QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to focus on food security and climate change mitigation when he attends the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) in Bangkok, Thailand on November 16 to 19.

According to DFA Assistant Secretary for International Economic Affairs Eric Gerardo Tamayo, “The President will be calling attention to the need to ensure food security, energy security, and also the robust response of APEC economies to the challenge of climate change adaptation and mitigation.”

President Marcos is also expected to attend six bilateral meetings with other heads of state on the sidelines of the AELM.

“Prior to the pandemic, the Asia Pacific Region had been the significant driver of global economic growth… This economic growth trajectory was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Tamayo added.

He said the challenge now is to facilitate the quick recovery of economies from rising out of the pandemic and to take the necessary measures to fight the disruptive forces affecting the economy. “That is something that the President will push for, recalling the significant role played by APEC in driving global growth and globalization in the world,” he added further.

Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said President Marcos will join the summit with DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo and Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual, along with others.

The President will also join the APEC CEO Summit where top business leaders in the region gather. He will also meet with top executives of Thai companies and discuss with them business opportunities, investments, expansion plans, and other matters about the Filipino community.

Press Undersecretary Cheloy Garafil said the President will also have the chance to discuss the country’s bilateral relations and to “seek a path towards mutual economic benefits.”

Since the pandemic hit in 2020, this will be the first in-person meeting of the leaders of the APEC economies. The theme for APEC Summit 2022 is “Open. Connect. Balance.” Which aims to make APEC “open to all opportunities, connect in all dimensions, and balance in all aspects.”

Established in 1989, APEC stands as a regional economic forum with 21 member economies across the Asia-Pacific region. Its core value is “promoting regional economic integration under a non-legally binding manner and friendly environment.”

While its goal is to support sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the region. The Philippines is one of its founding members. (ARB, PIA-CPSD)