Cebu: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. successfully concluded the Philippines' hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Cebu, achieving significant diplomatic and domestic objectives. The event, held at the Mactan Expo Center in Lapu-Lapu City, marked the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, where Southeast Asian leaders discussed pressing regional issues.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos utilized the summit to address global and regional matters, emphasizing collective efforts to ensure energy security, food security, and the protection of ASEAN nationals. His remarks highlighted the urgency for Southeast Asian nations to act amidst geopolitical tensions exacerbated by conflicts in the Middle East. The summit culminated in agreements on fuel sharing, keeping markets open to strengthen intra-ASEAN trade, and enhancing cooperation for timely support to Southeast Asian nationals in need.
President Marcos announced the adoption of several key documents during the summit, including the ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on Maritime Cooperation and the ASEAN Declaration on the Empowerment of Youth in Climate Action and Disaster Resilience. The leaders agreed to work towards a "peaceful, prosperous, and people-centered" ASEAN future.
Preceding the summit, President Marcos chaired the Special Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area Summit, promoting economic cooperation within the subregion. He also met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Ming Hung to establish a long-term rice trade mechanism, and mediated discussions between Cambodian and Thai leaders to ease their border dispute.
Domestically, President Marcos launched the Bawat Bayan, Makikinabang Program, a social protection initiative providing food and financial assistance to vulnerable sectors in Metro Manila. The program began in four cities, benefiting thousands of families and scholars. Marcos pledged increased allocations for the Local Government Support Fund and the Socio-Civic Projects Fund to enhance grassroots service delivery.
In other developments, Marcos presided over a situation briefing on Mayon Volcano's unrest, directing coordinated relief efforts for affected communities. He also observed joint maritime drills under Balikatan 41-2026, showcasing military collaboration between Philippine and US forces.
President Marcos further advanced infrastructure development with the inauguration of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) Subsection 3, aimed at reducing travel time and congestion in South Luzon. Additionally, he announced the upcoming groundbreaking of a new Philippine General Hospital branch in Cavite, reflecting the administration's commitment to expanding healthcare services.
