young, dynamic, and skilled people are certain to play a vital role in shaping this vision in the path towards Industry 4.0 Economy.

He also indicated the Philippines' willingness to host the headquarters of the Loss and Damage Fund Board.

“As the world becomes more interconnected, ASEAN must develop its physical connectivity and digital infrastructure as foundations for sustainable and inclusive economic growth, economic integration, competitiveness, and resilience,” Marcos said, adding ASEAN and Japan must also expand digital literacy to foster innovation and inclusivity and facilitate the digital transformation of their economies.

“We would appreciate, in this regard, the continued exchange of technological know-how and best practices between ASEAN Member States and Japan and investment in human capital and upskilling through various scholarship programs for ASEAN Member States,” he said.