Daily Tribune
Together for shared growth President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic agree to cooperate on matters of the region’s growth and stability at a bilateral meeting held as part of the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 26 May.
Photo by Mark Balmores/PPA Pool
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed the Philippines’ strong support for the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 — a long-term development strategy that aims to build a resilient, peaceful, and people-first Southeast Asia over the next two decades.
Speaking at the 46th ASEAN Summit’s plenary session, Marcos called for stronger unity among member states to keep the region secure, inclusive, and governed by the rule of law.
Marcos didn’t shy away from acknowledging the increasingly complex challenges facing ASEAN. From rising geopolitical tensions and territorial disputes, to sudden trade barriers and the worsening impact of climate change, he said these disruptions could put the region’s growth and stability at risk.
But the President remained hopeful.
“By working together, strengthening our institutions, and building up the resilience and skills of our people, we can turn today’s challenges into opportunities for shared growth,” Marcos said.
He added that ASEAN’s ability to navigate global uncertainty so far shows the value of collective action — and why it must continue.
Marcos also emphasized the critical role of young people in shaping ASEAN’s future, citing the over 30 million youth in the Philippines as a powerful force for change.
“We see our youth as the heart of transformation — the future leaders, innovators, and creatives of ASEAN,” he said.
He then shifted the focus to the region’s workforce, urging ASEAN leaders to invest in skills development, job security, and worker protections to help people thrive in today’s fast-evolving world.
“As the driving force of ASEAN’s economic strength, our workers and professionals need the right tools and opportunities to succeed,” he said, pointing to Philippine efforts that other countries might follow.
With these goals in mind, Marcos made clear the Philippines is fully committed to helping shape an ASEAN that puts people first, builds on shared strengths, and looks ahead with purpose.
Meanwhile, Marcos called on ASEAN to speed up the adoption of a legally binding Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea, amid ongoing tensions in the region.
“We urgently need to finalize this Code of Conduct to protect maritime rights, maintain stability, and avoid miscalculations at sea,” he said, stressing the CoC is crucial for regional security and peace.
Tensions with China continue to escalate.
Last 21 May, a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) boat, the BRP Datu Sanday, was sideswiped by a China Coast Guard vessel in the West Philippine Sea. The Chinese ship also used a water cannon against the Philippine vessel, damaging its bow and smokestack.
The Datu Sanday was on a routine mission alongside the BRP Datu Pagbuaya carrying scientists collecting sand samples near Pag-asa Cay (Sandy Cay) in the Kalayaan Island Group.
Negotiations between ASEAN and China on the CoC began back in 2018 but have faced delays. The Philippines remains hopeful the framework will be finalized by 2026.
Marcos also praised Malaysia for leading the Special ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting, highlighting the group’s agreement to avoid retaliating against the US over its recent tariffs.
“This thoughtful, unified stance shows ASEAN’s commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and a rules-based trading system,” he said.
On another front, Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ dedication to fully implementing ASEAN’s Declaration to Prevent and Combat Trafficking in Persons Caused by the Abuse of Technology.
“Fighting transnational crime means strong cooperation, quick intelligence-sharing, and better law enforcement,” he said.
