A more coordinated and integrated Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is no longer merely aspirational but an urgent strategic necessity in the face of mounting geopolitical and economic uncertainties, a senior official from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) emphasized on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference held at the International Media Center in Cebu for the 48th ASEAN Summit, DTI Undersecretary Allan Gepty highlighted the growing need for deeper regional cooperation as global crises continue to test economic resilience.
“The current crisis underscores the need to deepen cooperation. National responses alone are not sufficient,” Gepty said, referencing ongoing geopolitical tensions, including those affecting the Middle East.
He stressed that ASEAN Member States must strengthen coordination in key areas such as energy security, food security, logistics, and supply chain resilience. “A more integrated ASEAN is not just an aspiration; it is a necessity,” he added.
Gepty underscored that ASEAN’s enduring strength lies in its unity and collaborative framework, describing the bloc as “an economic community that is coordinated, responsive, and forward-looking.”
He noted that ASEAN integration has consistently delivered tangible benefits across the region. Enhanced trade within ASEAN has enabled businesses, farmers, and producers to access broader markets, while micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have increasingly participated in regional value chains.
“Our people benefit from access to a wider range of goods, improved mobility for work and business, and increased job opportunities driven by regional investments,” Gepty said. “These are not abstract ideas—they are real, everyday advantages of regional cooperation.”
As a founding member of ASEAN, the Philippines continues to play a key role in shaping the regional bloc, which has become a vital hub for global manufacturing, investment, innovation, and research and development.
Gepty emphasized that ASEAN’s importance becomes even more pronounced during periods of global instability. “When energy prices rise, supply chains tighten, and inflationary pressures build, ASEAN provides a platform for stability,” he said. “Through cooperation, we help sustain trade flows, avoid unnecessary restrictions, and maintain investor confidence.”
He also highlighted Cebu’s strategic role as host of the 48th ASEAN Summit, describing the city as a critical logistics and economic hub at the intersection of trade, tourism, and maritime connectivity.
“By strengthening Cebu’s position as a gateway for commerce and services, we can ensure efficient supply chains and sustained economic activity despite external disruptions,” Gepty noted. “This reinforces the Philippines’ role as a reliable and proactive ASEAN partner.”
Looking ahead, Gepty pointed to the Philippines’ upcoming ASEAN chairship as a pivotal opportunity to shape the region’s economic direction. He outlined key Priority Economic Deliverables, including:
- Advancing the ASEAN Power Grid through a memorandum of understanding
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- Promoting regenerative and resilient agricultural systems
- Encouraging foreign investments in green and high-growth sectors
- Establishing frameworks for digital trade
- Expanding trade partnerships, including with Canada
The 2026 ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings will be chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. under the theme: “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
