Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda urged the 10 member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to work together not just in maintaining regional security and peace and order, but also for environmental protection to ensure common progress and sustainable development.
“The Southeast Asian region must remain vigilant against the looming threat posed by differing geopolitics and ensure stability so that the over 600 million residents in the area can live in peace and harmony,” she said in a statement.
“As one of the major players in the world’s economic scene, it is vital that progress shall be achieved in the future through a green economy so that future generations can reap our benefits with minimal interruption from climate change,” she added.
Legarda likewise hoped that ASEAN residents can partake in economic growth through livelihood.
“More jobs mean more money for all, and I call on all ASEAN member nations to not leave any of its residents behind in hoping for a better future for themselves and their loved ones,” she said.
Legarda said economic confidence of its residents will result in massive payoffs in the region through foreign investments, which will lead again to prosperity, “but with it comes responsibility in maintaining a healthy habitat for all.”
She added improving the policy environment will transition the Philippines into a blue economy that is sustainable and climate resilient.
Legarda made the statements in commemoration of ASEAN Month this August, as provided under Proclamation 282, s. 2017.
The ASEAN, composed of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, was founded in 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand.
It was formed to promote the economic, social, and cultural development of the region through cooperative programs, to safeguard political and economic stability, and to serve as a forum for the resolution of intra-regional differences. – PNA
