Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro has told industry makers that the government "is working for" them amid global developments through expanding the country's strategic partnerships to ensure an infrastructure that is resilient and gives them "the power of choice in an unpredictable world."

At the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) forum, where she served as guest speaker on Thursday, March 19, Lazaro talked about challenges facing the world and the nation, as well as what the government is doing to withstand them.

Lazaro particularly cited the current situation in Ukraine as well as "the destabilizing hostilities in the Middle East." She also talked about the "illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions" that the Philippines faces in the West Philippine Sea.

Both of which she called "real-world disruptions," and a "polycrisis, where economic, environmental, and geopolitical shocks collide," that require a resilience built on a strategic, proactive foreign policy.

"This brings us to the core of our discussion: how do we ensure business resilience amidst these forces? Resilience is not just about 'weathering the storm'; it is about building the capacity to thrive within it," she said.

Since true resilience requires a "diversification of risk," according to Lazaro, the government thus comes in. So "to navigate these waters," she said, "we have anchored our foreign policy in three simple, enduring constants."

Among those policies were the sovereign equality of states, the commitment to a rules-based order, and the centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"We turn these truths into strength by diversifying our global horizon," Lazaro said, citing the country's partnership with Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, Australia, India, China, and the US.

She also noted the Philippines' efforts to revitalize trade with the European Union and to evolve ties with the Middle East, with a primary focus on labor migration and sovereign wealth investments.

"And in Africa, we are expanding our diplomatic footprint to tap into some of the fastest-growing emerging markets in the world," she said.

"This panorama shows a Philippines that is a friend to all, yet one that is strategic and discerning," she added.

Lazaro emphasized that a thriving economy provides essential resources to modernize its defense as "we cannot secure our horizons with the tools of yesterday."

"A strong economy allows us to invest in our people and build the institutional capacities necessary to respond to crises," she added.

"My request to you is simple: Trust that your government is working for you. In return, I ask you to keep building. Source locally. Innovate relentlessly. Invest in the talent of our people," she also said.