The leadership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), among them President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., will be prioritizing talks on food and energy security as well as the safety of citizens in the Southeast Asian region.

In a video message for the 48th ASEAN Summit to be held in Cebu, President Marcos expressed certainty in the productivity of the discussions on regional and global concerns enriched by varying perspectives with fellow state heads, according to a Wednesday report by RH 14 Leth Narciso.

“The Philippines, along with other ASEAN member states, will engage in productive dialogue and exchange views on regional and global issues. Mindful of the problems confronting ASEAN peoples today, we will spotlight three main priorities: energy security, food security, and the safety of ASEAN nationals across the world,” Marcos said.

Marcos announced he would be leading the dialogues regarding regional preparedness and acquiring stable energy supply like energy diversification to mitigate external shocks like the Middle East crisis, the effects of which have been felt worldwide.

“At this summit, I will lead discussions on how the region can bolster regional preparedness and ensure stable energy supply and accelerate energy diversification to reduce vulnerability to external shocks, including those stemming from the conflict in the Middle East,” he said.

As ASEAN Chairman, the President will also be calling on nations to boost food security through the continuous flow of essential goods and improved support for farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

In addition, he assured that the ASEAN nations will benefit from progress made in the region and emphasized the need to strengthen its security.

“For the Philippines, this is not just a statement, but a commitment that anchors our strategic intent in steering a future that is peaceful, prosperous, and people-centered,” Marcos vowed.