(DC file photo)
Highlighting the country’s crucial role in hosting the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. declared “all systems are go” with all preparations completed and security measure put in place for the attendance of world leaders and personalities that include United States president Donald Trump and even Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie.
In a video message, the chief executive, underscored the importance of hosting the summit, saying this would provide an avenue for the Philippines to air its stand in addressing global and regional challenges.
“Many of these problems cannot be solved by us alone, which is why ASEAN is so important,” Marcos Jr. pointed out.
“The preparations are complete and they were carried out in great detail. The skill and creativity of the Filipinos will surely take center stage,” he asserted.
The president also acknowledged that preparations for the summit caused temporary inconveniences to the public. However, he noted that the long-term benefit of the regional dialogue among world leaders outweighs the temporary inconveniences.
The hosting preparations had reportedly temporarily closed several businesses within the vicinity of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, where this year’s summit will be held from November 15 to 18.
Accordingly, the government, led by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) secretary Rexlon ‘Rex’ Gatchalian has since provided aid to those affected, including โฑ10,000 financial assistance.
There are complaints, however, regarding the sluggish rollout of the cash aid to a huge number of the 1,300 vendors who have been temporarily displaced. Missing names in the DSWD’s list of recipients were also complained.
Traffic has also worsened due to the last-minute road rehabilitation in major thoroughfares aimed to ensure better vehicular flow and tighter security.
Despite these issues, Marcos maintained that it is an honor for the Philippines to welcome the 20 world leaders expected to arrive.
As this year’s host, the Philippines aims to steer the regional agenda toward pressing concerns that directly impact everyday citizens, such as food security, job creation and economic stability.
