President Rodrigo Duterte pledged his firm commitment to build a strong and resilient Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) community.
“I say to you today in full humility: the Philippines – as ASEAN Chair – will remain steadfast in upholding the ideals and values we hold dear and in working for the realization of our shared aspirations,” Duterte told over 1000 guests, including the nine representatives of ASEAN member-states, foreign ambassadors, and delegates gathered during the launching of Philippines’ chairmanship for ASEAN 2017 on Sunday at SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premiere Davao City.
Tracing the first ASEAN Summit in 1967, the President sees its members have changed much “for the better”.
“Lives have been improved. The march towards sustainable development and inclusive growth continues to take place” said Duterte, adding that its members have established amongst themselves good neighborliness that allowed for secure and stable relations.
Despite the changes that have taken place throughout the years, the President will not remain complacent as he stressed the very same burning desire to move forward together based on shared values.
“We see the very same resolve to work together for a world that recognizes interconnectedness and respects sovereign independence,” he said.
Duterte identified this as one of the important lessons that ASEAN can hold to the Asia-Pacific region and to our world.
“But we too have learned many lessons,” he said.
“One of them is that the unity and cooperation that have defined ASEAN over the last five decades will be crucial to our collective success. We realize that, in truth, there is still a lot of hard work to be done for true transformation that will benefit all our peoples in the region,” he added.
Duterte also recalled the closing ceremony of the ASEAN Summits in the Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic in September 2016 where he announced Philippines chairmanship theme: “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World”.
“Simple, short, yet meaningful, this theme will guide us through our chairmanship and will define the Philippines’ contribution to the realization of the ASEAN Community,” he said.
“We are all partners for change. Since 1967, we have endeavored to work together to bring about positive change for ASEAN’s peoples,” he added.
The President stressed that for an ASEAN citizen, the ASEAN community must provide opportunities for a truly better life.
“We can work to strengthen the capacities of micro, small and medium enterprises, promote and protect the welfare of migrant workers, and ensure social protection for the vulnerable sectors of society,” he said.
Duterte pointed out that particular attention will be directed to sub-regional mechanisms, including BIMP-EAGA which the Philippines will also Chair this year.
Also, he said the government will continue to be crucial in pursuing development initiatives “at the grassroots”.
Aside from that, the President stressed that the Philippines will be firm in its advocacy to promote cooperation between and among ASEAN neighbors and engage dialogue partners to be more dynamic and vibrant stakeholders in the continued development of the region.
Duterte identified the areas that will be prioritized by the association in this year’s summit.
“In our work, we will be guided by the following priorities: We will place our peoples at the core; work for regional peace and stability; pursue maritime security and cooperation; advance inclusive, innovation-led growth; strengthen ASEAN resiliency; and promote ASEAN as a model of regionalism and as a global player,” he said.
“This is a tremendous task but one that is not unachievable,” the President emphasized.
The call for commitment
In his speech, the President called for all ASEAN Member States to rededicate themselves and commit anew to the principles and purposes behind the establishment of ASEAN – “including adherence to the rule of law”.
Duterte also appealed to on all ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners to be “unwavering” in their support for the ASEAN’s continued development and for its important role in the region’s security, stability and growth as well as to renew their dedication to the valued purposes and principles stated in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation – “including non-interference” – in promoting regional peace and stability through abiding respect for the rule of law.
“Now, more than ever, it is a time for real change through constructive engagements” Duterte emphasized.
