Duterte urges ASEAN to prioritize health security and labor resiliency

President Rodrigo Duterte urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to prioritize health security and labor resiliency during the 37th ASEAN Summit.

He called on the 10-nation bloc to fortify health systems by guaranteeing the uninterrupted flow of medical supplies and technologies, and by improving early warning systems for health emergencies.

Duterte pushed for the immediate implementation of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund, the ASEAN Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies, and the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases.

He also emphasized the importance of a "people-centered" economic recovery program by focusing on the labor force affected by the pandemic, including upskilling and reskilling workers.

The Philippines has been designated as the chair of the ASEAN Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council.