With the ASEAN moving forward towards firm accords on its own charter, security, overseas workers, and trade, the prospect for the region becoming a formidable bloc in the world is well within our reach.

From a sharing and caring community, we can be become a dynamo as the hub and core of East Asia, immersed in robust, open trade from within the region and across the oceans-- building security and prosperity in millions of communities from east to west.

The unequivocal commitment and common spirit of the leaders of the region have carved out an unprecedented roadmap of ASEAN community towards closer integration and greater heights of achievement by 2015, backed by enhanced economic, political and socio-cultural partnerships.

Through thick and thin, we have sailed towards unity as one formidable alliance to stamp out poverty, address inequality in its varied dimensions, attend to the social impact of economic integration, guarantee social protection and sound environmental governance and focus on the welfare of our workers.

For all of ASEAN’s great efforts, it is payback time for a region whose legacy to its peoples is within reach.

This Summit will break a new ground as we continue to foster peace and stability, economic prosperity and claim our collective destiny.

TOP

The spirit of common purpose and teamwork for the economy should be shouldered by all sectors across the nation; and we are confident that the labor and the business sectors, as well as the concerned institutions of the government, would be able to find a middle ground on wage issues.

We need to strike a balance in according to our workers their due and at the same time, protect the survival and viability of enterprise. At present, we have tripartite regional wage boards that so far have been sensitive to this balanced objective.

The government has been steadfast in making sure that socioeconomic, non-wage benefits are fully extended to our workers through stable prices of basic commodities and enhanced social services.

We are making headway in our fight against poverty and the labor and business sectors play an important role in this fight by engendering an environment of cohesiveness, harmony and productivity.

TOP

CEBU, Philippines–Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo led his ASEAN counterparts in sealing separate pacts Saturday between the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations and France and Timor Leste that affirmed the shared commitment of stakeholders to uphold and protect peaceful resolution of conflicts between parties.

Describing France and Timor Leste’s signing of the ASEAN’s Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) as "landmark events," Romulo said the separate accession of France and Timor Leste "broadened the frontiers of peace" and provided "further impetus" for the shared pursuit of greater peace, progress and prosperity "in the region and beyond."

"For decades, the TAC has provided an anchor for stable, peaceful and mutually beneficial relations in our region and beyond," Romulo said.

"The TAC provides that the fundamental approach for the resolution of conflicts is through peaceful means. This is why we have used the TAC as a pre-condition for membership in the EAS," Romulo explained.

Romulo lauded both France and Timor Leste’s TAC accession, describing both nations as ASEAN’s partners for peace.

"France and Timor Leste’s accession reflects their importance in the broader East Asian family of which the ASEAN is an integral part and vital moving force," Romulo added.

"No country in the world that does not wish any harm to the countries of the region should have any difficulty in acceding to the treaty. The TAC provides that the fundamental approach for the resolution of conflicts is through peaceful means," Romulo said.

The TAC enshrines the principles of mutual respect for one another’s sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, the peaceful settlement of inter-regional disputes and effective cooperation.

The TAC provides for a code of conduct for the peaceful settlement of disputes and mandates the establishment of a high council made up of ministerial representatives from the parties as a dispute-settlement echanism.

All the members of the 39-year-old Association signed the TAC during the Bali Summit of 1976. TAC was subsequently amended in 1987 to include countries from outside the region. Since then, Papua New Guinea, China, Japan, Pakistan, New Zealand and Australia have acceded to the TAC.

TOP

CEBU, Philippines – Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have resolved to enhance the regional bloc’s standing as an "effective driving force" in facing the challenges and opportunities in the region and its peoples.

In her report as chairperson of the 12^th ASEAN Summit after the conclusion of their meetings Saturday, the President said that the leaders have stressed that the ASEAN community that they are building "shall be a community of peoples caring for and sharing their human, natural and cultural resources and strengths for their common good and mutual benefit."

The 12^th ASEAN Summit and related top-level meetings were held at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City. Some of the ministerial meetings were held at the newly completed Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City.

"We exchanged views on regional and international developments, focusing on how we may deepen ASEAN integration to better foster the region’s sustainable development, stability, security and prosperity for the benefit of all our peoples," the President said in her report.

The President said that in order to achieve its goals, the ASEAN leaders signed the Cebu Declaration on the Blueprint of the ASEAN Charter which, she noted, is necessary for ASEAN to remain cohesive with strong institutions and responsive policies for regional community building.

As part of efforts to build the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, the third pillar of ASEAN, the leaders recognized the progress made in creating a "caring environment" that gives priority to improving the quality of lives of its peoples.

