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Advocates Philippines
Marcos Urges ASEAN Unity Amid Global Uncertainty
Photo credit: PCO
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Southeast Asian leaders to stay united and resilient as the region faces mounting geopolitical tensions and economic challenges, during the opening of the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and Related Meetings on Friday.
Speaking before fellow ASEAN leaders at the Mactan Expo Center, Marcos said the region is now at a “defining moment” as global conflicts and economic disruptions continue to affect livelihoods, businesses, and regional stability.
“We meet at a time of considerable challenge across our region and beyond,” the President said, pointing to the continuing tensions in the Middle East and their impact on ASEAN economies and communities.
Despite the uncertainty, Marcos stressed that ASEAN must continue working together and responding collectively to the challenges facing the region.
“The work of ASEAN must continue, not despite the challenges, but because the times demand our answers to those challenges,” he said.
The President also revealed that the Philippines adjusted some of its hosting plans for the summit by scaling down non-essential activities and moving selected meetings online, citing rising energy costs and economic pressures linked to the Middle East conflict.
Even with the adjustments, Marcos assured fellow leaders that ASEAN remains committed to strengthening cooperation, particularly through meetings focused on foreign affairs, trade, agriculture, and energy.
According to Marcos, ASEAN’s strength has always come from solidarity among member nations, especially during difficult times.
“For ASEAN has always drawn its strength not from uniformity but from unity,” he said.
Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos personally welcomed ASEAN leaders and their spouses upon arrival at the summit venue.
Among those present were Brunei Darussalam Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng.
Myanmar was represented by U Hau Khan Sum, permanent secretary of its Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking before fellow ASEAN leaders at the Mactan Expo Center, Marcos said the region is now at a “defining moment” as global conflicts and economic disruptions continue to affect livelihoods, businesses, and regional stability.
“We meet at a time of considerable challenge across our region and beyond,” the President said, pointing to the continuing tensions in the Middle East and their impact on ASEAN economies and communities.
Despite the uncertainty, Marcos stressed that ASEAN must continue working together and responding collectively to the challenges facing the region.
“The work of ASEAN must continue, not despite the challenges, but because the times demand our answers to those challenges,” he said.
The President also revealed that the Philippines adjusted some of its hosting plans for the summit by scaling down non-essential activities and moving selected meetings online, citing rising energy costs and economic pressures linked to the Middle East conflict.
Even with the adjustments, Marcos assured fellow leaders that ASEAN remains committed to strengthening cooperation, particularly through meetings focused on foreign affairs, trade, agriculture, and energy.
According to Marcos, ASEAN’s strength has always come from solidarity among member nations, especially during difficult times.
“For ASEAN has always drawn its strength not from uniformity but from unity,” he said.
Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos personally welcomed ASEAN leaders and their spouses upon arrival at the summit venue.
Among those present were Brunei Darussalam Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng.
Myanmar was represented by U Hau Khan Sum, permanent secretary of its Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
May 8, 2026
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