28 April 2017

ASEAN commits to building solidarity
The ten countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) continuous community-building efforts serve as the backdrop of this year’s 30th ASEAN Summit as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday, April 27, hosted a welcome dinner for the ASEAN Foreign Ministers at the Marriott Hotel Manila in Pasay City.The ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Blueprint primarily envisages ASEAN to be a rules-based Community of shared values and norms.

“And there’s an increasing confidence that we can come up with the framework for a code of conduct in the South China Sea,” Manalo added.

The Philippines is seeking to complete this year the framework for a code of conduct in the South China Sea between ASEAN and China.

The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint, on the other hand, ensures that the ASEAN Member States are economically, sustainably, and gainfully integrated in the global economy.

Meanwhile, the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint upholds ASEAN commitment to address the region’s aspiration to lift the quality of life of its peoples.

“We are confident of our collective commitment to continue building ASEAN centrality and solidarity—an ASEAN that is people-centered, people-oriented with communities that are secure and resilient through an organization that is responsive to the needs of the region, and most importantly, the needs of our people,” the acting DFA Secretary underscored.

Manalo also urged the foreign ministers to move the ASEAN agenda “significantly forward” as he proposed a toast for the success of the ASEAN Leaders Summit for the next 50 years. ###PCO-Content 


From Presidential Spokesperson Ernie Abella – On the Q1 2017 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing 50% of families considering themselves as mahirap or poor
The March 25-28 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey shows 50% of Filipino families considered or rated themselves mahirap or poor.

Government therefore needs to intensify its response in addressing the problem of poverty, with the help of business, civil society and other vital stakeholders, and it also has to heighten awareness of the programs and projects of the government in helping the poor.

Some of our pro-poor and inclusive efforts include higher pension for seniors, free medicine for indigents, added incentive and combat duty pay for police and soldiers, gratuity pay to job order and contract workers in the government, and regularization of tens of thousands of employees. To generate livelihood opportunities for our people, the Duterte administration gives certificates of land ownership awards to farmer-beneficiaries, turns over farm machinery and equipment to farmers and distributes fishing boats to fishermen, accelerates higher infrastructure spending, and promotes easy access microfinancing system, among others.

While circumstances are quickly improving, people need to know what is available “out there.” 


Duterte to chair BIMP-EAGA Summit and Vision 2025; first ASEAN RoRo on the agenda
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will chair tomorrow’s BIMP-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit
with the adoption of the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025 and the Sunday’s launching of the first ASEAN Roll On Roll
Off (RoRo) ferry service high on the agenda for discussion.This was the announcement made by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Arturo
P. Boncato, Jr. during a press briefing held Friday, April 28, at The Conrad Manila.“We will be requesting for adoption of BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025. So that is a framework development plan
that the subregional cooperation will be using and will be guiding us in the development of the subregion in
the next seven to 10 years. Of course now, the highlight of the plan is to really harness all the support
coming from different four governments,” Asec Boncato said adding that BIMP-EAGA has already secured
$21billion in terms of infrastructure projects and funded with the four governments.The four governments Boncato is referring to are Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the
Philippines — the four countries that comprise the BIMP-EAGA which was formed to accelerate
development in areas that are geographically far from their national capitals but strategically near to one
another.Another speaker, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Deputy Executive Director Romeo Montenegro
pointed out, “When you talk about BIMP-EAGA, these are subregional cooperation of the four countries but
do not involve the entire country, but only subnational areas and subregional areas like in the case of the
Philippines, it’s only Mindanao and Palawan, North Sulawesi and Kalimantan in Indonesia, Borneo for
Malaysia and Sarawak, as well as the entire Brunei Darussalam.”

Montenegro added that the BIMP-EAGA subregional cooperation has been recognized in ASEAN.

“It has been able to provide the building blocks for bottom-up integration because the reality is that even
before ASEAN came into being in 1967, centuries ago economic integration, socio-cultural integration had
been happening already across these border areas of the four countries. That’s why this subregional
cooperation is a formalization of centuries-old ties,” Montenegro underscored.