"We agreed to address the special needs of the vulnerable and disadvantaged through people-centered integration," the President’s report said.

The President said that as part of ASEAN’s thrust on people-oriented initiatives, the leaders agreed to strengthen the protection and promotion of the rights and welfare of women and children within and between the grouping’s member countries.

The leaders also agreed to strengthen the AIDS policies and programs of member countries by adopting the Third ASEAN Work Program on HIV and AIDS for 2006-2010.

The statement said that the leaders also agreed to strengthen their efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger in the region as determined by the World Food Summit, the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and the Vientiane Action Program.

As part of ASEAN’s people-centered policies, the leaders issued the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers to safeguard and protect the welfare of the region’s migrant workers having recognized the contributions of these workers to the development and prosperity of the region.

The leaders, according to the President, noted the steady progress made in the implementation of the ASEAN Security Community (ASC) through the Vientiane Action Program and the ASC Plan of Action.

They also recognized the advances in the work of the ASEAN Regional Forum and the ASEAN-China Joint Working Group on the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

The Philippines, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan and Brunei Darussalam have conflicting claims on parts or the whole of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

The leaders signed the ASEAN Convention on Counter-Terrorism to enhance cooperation among the law enforcement authorities of the member countries in fighting terrorism in all forms.

"We also recognized the importance of inter-faith dialogue in fostering greater understanding among our peoples and pledged to increase cooperation in this area," the President said.

The leaders, the President said, likewise agreed to hasten the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community to 2015 and transform ASEAN into a region with free movement of goods, services, investment and capital.

She said that the ASEAN leaders have expressed concern over the negative impact of prolonged high oil prices that have stunted growth in some member countries.

"To address this problem in a strategic manner, we have agreed to deepen ASEAN energy cooperation, especially for key ASEAN infrastructure projects, including the ASEAN power grid and Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline," the President said.

According to the President, the leaders agreed that there is a need to improve energy use efficiency and to diversify energy supply by developing such alternative energy sources as bio-fuels and civilian nuclear power.

The ASEAN leaders encouraged Myanmar to expedite the pace of its national reconciliation process and called for the release of those placed under detention and conduct effective dialogue with all parties concerned.

The group also welcomed the accession of France and Timor Leste to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia as well as the intention of the European Union to accede to the TAC at a later date.

The leaders, President Arroyo said, noted the progress in the free trade area (FTA) negotiations with China, India, South Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand and underscored the importance of these arrangements in strengthening ASEAN’s trade and economic cooperation with its dialogue partners. 

The regional group welcomed Vietnam’s accession to the World Trade Organization and reiterated its support for Laos’ own bid for membership.

TOP

CEBU, Philippines—Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the People’s Republic of China reaffirmed today their commitment to forge closer trade and investment cooperation that will promote economic stability in East Asia.

The Agreement on Trade in Services of the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation between ASEAN and the People's Republic of China was signed today by 10 member-countries of the ASEAN and China in their common desire to deepen economic linkages, minimize trade barriers, increase intra-regional trade and investment, and create a larger market with greater opportunities.

They expressed confidence that the establishment of an ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will create strong partnership between the ASEAN member countries and China and provide a vital mechanism that will strengthen cooperation and support economic development in East Asia.

The leaders recognized the different stages of economic development among ASEAN member countries and the need for flexibility, in particular the need to facilitate the increasing participation of the newer ASEAN member-states in the ASEAN-China economic cooperation and the expansion of their exports through the strengthening of their domestic capacity, efficiency and competitiveness.

As agreed upon, the increasing participation of Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar and Vietnam shall be facilitated through negotiated specific commitments, strengthening their domestic services capacity, and improving the market access for their exports.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to abide by the provisions of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Specific commitments on market access and national treatment have also been agreed upon as provided for in Articles 18 and 19 of the Agreement, which will take effect on July 1 this year.

The ASEAN economic ministers and the minister of the Ministry of Commerce of China and their designated representatives will meet within a year from the date of entry into force of the Agreement and then biennially, or otherwise, to review the Agreement for the purpose of considering further measures to liberalize trade in services.

TOP

CEBU, Philippines—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and other leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) called on North Korea on Sunday to abandon its nuclear weapons program for the sake of regional peace, security and stability.

The ASEAN heads of state expressed this sentiment during the 10^th Summit between ASEAN and the Republic of Korea this morning at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa.

"We have all and we will continue to express our great concern about recent developments in the Korean Peninsula," the President said in her opening statement.

