President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday underscored the importance of unity, urgency, and collective resolve among Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in responding to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking during the opening of the 48th ASEAN Summit Plenary at the Mactan Expo in Cebu, President Marcos thanked ASEAN leaders for convening at a critical time marked by rising geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region.
“Today, we gather to confront, with unity and resolve, the repercussions of the situation in the Middle East, and seek to advance our common commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity while ensuring that the benefits of our cooperation are felt by all our peoples,” President Marcos said.
The President emphasized that the ongoing conflict has already produced significant repercussions across Southeast Asia, impacting regional economies, livelihoods, energy supply chains, food security, and the welfare of ASEAN nationals working and residing abroad.
President Marcos noted that disruptions to maritime and air transport routes have heightened risks to civilian and commercial vessels and aircraft, while also affecting the global movement of energy resources and essential commodities.
Reaffirming ASEAN’s enduring commitment to peace and stability, President Marcos stressed the shared position of ASEAN Member States in calling for the immediate cessation of hostilities, peaceful resolution of disputes, protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and the restoration of safe, unimpeded, and continuous transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
“It is in this spirit that we gather today to pursue concrete outcomes and forge a collective path,” the President said.
President Marcos identified three urgent and interconnected priorities for ASEAN cooperation: strengthening energy security, stabilizing food systems, and protecting ASEAN nationals abroad.
On energy security, the President called for enhanced regional coordination and preparedness to ensure stable energy supplies and strengthen interconnectivity amid increasing global volatility. He also urged ASEAN to accelerate investments in alternative and renewable energy sources to reduce vulnerability to future disruptions while supporting climate action goals.
Highlighting the role of innovation, President Marcos encouraged the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve energy forecasting, enhance grid management, and support the region’s clean energy transition.
Addressing food security concerns, President Marcos warned that instability in the Strait of Hormuz has already affected food prices and fertilizer supplies throughout the region.
“Our task is to ensure that ASEAN remains responsive, to strengthen and expand intra-ASEAN trade, and build the capacities to safeguard and fortify our food systems across the region,” he said.
The President added that digital innovation and AI-driven technologies could help ASEAN improve agricultural productivity, anticipate shortages, and strengthen decision-making processes to better protect vulnerable communities.
President Marcos also underscored the importance of safeguarding ASEAN nationals affected by the crisis, emphasizing that regional solidarity must be demonstrated through coordinated action.
“This means strengthening early warning systems, enhancing consular coordination, and ensuring the timely delivery of assistance,” he said, while encouraging the prudent use of AI-enabled tools to improve crisis response efforts grounded in human judgment and international law.
As ASEAN Chair, President Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to guiding the region through uncertain times under the Chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
“As we push forward the first year of the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, we are reminded that our region is strongest when we turn shared challenges, however daunting they may be, into shared purpose,” the President said.
The President also highlighted the importance of strengthening maritime cooperation and expressed support for the proposed ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Maritime Cooperation, including the Philippine proposal to establish an ASEAN Maritime Centre aimed at improving regional maritime coordination.
During the summit, President Marcos likewise extended his congratulations to several ASEAN leaders on their recent electoral victories, including Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng of Viet Nam, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone of Laos, and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand.