Meanwhile, Boncato, who serves as the Philippine senior official assigned to BIMP-EAGA, mentioned the
opening of a new shipping route within the BIMP-EAGA that would further enhance trade between the
Philippines and Indonesia.

“Another project outcome of the Summit will be the launch of the ASEAN RORO, Davao (PH) – General
Santos (PH) – Bitung (Indonesia) Connection. That one will be launched on Sunday, April 30 by our
President and President Widodo of Indonesia. That connection is part of the larger picture. Although this is
an initiative of the BIMP-EAGA, it is also carrying the whole ASEAN picture as a project outcome of the
Summit,” Boncato pointed out.

This new shipping route will be the first RoRo connectivity in the ASEAN. It is more cost and time-efficient
as direct shipping through the Davao-GenSan-Bitung route will only take one day and a half of sailing,
excluding port stay, in contrast to the usual Manila to Jakarta to Bitung route, which would take about
three to five weeks of shipping time.

“One way would be about 1.5 day sailing time and if you do a round trip including of course the processing
in the ports round trip would be around 7 days,” Boncato said.

Plans are now underway to replicate this ASEAN RoRo connectivity.

“The whole plan in the sub-region on this sea-route activity is really looking for new gateways within the
sub-region that would ship products, produce out of the sub-region itself,” Boncato ended. ### PCO-
Content
Duterte to chair BIMP-EAGA Summit and Vision 2025; first ASEAN RoRo on the agenda

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will chair tomorrow’s BIMP-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit
with the adoption of the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025 and the Sunday’s launching of the first ASEAN Roll On Roll
Off (RoRo) ferry service high on the agenda for discussion.

This was the announcement made by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Arturo
P. Boncato, Jr. during a press briefing held Friday, April 28, at The Conrad Manila.

“We will be requesting for adoption of BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025. So that is a framework development plan
that the subregional cooperation will be using and will be guiding us in the development of the subregion in
the next seven to 10 years. Of course now, the highlight of the plan is to really harness all the support
coming from different four governments,” Asec Boncato said adding that BIMP-EAGA has already secured
$21billion in terms of infrastructure projects and funded with the four governments.

The four governments Boncato is referring to are Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the
Philippines — the four countries that comprise the BIMP-EAGA which was formed to accelerate
development in areas that are geographically far from their national capitals but strategically near to one
another.

Another speaker, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Deputy Executive Director Romeo Montenegro
pointed out, “When you talk about BIMP-EAGA, these are subregional cooperation of the four countries but
do not involve the entire country, but only subnational areas and subregional areas like in the case of the
Philippines, it’s only Mindanao and Palawan, North Sulawesi and Kalimantan in Indonesia, Borneo for
Malaysia and Sarawak, as well as the entire Brunei Darussalam.”

Montenegro added that the BIMP-EAGA subregional cooperation has been recognized in ASEAN.

“It has been able to provide the building blocks for bottom-up integration because the reality is that even
before ASEAN came into being in 1967, centuries ago economic integration, socio-cultural integration had
been happening already across these border areas of the four countries. That’s why this subregional
cooperation is a formalization of centuries-old ties,” Montenegro underscored.

Meanwhile, Boncato, who serves as the Philippine senior official assigned to BIMP-EAGA, mentioned the
opening of a new shipping route within the BIMP-EAGA that would further enhance trade between the
Philippines and Indonesia.

“Another project outcome of the Summit will be the launch of the ASEAN RORO, Davao (PH) – General
Santos (PH) – Bitung (Indonesia) Connection. That one will be launched on Sunday, April 30 by our
President and President Widodo of Indonesia. That connection is part of the larger picture. Although this is
an initiative of the BIMP-EAGA, it is also carrying the whole ASEAN picture as a project outcome of the
Summit,” Boncato pointed out.