She added that ASEAN, as one voice, would urge North Korea to respond to other security and humanitarian concerns of the international community.

South Korea is an ASEAN dialogue partner, along with China, Japan, Australia, India and New Zealand.

But Korean President Roh-Moo-Hyun sought to calm the ASEAN leaders’ worries over Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons development program, saying that although Seoul believes North Korea has nuclear arms, they have limited range.

The short range capability of Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons should be no reasons for an arms race in the region, he added.

The ASEAN leaders, through President Arroyo, also called on North Korea to work for the resumption of the Sixty-Party Talks to resolve the nuclear issue.

Following Pyongyang’s first nuclear test last year, the United Nations (UN) passed Resolution 1695 demanding that North Korea suspend its missile testing activity and return immediately to the suspended Six-Party Talks without precondition.

The ASEAN leaders also expressed support to the UN resolution on non-nuclear proliferation in the region.

The President said that the North Korean nuclear issue should be discussed further during the ASEAN Plus 3 Summit among ASEAN, South Korea, China and Japan later in the afternoon.

Following is the full text of the President’s opening statement:

Your Excellency, Pres. Roh Moo Hyun, my fellow leaders in the ASEAN family. This meeting is called to order on your view and future directions of ASEAN-Korea Cooperation and an exchange of views on regional and international issues.

This is our first formal gathering since former Foreign Minister of Korea, Ban Ki Moon assumed the top United Nations post to the pride of all of East Asia. We congratulate Pres. Roh and the people of Korea.

In this Summit, we in ASEAN also got the chance to express our solidarity with the Republic of Korea and the Korean people in their efforts to exhaust all peaceful means to keep the Korean Peninsula nuclear-free and our region safe and secure.

Amidst the concern about nuclear proliferation, we in ASEAN have stood firm in our commitment to urge North Korea to abandon nuclear weapons. We have all, and we continue to express our great concern about recent developments in the Korean Peninsula.

I hope that we’re all speaking with one voice in urging North Korea once again to abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs and to work towards the expeditious implementation of UN Security Council Resolution Nos. 1695 and 1718. I hope also that we are in one voice in urging North Korea to take concrete and effective steps towards the full implementation of the Joint Statement of September 19^th of 2005.

And again, I hope that we can all be in one voice in urging North Korea to respond to other security and humanitarian concerns of the international community including abductions’ abuse.

I invite President Roh to deliver his opening statement.

TOP

CEBU, Philippines – Likening China to a Big Brother, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called on Southeast Asian leaders to continue strengthening partnership with the regional giant, saying Beijing has an important and strategic role in the economic development and security of the Asia-Pacific region.

In her opening statement at the 10^th ASEAN -China Summit at the Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort and Spa Sunday, the President, chair of the ASEAN this year, said that Southeast Asia’s relationship with China over the last 15 years has evolved to include cooperation on political security, development and other regional issues.

"Going forward, we should continue to strengthen the ASEAN-China partnership by promoting confidence building measures, intensifying interactions, and allocating adequate resources to stir the relations and cooperation for mutual benefit," she said.

The President said ASEAN looks to China to take the lead in promoting good neighborly relations and regional cooperation by handling sensitive issues with surrounding countries.

"We are happy to have China as our big brother in this region," she said.

The full text of the President’s opening statement:

Excellency, Mr. Co-Chair, Your Majesty, Excellencies.

This ASEAN-China Summit Meeting is called to order. We gathered recently in Nanning last October to commemorate 15 years of ASEAN-China Relations. The success of that summit is wonderfully fresh in our minds.

The ASEAN-China Partnership remains one of the most dynamic and progressive in the East Asian region. When ASEAN and China first began relations in 1991, the focus was on cooperation in economic and trade relations.

Over the past 15 years, the ASEAN-China relationship has evolved to include cooperation on political security, development and other regional issues. Going forward, we should continue to strengthen the ASEAN-China partnership by promoting confidence building measures, intensifying interactions, and allocating adequate resources to stir the relations and cooperation for mutual benefit.

China has an important and strategic role to play in the economic development and security situation of the Asia-Pacific region. We’re hopeful that China will continue to pursue the foreign policy based on peaceful rise.

We also look to China to take the lead in promoting good neighborly relations and regional cooperation by handling sensitive issues with surrounding countries in a manner that is guided by the spirit of equality, respect, consultation and mutual benefit.

We are very happy to have China as our big brother in this region.

I now invite His Excellency, Premier Wen Jiabao to deliver his opening statement.

