Marcos Calls ASEAN Philippines’ ‘ Safe Harbour’ In Uncertain World
MANILA, July 27 (Bernama-PNA) -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday described the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as the Philippines’ “safe harbor” amid growing geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty, highlighting the bloc’s role in strengthening regional security as well as food and energy resilience, The Philippine News Agency reported.
In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said ASEAN has become the country's most dependable regional partner as the Philippines navigates increasingly complex security and economic challenges.
“We do not have to look, or sail, very far to find dependable allies. ASEAN is our safe harbour, within which we share not only mutual proximity, but affinity,” he said.
The President used part of his address to highlight the gains of the Philippines' 2026 ASEAN chairmanship, saying the country pushed for greater solidarity among member states while responding to pressing regional and global issues.
“During our chairship of the ASEAN Summit this year, we advocated for greater solidarity and cooperation among ASEAN Member States,” Marcos said.
He noted that ASEAN worked collectively to cushion the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and strengthen the region's capacity to withstand external shocks.
“Together, we found ways to alleviate the dire consequences of the war in the Middle East,” he said.
“Through a united ASEAN and its strong extended network, we have achieved greater security and resilience — as a region and as individual nations — more capable of withstanding disruptive events,” he added.
Marcos cited several concrete outcomes achieved under the Philippine chairmanship, including the operationalisation of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve, which he said would guarantee emergency rice supplies during domestic production shortages.
He also highlighted the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework, which the Philippines spearheaded, saying it would harmonise digital regulations across Southeast Asia, facilitate cross-border digital transactions, expand fintech and digital banking, and improve financial inclusion, particularly for small businesses.
The President likewise pointed to the ratification of the Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security, which provides for the joint stockpiling of petroleum reserves among ASEAN member-states to strengthen regional energy security.
Marcos also underscored the Philippines' readiness to contribute to the long-envisioned ASEAN Power Grid, noting that the country's major island grids are now fully interconnected.
“Now that our Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao grids are fully connected—we are in a better position to connect with our neighbours to help realise the ASEAN Power Grid,” he said.
Calling for stronger regional cooperation, Marcos likened ASEAN solidarity to the Filipino spirit of "bayanihan". (communal community).
“This is ‘bayanihan’ for the international community and for this part of the world,” he said to applause.
The President also renewed the Philippines' appeal for peace amid ongoing armed conflicts worldwide.
“And more significantly, we in ASEAN, joined by the entirety of Filipinos who by nature are peace-loving, reecho our unified appeal for an end to violent conflict.”
“We appeal to all parties for a heightened sense of community: to return to the table, armed only with a genuine desire for peace and for normalcy. True diplomacy builds. Violent conflict only destroys.”
Marcos concluded the segment by stressing that lasting peace remains indispensable to development.
“Peace and order are the foundations of security — for our country, for our region, and for the world,” he said.
-- BERNAMA-PNA
