MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. thanked Australia on Saturday for supporting the Bohol Trafficking in Persons (TIP) work plan to implement the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Convention on Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children, as he pushes for continued collaboration in combating transnational crime.

“This partnership will strengthen our regional responses and keep us in step with the constantly evolving schemes of transnational criminals and traffickers,” President Marcos said in his intervention during the 2nd ASEAN-Australia Summit in Phnom Penh.

On the economic front, Marcos encouraged Australia’s continued collaboration with the ASEAN Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Council in improving and strengthening the TVET systems and programs of the ASEAN member states.

As the inaugural chair of the ASEAN TVET Council from 2020-2022, Marcos said the Philippines anticipates increased training and scholarships between specialists and students.

This is in preparation for the anticipated conclusion of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area upgrade, which will further encourage trade in services, among other updates in today’s digital age.

To counter the impact of climate change, the Philippine leader also invited Australia to strengthen its support to the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB), the ASEAN’s lead institution in biodiversity conservation and promotion.

Addressing food security, the Philippines, Marcos said, welcomes engagement with Australia on the implementation of the Strategic Plan for ASEAN Cooperation in Food, Agriculture and Forestry for 2016 - 2025.

“Food-resilience and food self-sufficiency are two of our very basic and foremost priorities in the Philippines. We need to protect the region and our countries from shocks on the global food value chain, as well as against the adverse effects of climate change,” The President noted.

On regional peace and security, the chief executive said, the Philippines is fully committed to attaining this goal.

“The Quad’s assurance of unwavering support for ASEAN unity and Centrality is a welcome pronouncement. It is in line with the view that such mini-lateral mechanisms should complement the ASEAN-centered regional security architecture,” Marcos said.

At the same time, the President said he looks forward to enhancing cooperation in maritime law enforcement and in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and marine debris. (PND)