TOP

CEBU, Philippines—The People’s Republic of China today assured the 10 member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) of full cooperation in socio-cultural and people-to-people exchanges on top of trade and economic concerns.

In his remarks at the ASEAN-China Summit held this morning at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said that since young people are the future of China and ASEAN, enhancing exchanges and cooperation among them should be given top priority.

Premier Wen said that this year China will invite some 300 young people from the ASEAN member countries to visit China in five years. They will participate in youth and summer camps to be conducted in different parts of China.

He said that China will set up a China-ASEAN Youth Campus in Guangxi, China.

To promote China-ASEAN media exchanges, Wen said, China will also host this year the third China-ASEAN high level seminar on media cooperation.

Wen said that China will also work closely with ASEAN in promoting:

• sports exchanges between non-governmental friendship groups;
• mutual recognition of degrees and diplomas issued by China and ASEAN member countries; and
• exchanges of teachers, students and youth volunteers.

"We are both friendly neighbors and important strategic partners. We need each other in our respective development endeavors, and we are bound by common interests," Wen said.

He said that the growth of China-ASEAN friendship and cooperation serves the fundamental interests of both sides and contributes to regional peace, stability and prosperity.

Wen said that China-ASEAN relations are now in a new stage of building on past success. "We should seize the opportunity to deepen win-win cooperation and open a new chapter in China-ASEAN relations," he said.

TOP

CEBU, Philippines – China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed today to bolster their partnership in the field of information and communications technology (ICT) and set 2010 as the timetable for the ASEAN-China Superhighway ICT project to be fully operational.

The China-ASEAN accord is contained in the "Plan of Action to Implement the Beijing Declaration on ASEAN-ICT Cooperative Partnership for Common Development," which was signed at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa this morning at the end of the 10^th ASEAN-China Summit.

The Plan of Action "sets the detailed scope of ASEAN-China's key program areas and strategic actions and measures for collective cooperation in the ICT field for the following five years (2007-2012)."

On the ICT infrastructure, the Plan of Action stated that the implementation of the ASEAN-China Superhighway Project must be completed by 2008 and be fully operational by 2010.

On universal service, the Plan of Action said that there must be stronger cooperation in narrowing the digital divide through the establishment of the ASEAN-China Telecom Universal Service Forum to be a venue to share best practices and experiences on investment and compensation mechanism, technological means and management skills.

The Plan also encouraged the study, development of pilot projects involving suitable technologies in rural areas, and promote solutions that are cost-effective, efficient and easy in maintenance.

Training for ASEAN mid-and high-level ICT managers and technicians was also encouraged through government and private sector initiative.

ASEAN and China also agreed to build upon and strengthen their cooperation on network security by establishing the ASEAN-China Network and Information Security Expert Group and Forum, among others.

The Action Plan also encouraged inter-governmental dialogue and exchange on ICT issues as well as the mutual recognition of arrangements for ICT telecom equipment certification.

The implementation of the Plan of Action would be funded by the ASEAN-China Cooperative Fund (ACCF).

The Beijing Declaration was adopted in May, 2005 in the Chinese capital by ICT authorities of ASEAN and China.

TOP

Media Statement

1. ASEAN and China reached another milestone at the ASEAN-China Summit in Cebu, the Philippines as Leaders from the ten ASEAN Member Countries and China witnessed the signing of the Trade in Services Agreement under the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Co-operation between ASEAN and China (TIS Agreement) by the ASEAN Economic Ministers and China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

2. The TIS Agreement, which will enter into force in July 2007, aims to expand trade in services in the region. Under this Agreement, services and services suppliers/providers in the region will enjoy improved market access and national treatment in sectors/subsectors where commitments have been made.

3. The market access commitments of the Parties to the
TIS Agreement are contained in the first package of specific schedule of commitments that are attached to the Agreement. The TIS Agreement provides for liberalization on substantial coverage of sectors/subsectors especially in more than sixty additional subsectors committed by ASEAN Member Countries which are parties to the GATS/WTO.

4. In terms of level of ambition, the first package also shows higher market access commitments. It is expected that trade in services in the region would expand and grow in scale through the four modes of service delivery, namely: cross-border supply, consumption abroad, commercial presence, and movement of natural persons.

5. Aside from increased trade, the TIS Agreement is also expected to bring about higher levels of investments in the region, particularly in sectors where commitments have been made, namely:

(a.) business services such as computer related services, real estate services, market research, management consulting;

(b.) construction and engineering related services;

(c.) tourism and travel related services;

(d.) transport services; educational services;

(e.) telecommunication services;

(f.) health-related and social services;

(g.) recreational, cultural and sporting services;

(h.) environmental services; and

(i.) energy services.

