LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — President Marcos said the Philippines will push for stronger regional cooperation on energy security, food security, and the protection of Southeast Asians as the country hosts the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu this week.

In a video message released Wednesday, May 6, President Marcos said ASEAN must remain united as it navigates an increasingly complex global environment marked by geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.

“And that is why our theme this year, ‘Navigating Our Future, Together,’ is both timely and necessary,” he said.

“For the Philippines, this is not just a statement, but a commitment that anchors our strategic intent in steering a future that is peaceful, prosperous, and people-centered,” he added.

The President said ASEAN leaders will focus discussions on energy security, particularly in light of disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East. 

“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.

Marcos also said the Philippines will advocate measures to strengthen food security and support farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“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,” he said.

The President likewise underscored the need to protect ASEAN nationals working abroad, noting the contribution of overseas workers to regional economies.

“I will also ensure that ASEAN nationals across the world feel the impact of what we do here in the region. Their safety is equally important,” Marcos said.

He added that the Philippines remains committed to ASEAN’s founding principles of “peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and cooperation for shared benefit.”

Marcos also welcomed Timor-Leste as a full-fledged member of ASEAN, describing it as proof of the continued relevance of regional cooperation and multilateralism.

“This year, we welcome Timor-Leste as a full-fledged member of ASEAN, a reflection of the continued relevance of regional cooperation and our shared commitment to the ideals of multilateralism,” he said.

The President noted that it has been nine years since the Philippines last chaired ASEAN and said the region has shown “remarkable resilience” despite major challenges.

Meanwhile, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary and ASEAN spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial said the Philippines adopted an austere approach in hosting the summit following President Marcos’ directive to recalibrate some ASEAN meetings from face-to-face to virtual formats.

“As the President mentioned, the preparations are really barebones,” Imperial said during a press briefing at the International Media Center here.

Imperial said the leaders’ summit was shortened to one day, while some preparatory meetings shifted online to reduce costs.

“So, that saved a lot of money in terms of delegates coming here and using venues for that purpose,” he said.

Imperial also defended infrastructure and beautification efforts in Cebu ahead of the summit, saying these preparations are intended to showcase the country to the international community.

“We want to showcase the Philippines,” Imperial said.

“And the purpose of that is not only to be welcoming but to also show to the world that we are ready, that we are committed, and that we are ready for business,” he added.

Ahead of the May 8 summit, the Philippines is hosting a series of preparatory meetings led by the DFA under the ASEAN Political-Security Community pillar. 

Imperial said these meetings will tackle regional priorities and ASEAN’s long-term community-building agenda under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. 

He also confirmed that all ASEAN leaders are attending the summit, except Myanmar, which will be represented by officials from its foreign ministry in line with existing ASEAN decisions.

Imperial added that the South China Sea Code of Conduct will still be discussed during the summit under regional and international issues, although negotiations on a binding agreement are taking place in separate meetings.