(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte led the opening ceremony of the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, Manila on April 29, 2017, where he called for a drug-free ASEAN region and a call for all ASEAN leaders to leave a lasting legacy for the region and for the world.’
During his speech and with the heads of the other ASEAN-member states in attendance, the President said it was time for ASEAN to assert its collective aspirations and make it a reality.
And among those aspirations is to have a “drug-free ASEAN.”
President Duterte, known for his conviction to rid the Philippines of the illegal drugs, said he had seen how drugs had destroyed young people and communities.
“The scourge of illegal drugs threaten the gains of community building,” he stressed.
“The illegal drug trade apparatus is massive but it is not impregnable. With political will and cooperation, it can be dismantled, it can be destroyed before it destroys our societies,” he said.
Four priorities of PHL chairmanship of ASEAN
The Philippine leader also identified four priorities of the Philippines’ chairmanship of the ASEAN.
These are the following: building a people-oriented and people centered ASEAN; maintaining a peaceful and stable region; cooperating in maritime security; advancing exclusive and innovative growth; and promoting ASEAN resiliency and promoting ASEAN as a model of regionalism and a global player.
“I am certain that you share these objectives,” President Duterte said.
He also stressed the peaceful resolution disputes in the region where laws and rules are adhered to and respected, and did not mention directly the South China Sea disputes.
Peace, stability, security in ASEAN region
Duterte said it was important to promote, peace, stability and security in the region, and for ASEAN to work for “positive change for the lives of our people.”
He identified the following as among the threats to ASEAN security: piracy and armed robbery of ships that disrupt global commerce, terrorism, and violent extremism.
He said “eternal vigilance” is the price to pay to make the ASEAN citizens safe. He said this can only be achieved through cooperation at the bilateral, regional and multi-lateral level.
Ensure ASEAN citizens do not fall into quagmire of poverty
Duterte said it was also important to rescue citizens from poverty by ensuring that micro-small and medium enterprises also propel the engines of growth, and there would be affordable health care and a stable economy that “uplift and dignify the human person.”
“Our people deserve these and more,” he said as he stressed that families should be given the opportunity to improve their lives.
“People are at the heart of the community. We must do our best to do all these for them,” he said.
An ASEAN which is rules-based, people centered and people-oriented is important.
“These are but the ways to make sure that the ASEAN citizen does not fall into a quagmire of poverty,” he said.
During his speech, President Duterte also thanked his fellow ASEAN member nations for helping the Philippines during times of calamities.
“The Philippines will never forget the timely assistance of ASEAN countries,” he said.
It is incumbent upon us to be steadfast,” he said as he also addressed the other heads of state of the ASEAN member nations.
History will judge us on how we are going to help our people,” Duterte said.
“It is a time for ASEAN to assert its conviction in the international arena. We can hold up to the world. Let us with brave heart and firm minds make our aspiration a reality,” he said as he formally opened the 30th ASEAN Summit in Manila.
