CEBU, Philippines — Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economic ministers are strengthening regional coordination efforts to ensure the region remains open and stable amid growing global economic uncertainties, according to Philippine Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque.
Speaking during the 27th ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council Meeting in Cebu City on Thursday, May 7, Roque said ASEAN discussions are continuing following the recent Special AEC Council Meeting held virtually to address rapidly evolving developments in the Middle East.
Roque emphasized that ASEAN advances through “steady, deliberate steps,” where continuous discussions and meetings gradually lead to decisions and concrete outcomes for the region.
“What we do here matters. Because this meeting is not simply an exchange of views. It is where we align our positions, sharpen our priorities, and ensure that when issues are elevated, they are clear, focused, and ready for decision,” Roque said.
She also highlighted the impact of rising energy costs and supply chain disruptions brought about by current global developments, noting that these pressures continue to affect ASEAN economies and communities.
“We are here not only to respond to these pressures, but to ensure that our region remains open, stable, and moving forward,” she added.
ASEAN leaders are expected to issue a statement on Friday, May 8, 2026, outlining the region’s collective response to the Middle East crisis.
The statement is anticipated to outline actions aimed at strengthening energy security, market stability, financial resilience, and macroeconomic stability.
It will also include measures to safeguard food security, protect agricultural supply chains, and enhance regional humanitarian response mechanisms.
Beyond addressing immediate concerns, Roque said ASEAN remains committed to advancing the Philippines’ Priority Economic Deliverables, including the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), while also translating the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 into concrete initiatives.
“These are not separate tracks but are part of a single effort to ensure that ASEAN remains resilient, competitive, and relevant in a changing global environment,” Roque said.
Meanwhile, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro expressed optimism over the ongoing ASEAN Summit activities in Cebu, saying the province is benefiting from smoother traffic flow, cleaner roads, and heightened international attention that could boost trade and tourism.
In an interview yesterday, Baricuatro said the situation in Cebu has been “so far, so good,” noting that traffic congestion has eased due to summit-related preparations and security measures.
“The roads are quiet. The roads are clean now. There’s no traffic,” she said, while thanking authorities and personnel assisting in the summit operations.
Baricuatro also called on Cebuanos to extend hospitality to ASEAN delegates and visitors, emphasizing that the long-term goal is to encourage investors and tourists to return to Cebu even after the summit.
“It’s about trade and tourism. We need to show our best hospitality. It’s not enough that ASEAN is here. It’s important that they return and invest here in Cebu,” she said.
Asked about work suspension measures implemented in some areas during the summit, Baricuatro clarified that certain parts of Cebu Province were not heavily affected compared with highly urbanized cities such as Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Cordova, where summit-related meetings and traffic management activities were concentrated.
The governor also shared details about welcoming President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his arrival in Cebu the other night, recalling that it was smooth and respectful.
She revealed that she had a brief conversation with the President, during which she thanked him for infrastructure support and national government funding coursed through the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Baricuatro particularly cited the allocation of around P8 billion for the construction of dams in Cebu’s watershed areas, which she said would significantly help the province’s water security efforts.
She also mentioned previous inspections conducted at the general aviation area and the air force base in preparation for ASEAN-related activities.
According to Baricuatro, she has been assigned to meet delegates from Timor-Leste, as well as the prime ministers of Indonesia and Malaysia, during the summit engagements.
“This is what we are here for, the development of Cebu through trade and tourism,” she further said. — (IHM) CEBU NEWS