President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit will contribute to the betterment of ordinary Filipinos.

In a media interview at the Merourah Komodo Convention Center in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia on Wednesday, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said the ASEAN Summit allows the Philippines to build stronger ties with other member states, especially in areas such as trade and investments.

“Itong ASEAN Summit ay napakaganda at malaking tulong ‘to sa taong-bayan, Pilipino kasi ‘yung lahat ng mga bansa dito sa ASEAN, meeting dito, ay siyempre naman ‘yung mga pinag-uusapan dito ay mga common interest na kagaya ng trade, investments, at ‘yung pagkalapit ng mga bansa (This ASEAN Summit is big help to the people, for Filipinos because all the ASEAN countries are meeting to discuss matters of common interest such as trade, investments and strengthening ties),” he said.

Romualdez cited as an example Marcos’ meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim regarding the progress of the Bangsamoro peace process in pursuit of attaining lasting peace and development in Mindanao.

“At saka siyempre ‘yung — kagaya ng mga peace process. Kinakumusta ni Pangulo si Anwar sa BARMM, sa south at masaya naman si President Marcos na maganda naman ang progress at saka gusto rin nila umunlad ‘yung region (And of course, one of it is the peace process. The President talked with Anwar about the BARMM, the south, and President Marcos is delighted with the progress. They also want the region to thrive). So, that’s just one example,” Romualdez said in referring to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Romualdez also cited the President’s bilateral meetings with the leaders of Lao PDR and Vietnam on Wednesday.

The Philippines sought to strengthen its ties with Vietnam in the fields of trade and investment, tourism, agriculture and defense and security.

Meanwhile, the Philippines and Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) agreed to enhance cooperation across several areas such as health, education, trade and people-to-people exchange agreements.

“We have also trade relations kagaya dito sa ating pagka import ng mga food commodities and other commodities na kailangan ng ating taong-bayan (such as importing food commodities and other commodities that the public need),” Romualdez said.

“So, this Summit is very important. Kaya itong mga ating mga relasyon naging mas matibay at lumalakas at ‘yung sinasabi na (That’s why our ties with other nations get stronger as well as the) understanding and cooperation for peace, stability, and security within the region,” he added.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said among the President’s activities Wednesday was his attendance to the Opening and Plenary session of the 42nd ASEAN Summit, meeting with the representatives of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, ASEAN Youth, ASEAN-Business Advisory Council and the High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Community Post 2025 Vision.

The PCO said Marcos also joined other leaders in the welcome dinner hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo. (PNA)