Speaker Romualdez joins ASEAN Summit, issues call to fellow parliamentarians
House Speaker Martin Romualdez (right) (Speaker’s office)
House Speaker Martin Romualdez is calling on his fellow parliamentarians in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to join hands for enhanced trade and investment in the post-pandemic era. “As we navigate the post-pandemic era, we must enhance trade and investment among ASEAN countries, prioritize expanding and diversifying our economies, and develop digital infrastructure and supply chains,” said Romualdez. Romualdez headed the Philippine delegation to the ASEAN Interparliamentary Assembly (AIPA) during the regional lawmakers’ interface with ASEAN heads of state on the first day of the 42nd ASEAN Summit at the Meruorah Convention Center, in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. “These actions will improve connectivity among our nations, facilitate the movement of goods, services, and people, and promote greater cooperation in areas such as science and technology, innovation, and human capital development," said the Leyte 1st district congressman. "By doing so, we can enhance the competitiveness of our economies and position ourselves for sustained growth,” he noted. Earlier, Romualdez said that the declaration World Health Organization's (WHO) decision to end its designation of Covid-19 as a global public health emergency should pave the way for sustained economic growth for everyone’s benefit, particularly the poor. “It should translate to increased mobility, more economic activities, and therefore additional job and income opportunities for our workers and their families,” he said. The Speaker likewise said that in addition to post-pandemic recovery efforts, ASEAN must also strive to put focus on healthcare and social protection to protect their people from the economic and social impacts of the pandemic. He said ASEAN executive and legislative leaders must “acknowledge the importance of working together towards our shared goals through shared responsibility and collective action". “The Philippine Congress and our esteemed President, His Excellency Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. share this commitment,” he underscored.