Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. convened key government agencies to ensure the Philippines is fully prepared to host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit this year, Malaca±ang said Monday. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the President met with Cabinet officials whose agencies play direct roles in ASEAN-related preparations, including Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum, among others.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the meeting, Marcos directed agencies to pursue measures that would deliver concrete economic gains not only for the Philippines but also for the ASEAN region. Marcos also emphasized the need to focus on development support for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), particularly in relation to the upcoming BIMP-EAGA activities under the ASEAN framework.

Meanwhile, Castro mentioned that Marcos is scheduled to meet later in the day with National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) Chairperson Andoni Aboitiz to discuss a proposal for a new Rizal Exhibition Hall. The proposed facility aims to showcase the national hero's interests in fine arts, anthropology, and natural sciences through exhibitions, educational activities, and public programs, while also increasing visitor capacity at the NMP Complex. The President is also set to hold two separate private meetings at Malaca±ang in the afternoon.