6. Successive rounds of market access negotiations to substantially improve the level of commitment and broaden the subsector coverage of the TIS Agreement will be undertaken over the next one year as the Agreement contains a built-in agenda for the conclusion of a second package of commitments one year from its entry into force.

7. The TIS Agreement is the second agreement concluded and signed under the Framework Agreement for Comprehensive Economic Co-operation between ASEAN and China, which was signed by the Leaders in November 2002. The trade in Goods Agreement was signed by the Economic Ministers from ASEAN Member Countries and China in November 2004.

TOP

CEBU, Philippines – With the Convention on Counter-Terrorism adopted as a landmark accord Saturday, Southeast Asia has moved closer to the realization of an Asean Security Community (ASC) with progress in related activities warmly welcomed by member countries, according to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

In her report as chairperson of the 12^th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, President Arroyo said the leaders of the 10 member nations noted the steady progress of the Vientiane Action Program and the ASC Plan of Action.

The latter, she pointed out, included the convening of the First ASEAN Defense Ministers meeting and the ASEAN-China Joint Working Group on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

"We signed the ASEAN Convention on Counter-Terrorism to enhance the region’s capacity to confront terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and to deepen counter-terrorism cooperation among our law enforcement and other relevant authorities," she explained in her report.

The ASC is one of the three pillars of an ASEAN Community envisioned for the region. The other two are economic and socio-cultural.              

Recognizing the strong interconnection among political, economic and social realities, the ASEAN Security Community acknowledges the principle of comprehensive security, and commits to address the broad political, economic, social and cultural aspects of building an ASEAN Community.

The realization of an ASEAN Security Community would ensure that countries in the region live at peace with one another and with the world at large in a just, democratic and harmonious environment.

In their summit meeting Saturday, ASEAN leaders reaffirmed their support for the Six-Party Talks and other diplomatic efforts to resolve the Korean Peninsula issue in line with ASC efforts to contribute to the further promotion of peace and security in the wider Asia-Pacific region.

"We therefore urged North Korea to desist from conducting further nuclear tests and emphasized that it must effectively address the humanitarian concerns of the international community," President Arroyo said.

The leaders, according to her, likewise expressed concern over the instability in Iraq and the Middle East and called for a dialogue between all contending sides.

They also recognized, the President said, the importance of inter-faith dialogue "in fostering greater understanding among our peoples and pledged to increase cooperation in this area."

TOP

CEBU, Philippines – First Gentleman Jose Miguel T. Arroyo Saturday night hosted a "Tertulla" in honor of the visiting Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) spouses as he formally welcomed them to the "Malacanang sa Sugbo" or Malacanang in Cebu.

"Tertulla" is a traditional native entertainment for honored guests at dinner of food, conversation and dances.

With music from a brass band and native dancers in very colorful costumes providing a festive atmosphere, the First Gentleman welcomed the ASEAN spouses and other visitors to the "Piyesta sa Sugbo" (Fiesta in Cebu).

Others who welcomed the ASEAN visitors were Presidential Daughter Luli Arroyo; Foreign Affairs Undersecretary and Sub-committee on Spouses Program Chairman Ambassador Francisco Benedicto; Margot Osmena, wife of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena; Paz Radaza, wife of Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza; Linda Ouano, wife of Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano; and Christina Sitoy, wife of Cordova Mayor Arleigh Sitoy.

From the holding area where welcome drinks were served, the First Gentleman led the guests to the dining hall of Malacanang in Cebu for the "Tertulla."

At the dining hall were "Barrio Fiesta" buffet stations with native food like chicken binakol, pomelo and crabsticks salad, steamed lobster and prawn, steamed pugapo grouper, chicken pastel, "puto bumbong," calamansi sorbet and fruits from Cebu.

All throughout the welcome party, boatmen/fishermen from Madridejos Island paraded in a choreographed sailing pattern at the Mactan Channel, a stone’s throw away from Malacanang sa Sugbu.

At dinner, the Malacaņang guests were entertained by a string quartet and songs of the Cebu City Children’s Choir and Yentel Ylaya Beltran and Sinulog, Barrio Fiesta and Palawod Festival dances.

There was also a parade of festival queens in elegant Filipino ternos and Filipiniana gowns, and their escorts in Barong Tagalog. A spectacular fireworks display lighted the sky above the Palace, adding color and joy to the festive mood of the night.

From the dining hall, the guests were led to the Conference Hall where world renowned pianist Ingrid Sala Santa Maria played classical music on the grand piano for about 15 minutes.

