LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu —  President Marcos said the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit here became a test of the region’s unity and resilience as member-states confronted mounting geopolitical and economic uncertainties brought about by the ongoing Middle East crisis.

Speaking at the gala dinner hosted for ASEAN leaders and delegates on Friday, May 8, Marcos admitted that the summit turned out differently from what the Philippines had originally envisioned when it assumed the ASEAN chairship for 2026.

“When the Philippines assumed the Chairship, we had prepared to welcome you under different circumstances—to share more of our country, to celebrate our culture, and to show, in a richer way, the spirit and hospitality of the Filipino people,” he said.

“Instead, we have been asked to respond to a very different moment,” he added.

President Marcos said recent global developments once again demonstrated how events outside Southeast Asia could directly affect ASEAN economies, energy supply, and the welfare of citizens in the region.

“Recent developments once again reminded us that events beyond our region can quickly impact our economies, resource security, and the welfare of our peoples,” he said.

The President also stressed that leadership is measured not only by plans but by how governments respond when circumstances suddenly change.

“They also reminded us that leadership is tested not only by the plans that we make, but by how we respond when those plans must change,” Marcos said.

Despite the challenges, Marcos said ASEAN responded with “steadiness,” “pragmatism,” and “unity of purpose.”

“And in that regard, I believe ASEAN has responded as it always has—with steadiness, with pragmatism, and with unity of purpose,” he said.

According to the President, summit discussions centered on energy security, food resilience, protection of ASEAN nationals, and the pressures created by an uncertain geopolitical environment.

“These were not easy discussions, but they were necessary ones,” Marcos said.

Marcos also emphasized the interconnectedness of ASEAN member-states amid global instability.

“No Member State can insulate itself entirely from instability beyond its borders,” he said.

“But neither should any Member State feel that it must face these challenges alone,” he added.

Marcos said recent crises highlighted the importance of ensuring that regional cooperation translates into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.

“If there is one lesson that recent weeks have reinforced, it is that regional cooperation must ultimately serve people in practical ways,” he said.

“Our citizens do not measure our success by the number of inspirational statements that we issue,” the President added.

“They measure it by whether their communities are more secure, whether their livelihoods are protected, and whether their children can face the future with confidence,” he said.

Marcos thanked ASEAN leaders for supporting the Philippine chairmanship and expressed optimism about the bloc’s future as it approaches the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

“Your presence here has given real meaning to this Chairship and has affirmed that, even in a more uncertain world, our region remains strongest when it moves forward together,” Marcos said.

The President also reiterated the Philippines’ ASEAN theme for 2026, “Navigating Our Future, Together.”

“As we LEAD, SAIL, RISE ASEAN, we stand even more confident and determined to Navigate our Future, Together,” he said.