PBBM bats for stronger gov’t, business cooperation amid global challenges

Detailed summary

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday cited the importance of closer government and business cooperation amid global challenges. “Our task tod...

CLOSER COOPERATION. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his remarks at the ASEAN Leaders' Interface with representatives of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council on Sunday (Nov. 15, 2026) at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. In a year marked by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and rapid technological change, Marcos said the meeting is an opportunity to hear directly from partners in ASEAN's business community. (Screenshot from ASEAN 2026 PH's Facebook live)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday cited the importance of closer government and business cooperation amid global challenges.

“Our task today is to listen to one another and to identify where government and business can work more closely together. We need your views on the barriers that remain and the steps that we can take to address them,” Marcos said during the ASEAN Leaders' Interface with Representatives of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (BAC) held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

“Your recommendations must also receive proper consideration and clear follow-through within ASEAN,” he added.

Marcos acknowledged that 2026 was marked by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and rapid technological change.

He noted that the meeting on Sunday is an opportunity for ASEAN leaders to hear directly from partners in the business community.

Marcos said ASEAN must work together to strengthen its members’ economies and protect the livelihoods and well-being of the people.

“The ASEAN-BAC plays an important role in this effort by bringing business and government together. They bring an important perspective to ASEAN community building that governments do not always see from the negotiating table,” Marcos said.

“From expanding opportunities for our entrepreneurs and workers to strengthening food and energy security, advancing digital transformation, and growing our industries, we have much more work to do together.

Opening of the article, excerpted from Philippine News Agency. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.