00:00In the Community Council meeting, Cebu reflects what ASEAN has been building for nearly six decades,
00:06a region where economies are connected, where trade moves, and where growth is shared.
00:12Today, global uncertainty is once again testing the resilience of economies.
00:18The adverse effects of the Middle East crisis reminds us that the world is integrated and interconnected
00:24and that no country can navigate external shocks or disruptions alone.
00:30For ASEAN, our strength lies in our ability to act as a community founded on unity and cooperation.
00:38ASEAN is an economic community that is coordinated, responsive, and forward-looking.
00:45For several decades, ASEAN has been part of our lives.
00:49Through regional trade, our producers, businesses, as well as our farmers gain access to larger markets for their products.
00:57Our micro, small, and medium enterprises participate in regional value chains.
01:03And our workers benefit from expanding industries supported by ASEAN integration.
01:09Our people also gain access to a wide range of goods through trade, the ability to travel, work, and do
01:17business across neighboring countries
01:19with greater ease while creating more job opportunities from investments within Southeast Asia.
01:32The Philippines is therefore proud, not only as a member, but as a founding member of ASEAN.
01:40ASEAN is now at the core of global economy, providing a strategic hub for production and manufacturing, investments, and even
01:49innovation and research and development.
01:51ASEAN matters in times of challenges.
01:54When energy prices rise, supply chains tighten, and inflationary pressures build, ASEAN provides a platform for stability.
02:04Through regional cooperation, we help keep trade flowing, avoid unnecessary restrictions, and maintain investors' confidence.
02:13However, the current crisis also underscores the need to deepen that cooperation.
02:20National responses alone are not sufficient.
02:23We must strengthen regional coordination, particularly in energy security, food security, logistics, and supply chain resilience.
02:32This includes closer collaboration and fuel supply management, keeping intra-ASEAN trade open, and accelerating long-standing initiatives such as
02:42regional energy connectivity.
02:44A more integrated ASEAN is not just an aspiration. It is a necessity.
02:50For the Philippines, and especially for Cebu, as a key logistics and economic hub, this moment presents both a challenge
02:57and an opportunity.
02:57Cebu stands at the crossroads of trade, tourism, and maritime collectivity in the region.
03:03By strengthening its role as a gateway for commerce and services, Cebu can help ensure that supply chains remain efficient
03:11and that economic activity continues to flow despite external disruption.
03:15In doing so, it reinforces the Philippines' role as a reliable and proactive partner within ASEAN.
03:22In the end, ASEAN is not just a simple inter-governmental organization.
03:28It is a practical framework that delivers stability, opportunity, and shared progress.
03:33As we confront the uncertainties brought about by the Middle East crisis, our collective response will determine not only how
03:41we weather this challenge,
03:42but how we emerge stronger, more integrated, and more resilient as a region.
03:48The Philippines' chair shift this year is therefore important, not only for our people, but also for the region and
03:56the world.
03:57It is also noteworthy that our priority economic deliverables this year are timely, forward-looking, and strategic,
04:05ranging from the implementation of the MOU or ASEAN-powered grid in vision to allow cross-border trade of electricity,
04:12promoting regenerative and resilient agriculture system for better and sustainable farming practices,
04:19promoting foreign investments in high-growth and green sectors to pass-track green transition,
04:25providing a set of rules to promote digital trade,
04:28promoting innovation and creative industries,
04:32and finalization of important trade agreements such as the ASEAN-PELA-DEPLEE trade agreement
04:37to expand ASEAN's trade network among others.
04:40This means an opportunity for the Philippines to shape the economic landscape of the region
04:46and prepare ASEAN to become more resilient and relevant in the global states.
04:51Maraming salamat po sa inyo na.
04:54Maraming salamat po sa inyo na.
05:23Maraming salamat po sa inyo na.
05:23Maraming salamat po sa inyo na.
05:24Maraming salamat po sa inyo na.
05:24Maraming salamat po sa inyo na.
05:24Maraming salamat po sa inyo na.
05:24Maraming salamat po sa inyo na.
05:25Maraming salamat po sa inyo na.
05:25Maraming salamat po sa inyo na.
05:25Maraming salamat po sa inyo na.
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