Departure Statement of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his participation in the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting

Thank you very much, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin;
Members of the Cabinet;
And, of course, our proverbial host, Pasay City Lone District Representative Antonino Calixto, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano;
The AFP Chief of Staff, General Romeo Brawner Jr.,
and the Major Service Commanders;
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant
Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan;
Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief
Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.;
And, of course, First Lady Louise Araneta – Marcos;
Fellow workers in government;
Our friends in the media;
Ladies and gentlemen;

Good afternoon.

I depart now for Gyeongju, Republic of Korea (ROK) to attend the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) and related activities upon the invitation of President Lee Jae Myung.

We must recognize the immense economic gravity of the APEC region. It accounts for nearly 46% of global trade in goods and commercial services, and generates roughly 61% of the total global GDP.

This means that the growth and stability of this region are directly tied to the opportunities and welfare of all Filipinos.

So, given these high stakes, this gathering is imperative. We convene at a critical juncture, defined by evolving geopolitical landscapes, supply chain disruptions, threats of climate change, and the urgent need for equitable and inclusive growth.

The ROK’s theme for its APEC hosting this year is “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect. Innovate. Prosper.” that is strategically aligned with our national development agenda.

We are committed to aggressively ramping up physical and digital connectivity, accelerating digital transformation for competitiveness, and ensuring stable and equitable prosperity for all Filipinos.

Our collaboration with the ROK and all APEC economies is pivotal.

We will forge deeper ties around our shared goals and objectives, including fostering AI-driven innovation, enhancing cultural and creative industries, and proactively addressing demographic challenges.

This collective resolve will ensure that our development efforts align with regional progress, laying the groundwork for a future where the power of creativity, technology, and sustainability benefits every Filipino.

Consistent with our long-term vision under AmBisyon 2040, our engagement with the leaders of economies in the Asia-Pacific region will be focused on actionable areas.

Number one, guaranteeing equitable access to digital services and financial inclusion, particularly in underserved rural areas;

Also, advancing seamless movement of goods and people through investment facilitation and infrastructure development;

Promoting, as well, supply chain resiliency amidst shocks and crisis; [and]

Promoting digital literacy and skills development for our micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women, and other segments whose full economic potential can be realized through digitalization.

Aligned with our goal to boost investment promotion and industry development, I will be delivering a Special Speech at the APEC CEO Summit, an annual gathering of top CEOs within the APEC region.

And through this, I intend to showcase the Philippines’ commitment to fostering economic partnerships and promoting a favorable business climate, aligned with our government’s vision of building a strong, innovation-driven economy.

Among others, we will highlight how we are pursuing digital transformation as a core pillar of our development, fully recognizing the potential of new technologies in unlocking a more prosperous and resilient future.

Coming from the successful 47th ASEAN Summit this week, we will also lobby for stronger collaboration with regional partners, including ASEAN, in driving and achieving our shared objectives for a sustainable, technologically empowered, and inclusive future.

As the Chair of ASEAN in 2026, our goal is to impart that working silos impede the region’s potential.

Real growth and lasting prosperity are achievable when we break down barriers, share knowledge, and collaborate across sectors, industries, and communities.

On the sidelines, I look forward to meeting with Korean business leaders to deepen trade ties, attract investments, and strengthen people-to-people cooperation.

I want to use this moment to reaffirm a core truth to the international business community: The Philippines is not merely ready. We are a reliable, forward-looking partner in the Asia-Pacific. Invest in the Filipino.

I also look forward to meeting our vibrant Filipino community in Busan for the first time, where our fellow countrymen continue to thrive and make meaningful contributions to the city’s socio-economic growth, further strengthening the enduring people-to-people ties between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.

I am fully confident that our participation in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) will produce concrete, meaningful outcomes that enhance cooperation, drive connectivity, and promote inclusive prosperity.

So, alongside our efforts to strengthen the Philippines’ regional foothold and attract investments, we continue to cleanse our bureaucracy of corruption, because only a transparent government can build a fair economy.

Last October 25, this Administration renewed a promise that guides all our actions: To guard every peso entrusted to us, and to return it to our people in the form of progress they can see and that they can feel. When funds are protected and spent with discipline, prices ease, opportunities grow, and communities thrive.

The Department of Public Works is now aligning its project costs with real market prices and reducing these by up to 50%. So, let me be clear: The quality of what we build will not be compromised. The only thing weakened will be corruption. This is the accountability our citizens deserve.

It will not be limited to the Public Works but shall be the norm across government. We are reducing costs for 2026 of the FMRs (farm-to-market roads), irrigation, classrooms, and hospitals.

In this light, the DepEd, DA, DILG, DOH, DOTr, NIA, and all other relevant agencies shall immediately follow the same pricing system as that of the DPWH.

The savings we secure will go where they matter most: To programs that uplift families, support livelihoods, and strengthen communities. Because when our people grow in capability and confidence, the nation grows with them.

A government that honors public trust. A nation that stands firm on integrity. This is our promise. And real change for every Filipino today and all generations to come.

But before I end, it is impossible to talk of this APEC meeting without referencing as we are here today, right now, at this moment, the meeting between President Trump and President Xi that they are presently holding. And the results of those meetings will color and influence everything that we will be doing in the APEC meeting.

It is — the world is watching because this is the source of the largest shock that has entered into the world trade system. And we have to see what the agreements will be coming out of these meetings between President Xi and President Trump.

Those will certainly color everything that we will be talking about in this APEC because the agreements or the arrangements that are made between two of the largest economies of the world will certainly affect every single citizen of the world.

And so that makes this APEC meeting a much different meeting from all the others that we have attended because on the sidelines are the decisions being made on how trade is going to be conducted, certainly at least between the two largest economies in the world, but with the ripple effect for entire global economy.

And so that we are looking out for, that is what we need to understand and that is why the world is watching and waiting, as we are.

Maraming salamat at mabuhay tayong lahat.

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