A "Kultura" Filipino exhibit, a showcase of Philippine products, capped the affair.

TOP

CEBU, Philippines-- Aside from displaying anew their concerted efforts to crush all forms of terrorism, Southeast Asian leaders have welcomed ASEAN’s steady progress in the implementation of the Vientiane Action Program (VAP) to hasten the region's quest for a zone of peace and security.

In her report as chairperson of the 12^th ASEAN Summit, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo outlined the agreements reached by the leaders of the 10 ASEAN member countries during their summit Saturday at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.

Under the VAP signed in Vientiane, Laos on Nov. 29, 2004 during the 10th Summit, ASEAN has agreed to work towards shared prosperity and destiny in an "integrated, peaceful and caring ASEAN community."

According to the President, the leaders also agreed to pursue the comprehensive integration of ASEAN towards the realization of an open, dynamic and resilient ASEAN community by 2020.

The leaders, the President said, made an unequivocal stand against all forms of terrorism and called on law enforcement authorities of the member countries to strengthen cooperation in this regard.   

"We welcome the steady progress made in implementing ASEAN  Security Community (ASC) and related activities through the VAP and the ASC Plan of Action, including the convening of the First ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting, as well as advances in the work of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the ASEAN-China Joint Working Group on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

ASEAN, a fast-emerging regional economic bloc with over 560 million people, is composed of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The adoption of counter-terrorism measures would enable ASEAN countries to combat terror groups, particularly the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and the Abu Sayyaf, both with links to the dreaded al Qaeda Group of Osama bin Laden.  

ASEAN's counter-terrorism strategy would make it easier for member countries to prosecute and extradite terror suspects.

TOP

CEBU, Philippines—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe discussed today the future direction of ASEAN-Japan cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international issues.

In her opening statement at the ASEAN-Japan Summit held at the Sugbu Summit Hall of the Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City, the President said Japan is the biggest source of the official development assistance (ODA) for ASEAN member countries.

The President said Japan is also the top trading partner and number one source of tourists and investments for most of the ASEAN countries.

The President also told Prime Minister Abe of the sentiment of ASEAN for North Korea to return to the Six-Party Talks to finally solve the nuclear proliferation problem of the Korean Peninsula.

Japan, along with Russia, China, the United States, South Korea and North Korea are participants in the stalled Six-Party Talks.

Following is the full text of the President’s opening statement:

Your Excellency, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, my colleagues in the ASEAN family, let us welcome Prime Minister Abe to his first ASEAN-Japan Summit.

Japan is the biggest source of ODA for ASEAN and one of the top trading partners, investors and source of tourists for most of our countries.

Here in this ASEAN-Japan Summit, we will be discussing and review the future direction of ASEAN-Japan Cooperation and exchange views on regional and international issues.

Your Excellency, we express our great concern about the recent developments on the Korean Peninsula and we share your great concern. North Korea has just defied the international community by exploding again a nuclear device last October 9, 2006. North Korea has also been involved in abducting foreign nationals from Japan and countries in ASEAN, among others. We join you, Your Excellency, in urging North Korea to abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs and to work towards the expeditious implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1695 and 1718.

We urge North Korea to take concrete and effective steps towards the full implementation of the Joint Statement of September 19, 2005. For those who recall, in that joint statement, the DPRK committed to abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs and to return at an early date to the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and to the IAEA safeguards.

Excellency, speaking in behalf of our country, and I hope, in behalf of other countries as well in our region, we also urge North Korea to respond to other security and humanitarian concerns of the international community including the abductions’ issue.

I now invite His Excellency Shinzo Abe to deliver his opening statement.

TOP

CEBU, Philippines –  President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo inducted into office here Sunday former Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. as Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations, replacing Ambassador Lauro Baja Jr.

The induction ceremony was held at the sidelines of the ongoing East Asian Summit at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa following President Arroyo’s attendance at the ASEAN-Korea forum.

"Chief Justice Davide is highly-qualified," said Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita of Davide’s appointment. "He will serve the best interest of the Philippines in the UN."

Ermita said Baja may be given a new post as special envoy. He did not elaborate.

Davide is well remembered for having presided over the aborted impeachment trial of former President Joseph Estrada in late 2000 which led to the second People Power revolt at EDSA and the installation of President Arroyo into office in January 2001.

The 71-year-old Davide, who was born in Argao town here, has devoted most of his life to public service, having been thrust into government service early on in his professional career.

