President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos on Saturday recognized the Australian government for its contribution to combatting trafficking in person and pushed for stronger collaboration in eradicating transnational crime.

Marcos thanked Australia for supporting the Bohol Trafficking in Persons work plan to implement the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Convention on Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children.

"This partnership will strengthen our regional responses and keep us in step with the constantly evolving schemes of transnational criminals and traffickers," Marcos said in his intervention during the 2nd ASEAN-Australia Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

On the economic front, the Philippine leader urged Australia's continuous collaboration with the ASEAN Technical and Vocational Education Training Council in improving and strengthening the TVET systems and programs of the ASEAN member states.

Engagement to increase

Marcos said the Philippines — as the inaugural chair of the ASEAN TVET Council from 2020-2022 — anticipates increased training and scholarships between specialists and students.

The Office of the Press Secretary said this is in preparation for the anticipated conclusion of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area upgrade, which will further encourage trade in services, among other updates in today's digital age.

The President also invited Australia to strengthen its support of the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity, the ASEAN's lead institution in biodiversity conservation and promotion to counter the impact of climate change.