President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday called on Southeast Asian leaders to remain united and resilient amid rising geopolitical and economic uncertainties during the opening of the 48th ASEAN Summit at the Mactan Expo Center.

In his opening remarks, Marcos said the region is facing a “defining moment” as global conflicts and disruptions continue to affect economies, livelihoods, and regional stability, particularly citing tensions in the Middle East.

“The work of ASEAN must continue, not despite the challenges, but because the times demand our answers to those challenges,” Marcos said.

The President said the Philippines adjusted its hosting of the summit by scaling down non-essential activities and shifting some meetings online in response to increasing energy and economic pressures linked to global developments.

Despite these adjustments, Marcos emphasized ASEAN’s continued commitment to regional cooperation through meetings among foreign ministers and officials from the economic, agriculture, and energy sectors.

“For ASEAN has always drawn its strength not from uniformity but from unity,” he added.

Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos welcomed ASEAN leaders and their spouses during the opening ceremony.

Among the leaders present were Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, Hun Manet, Prabowo Subianto, Sonexay Siphandone, Anwar Ibrahim, Lawrence Wong, Anutin Charnvirakul, Xanana Gusmão, and Lê Minh Hưng.

Myanmar was represented by U Hau Khan Sum, permanent secretary of Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.