Manila: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is taking measures to enhance energy and food security as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East pose potential risks to regional stability, Trade Secretary and ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council Chair Cristina Roque announced Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Roque highlighted that ASEAN is advancing the ratification of the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security (APSA) to address the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This agreement aims to facilitate coordinated emergency fuel sharing and collective responses to potential supply disruptions.

The AEC Council convened on Thursday to evaluate the implications of the Middle East conflict, with ministers expressing concerns over the heightened risks to economic stability. Roque stated that discussions focused on accelerating the ASEAN Power Grid, ensuring a steady energy supply for critical services such as healthcare, and bolstering energy connectivity across the region.

For the Philippines, Roque mentioned that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will expedite the approval process for renewable energy investments. Additionally, ASEAN aims to avoid trade-restrictive measures, such as export bans on essential goods, and to fast-track free trade agreements to alleviate bottlenecks and improve supply chain coordination.

The regional bloc is also committed to strengthening food security and increasing support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Roque emphasized that MSMEs are vital to ASEAN economies but are particularly vulnerable during economic shocks. Therefore, enhancing access to financing and liquidity support is crucial to maintain their operations and safeguard employment.

Roque reiterated ASEAN's unified stance and response to the situation, noting that addressing challenges related to energy, food, and supply chains requires a coordinated regional approach. She added that these initiatives will be included in a Joint Statement to be adopted by the AEC Council and presented at the ASEAN Summit, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in Cebu in May 2026.

"ASEAN is strongest when it acts together, especially in times of uncertainty. As Chair, the Philippines remains committed to ensuring our response remains practical, coordinated, and focused on what matters most: people," Roque said.