From 1959 to 1963, Davide became the Private Secretary to the vice governor of the province of Cebu, and then to its governor. He was later elected as delegate of the 4th District of Cebu to the 1971 Constitutional Convention (CONCON).

In 1978, he was elected assemblyman for Cebu in the Interim Batasang Pambansa where he filed the most number of bills of national significance, as well as resolutions to lift martial law. He also sought legislative investigations of graft and corruption in government and reported violations of human rights.

Shortly after the overthrow of the Marcos regime through the "People Power" revolt in February 1986, then President Corazon C. Aquino convened the Constitutional Commission (CONCOM) of 1986, and appointed Davide one of the 50 Commissioners.

In February 1988, President Aquino appointed him as Chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and subsequently designated as Chairman of the Presidential Fact-Finding Commission conducting an investigation of the 1989 rebellion and the involvement in it of military and civilian officials and private persons.

Davide was appointed as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court in 1991. From January 2, 1996 to August 30, 1997, he sat as a member of the Senate Electoral Tribunal before being appointed by then President Joseph Ejercito Estrada as the 20th Chief Justice in 1998.

Baja, the man whom Davide replaced at the UN, is one of the country’s most senior and respected diplomats with over 40 years of diplomatic experience.

His many accomplishments during his term as Senior Undersecretary include the Joint Statement on Cooperation for the 21st Century which he drafted and successfully negotiated with China and Vietnam; the ASEAN Joint Declaration Against Terrorism in the 2000 ASEAN Summit; the Trilateral Agreement among the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia on the Exchange of Information and Establishment of Communications Procedure to Combat Terrorism; and the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

Ambassador Baja is also credited with initiating and establishing Foreign Ministry Consultations with Portugal, Spain, France, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Pakistan, Egypt and Iran.

He also represented the Philippines in various meetings and conferences of the United Nations and other international and regional organizations as head or member of the Philippine delegation.

TOP

CEBU, Philippines – Visiting spouses of the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), led by host First Gentleman Jose Miguel T. Arroyo opened Sunday the ASEAN Friendship Garden in Nasipit, Talamban, Cebu City.

The First Gentleman was assisted at the unveiling of the sculpture marker of the Friendship Garden by India First Lady Gursharan Kaur, Thailand First Lady Col. Khunying Chitravadee Chulanont, Presidential Daughter Luli Arroyo, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary and Sub-committee on Spouses Program Chairman Ambassador Francisco Benedicto, Lovely Rosie Romulo, wife of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, and Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena and wife, Margot Osmena.

The sculptor made of copper features 10 big bamboos, representing the 10 ASEAN member-countries, intermingled with six small bamboos representing the ASEAN dialogue partners – Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, New Zealand and China.

The sculptor showcases the "unity and spirit of the ASEAN and its dialogue partners." It will also be a reminder to all Cebuanos of the ASEAN summit which they hosted, Mrs. Osmena said.

The marker reads as follows: "The ASEAN Friendship Park is a reminder to all that the ASEAN spirit of camaraderie is strong among all who believe and practice its principle as ‘one caring and sharing community,’ the ASEAN member-countries are committed to building long-lasting friendship that will contribute to a better ASEAN community."

The sculptor was designed and built by Raymund L. Fernandez and Estela O. Fernandez.

Together with some schoolchildren dressed in national costumes, the spouses led the ceremonial watering of sampaguita plants in the ASEAN Friendship Garden.

In his welcome address, Ambassador Benedicto said the marker is a symbol of everlasting friendship among the ASEAN member countries and a remembrance to cherish and further strengthen the ties that bind them.

TOP

CEBU, Philippines--President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and visiting New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark agreed today to discuss energy cooperation and tap renewable energy sources when they meet in New Zealand in May this year.

The President is expected to visit New Zealand after the elections in May 2007 to reciprocate the visit of Prime Minister Clark to the tourist famous province of Bohol last year.

At their bilateral meeting this afternoon at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa, the two leaders agreed to explore the possibility of engaging in energy cooperation.

Clark informed the President that New Zealand has the technology, particularly in geothermal energy, which could be helpful to the Philippines.

On the other hand, the President told Clark that the Philippines and other ASEAN countries’ rich natural energy resources are just waiting to be tapped.  

The two leaders also agreed that using renewable sources of energy would help the environment and prevent global warming resulting from excessive use of fossil fuels. 

The two leaders also discussed the possibility of forging an air services agreement between their countries to prevent tax avoidance and enhance police cooperation.

Clark was elated by the idea, saying the Philippines is the only member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum that has no air linkage with New Zealand.

