PBBM returns from ASEAN summits, highlights PH leadership

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has returned to Manila after attending the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Vientiane, Laos.

During the summits, he engaged in discussions and dialogues with other ASEAN leaders, agreeing to work together on promoting sustainable agriculture, MSMEs, digital transformation, and sustainable tourism.

Marcos Jr. actively encouraged foreign businesses to invest in the Philippines, pitching the country as an ideal investment destination, with his engagements contributing towards expanded economic cooperation and job creation.

The President also highlighted the Philippines' leadership in climate change and climate resilience initiatives as the host of the Loss and Damage Fund Board, and will host the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction.

Key regional and international issues, including the West Philippine Sea, were deliberated upon by the ASEAN leaders.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez congratulated the President, stating that Marcos Jr. displayed "strong leadership" and "unwavering commitment to protecting and promoting our nation's interests."

Romualdez added that the President played a pivotal role in discussions on strengthening ASEAN's collective response to natural disasters.