Manila:President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday called on the public to remain patient and cooperative as the Philippines hosts the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits. He assured that the temporary inconveniences would be outweighed by the opportunities and benefits the gathering is expected to bring.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos highlighted the significance of regional cooperation in addressing shared challenges, including rising prices of basic commodities and oil, economic slowdowns, and security concerns. He emphasized that many of these issues cannot be addressed by any single country alone, underlining the importance of ASEAN as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among regional nations.

The President noted that the Philippines' ASEAN chairship has created jobs and livelihood opportunities for local industries, particularly benefiting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as sectors like weaving, design, craftsmanship, arts, performance, food production, hospitality, and transportation. He also pointed out the opportunity to showcase Filipino creativity, craftsmanship, hospitality, and tourism to foreign leaders and visitors, who may be encouraged to return with their families and friends.

Beyond economic benefits, Marcos stressed the importance of ASEAN unity in tackling regional concerns like rising oil and food prices, security threats, and climate-related challenges. He stated that discussions during the summit are vital for forging agreements on concrete measures to address these pressing issues.

As the current ASEAN chair, Marcos stated that the Philippines would lead in shaping the regional agenda, prioritizing issues significant to the country, including oil and food prices, security, agriculture, jobs, and livelihoods. He urged Filipinos to take pride in hosting the summit and contribute to its success, highlighting that everyone plays a role in leaving a positive impression on foreign delegates.

Marcos also underscored ASEAN's importance to the country's trade, security, and efforts to protect Filipinos' welfare, including overseas workers, businesspeople, and tourists. He remarked that the benefits of ASEAN membership extend beyond visa-free access, especially during a time when the region faces multiple crises, such as rising oil prices and security concerns.