Travel between the two countries would be reduced by as much as six hours if an air services agreement is finally signed, Clark said.

TOP

MANDAUE CITY--Spouses of ASEAN leaders and ministers were treated by the 12^th ASEAN Summit’s host City of Mandaue to a fashion show, "Fashion Innovation," with the theme "Crossing the Threshold Towards Modernity"

It featured Cebu’s top models wearing the designs of Ditas Rodriguez, the designer of Cebu’s prominent families. Accessories by top fashion jewelry designers of Mandaue City include Miranda Konstantinidou, who won the best jewelry designer award in France.

Organizers said that Mandaue is home to the best fashion jewelry designers and manufacturers sought after by international fashion. The accessories fashion show also showcased the designs by Tambuli, Avatar, Impressione, Pan Arts Corporation, and JJ MacLaster International, Inc. The jewelry designs feature chic, modern and the sophisticated.

Live mannequins adorn the furniture display of Dedon furniture known worldwide for its designs that embody the "lifestyle" philosophy of the company where every piece of Dedon is a work of art.

Around 70 percent of furniture exports of the Philippines comes from Mandaue City, making it the furniture capital of the country.

Hosted by the province of Cebu and Mandaue City, other guests include First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo and the mayors of the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Cebu, and the town of Cordova.

The presidential table was lined with vanda and dancing ladies orchids and anthurium in pots to show a Philippine setting. The roundtable for guests were adorned with yellow roses.

As venue of the 12^th ASEAN summit, Mandaue City continues to play an important role in international relations, becoming the core of development and strengthening its role as the growth engine of the province of Cebu.

The city’s development strategy will be anchored on the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC), the upcoming export mall and mixed-use development area around it.

Its strategic location makes Mandaue City central to world class amenities. The city is just 10 minutes away from five-star hotels, resorts and tropical hideaways and five minutes away from world class shopping malls and restaurants.

The city’s seaport can take you to the wonders of the islands and enjoy year-round festivals. Across the bridge, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport can fly you to major destinations in Asia and the rest of the world.

With completion of the world-class CICC, Mandaue City is positioning itself as a preferred destination for international expositions and conventions.

TOP

CEBU, Philippines – Host First Gentleman Jose Miguel T. Arroyo said on Sunday the visiting spouses of the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) were deeply impressed and overjoyed by the performances they saw and the hospitality extended to them by the people of Cebu during their stay in the Queen City of the South.

The First Gentleman made the statement as the two-day Spouses Program of activities officially ended with a bus tour called "Laag-laag" of Cebu City and a lunchtime fashion show at the Cebu Provincial Capitol.

The first stop of the city tour led by Atty. Arroyo was the Cebu Capitol, the seat of the Cebu provincial government whose architecture was patterned after the US Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

At the Capitol grounds, Caballo festival dancers from Compostela performed the American-inspired Filipino dance called Birhinia, the local version of the American square dance. The dancers wore Filipiniana with strong American fashion influence. On display were American vintage cars.

From the Capitol Building, the spouses proceeded to Fuente Osmena where Cebu City dance sports team performed the rock ‘n roll.

At Jones Avenue, the spouses were treated to a preview of the number the dancers will perform during the Sinulog and other Cebu festivals. Twelve Sinulog festival dancers in colorful costumes danced as the spouses passed by.

The group then proceeded to Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines, which was decorated with Chinese lanterns. Students who lined up along the street performed dragon, lion, umbrella, flower and other Chinese dances.

The ASEAN spouses also passed the Magellan Cross Shrine where another group of Sinulog dancers performed their number to the delight of the visitors.

The Magellan Cross marks the very spot where Ferdinand Magellan planted a cross after baptizing 800 natives led by Rajah Humabon and his wife, Queen Juana, in 1521.

The spouses took their lunch at the Capitol Building’s Social Hall which featured a display of Mandaue-made jewelry accessories worn by Cebuano beauties. After lunch, the leaders’ spouses were treated to a fashion show featuring the best of Mandaue City’s jewelry and accessories and Cebu’s fashion.

"The spouses enjoyed a lot. They found the city bus tour very unique. They learned and understood our culture," the First Gentleman said. The visitors also found the "human mannequins" unique, as they expressed appreciation for Cebu fashion, he added.

The ASEAN spouses said they were deeply impressed by what they witnessed, the hospitality and friendliness of the Cebuanos during the two-day program. "They found the Filipinos to be so friendly and loving," Arroyo said.

The spouses said they will return home with the impression of Cebu as a nice place and its people "full of smile" and they plan to make a private visit to Cebu sometime.

TOP