Marcos to highlight new tech, economic integration at APEC summit — DFA

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is expected to highlight new technologies and economic integration in his upcoming addresses to top business leaders during the APEC CEO Summit in South Korea, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Tuesday.

DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona said the CEO Summit will gather business and industry leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region, where Marcos is expected to emphasize innovation and the Philippines’ readiness to engage in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and creative industries.

“The meeting actually brings together business leaders and innovators from the APEC member economies, and the President is expected to highlight new technologies and economic integration,” Escalona said in a briefing.

Escalona noted that the APEC summit is focused on trade, investment, and sustainable development. 

“For AI, it’s really about aligning this with our national AI strategy, because our goal is to establish an artificial intelligence, powered by the Philippines, by 2028,” she said. 

“[The] Artificial Intelligence initiative of APEC, this will help us, the Philippines, take an active part in shaping how AIs are used across the region, in ways that are innovation-friendly, safe, transparent, and fair,” she added.

Escolano confirmed the President’s participation in the APEC summit would allow the Philippines to attract investment pledges.

“Yes, opportunities for us to get more investments from the Republic of Korea,” she said when asked what to expect after Marcos met with South Korean business leaders. 

Meanwhile, Escalona said the Philippine economic team is preparing three statements or deliverables for the APEC summit, focusing on AI, creative industries, and digital innovation.

When asked why there appeared to be no effort to hold bilateral meetings with the US and China, she explained that APEC provides a platform where “pressing issues” such as trade uncertainties and tariffs are discussed multilaterally among officials and private sector representatives.

“Leaders will have dialogues with ABAC, the private sector arm of APEC,” she noted.

On the other hand, Marcos is also expected to meet members of the Filipino community in South Korea during his visit.

According to Escalona, there are over 70,000 Filipinos living in South Korea, including more than 42,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)  employed in manufacturing, agriculture, fishing, entertainment, and household work.

“We don’t have major issues because Korea has very good labor laws,” she said. “Generally, we are good with Korea.”