Duterte urges ASEAN to boost COVID-19 cooperation

President Duterte urged ASEAN nations to strengthen solidarity and cooperation to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigate its impact during a rare virtual summit.

He emphasized the need for collaboration in four key areas: medical supply production, food security, vaccine research and development, and an early warning system for pandemics.

Duterte highlighted that the crisis is unprecedented and affects everyone, stressing that true safety can only be achieved by defeating the virus everywhere.

He called for boosting the production and regional trade of medical supplies and medicines due to stressed healthcare systems.

Ensuring sufficient food supply and maintaining open trade were stressed as crucial for socio-economic and political stability.

Duterte proposed supporting vaccine research and development, with the Philippines willing to join clinical trials.

To prepare for future outbreaks, he advocated for establishing a regional early warning system for pandemics.

The Philippines has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia with 4,932 confirmed cases as of April 14, 2020.