This new shipping route will be the first RoRo connectivity in the ASEAN. It is more cost and time-efficient
as direct shipping through the Davao-GenSan-Bitung route will only take one day and a half of sailing,
excluding port stay, in contrast to the usual Manila to Jakarta to Bitung route, which would take about
three to five weeks of shipping time.

“One way would be about 1.5 day sailing time and if you do a round trip including of course the processing
in the ports round trip would be around 7 days,” Boncato said.

Plans are now underway to replicate this ASEAN RoRo connectivity.

“The whole plan in the sub-region on this sea-route activity is really looking for new gateways within the
sub-region that would ship products, produce out of the sub-region itself,” Boncato ended. ### PCO-
Content


ASEAN calls DPRK to follow UN resolutions
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Friday, April 28, expressed its concern on the
tension in the Korean Peninsula which also includes the nuclear tests and missile launches in the
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

In a press briefing in The Conrad Manila, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Acting Spokesperson
Robespierre Bolivar pointed out that the ASEAN is mindful that the tension in the Korean Peninsula
“seriously impacts the region and beyond.”

Bolivar added that the ASEAN community calls the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to “follow its
obligations arising from all relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions and international
laws in the interest of maintaining international peace and security.”

“ASEAN also urges the DPRK and all parties concerned to exercise self-restraint in order to de-escalate the
tension and refrain from actions that may aggravate the situation,” Bolivar said.

Bolivar noted that ASEAN supports the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in this regard and called
for the resumption of dialogue on the Korean Peninsula to defuse tensions and create conditions conducive
to peace and stability.

Meanwhile, Bolivar mentioned that the ASEAN Coordinating Council meeting led by the ASEAN Secretary-
General discussed the follow-ups the 28th and 29th summits held last 2016 and considered “the outcome
documents of the 30th ASEAN Summit which have now been endorsed to the leaders.”

“These documents include an ASEAN declaration recognizing the role of the civil service as catalyst for
achieving ASEAN community vision 2025,” Bolivar said, adding that the reports of the ASEAN political
security, economic and socio-cultural community councils will also be discussed.

Bolivar also pointed out that the ASEAN Coordinating Council Meeting discussed a new format in the
conduct of the ASEAN Summit and post-ministerial conferences with dialogue partners to pave the way for
an effective and efficient conduct of ASEAN’s meetings with dialogue partners later this year.

Bolivar said that the opening ceremony for the 30th ASEAN Summit will start on the 29th April 2017,
adding that the leaders will then hold their summit meeting where they are expected to have a discussion
on a wide range of issues.

“[It] will include the strengthening [of] the ASEAN community in pursuit of ASEAN Vision 2025, regional and
international issues of interest and enhancing ASEAN’s relations with its external partners,” Bolivar
concluded. ###PCO-Content
ASEAN calls DPRK to follow UN resolutions

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Friday, April 28, expressed its concern on the
tension in the Korean Peninsula which also includes the nuclear tests and missile launches in the
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

In a press briefing in The Conrad Manila, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Acting Spokesperson
Robespierre Bolivar pointed out that the ASEAN is mindful that the tension in the Korean Peninsula
“seriously impacts the region and beyond.”

Bolivar added that the ASEAN community calls the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to “follow its
obligations arising from all relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions and international
laws in the interest of maintaining international peace and security.”

“ASEAN also urges the DPRK and all parties concerned to exercise self-restraint in order to de-escalate the
tension and refrain from actions that may aggravate the situation,” Bolivar said.

Bolivar noted that ASEAN supports the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in this regard and called
for the resumption of dialogue on the Korean Peninsula to defuse tensions and create conditions conducive
to peace and stability.

Meanwhile, Bolivar mentioned that the ASEAN Coordinating Council meeting led by the ASEAN Secretary-
General discussed the follow-ups the 28th and 29th summits held last 2016 and considered “the outcome
documents of the 30th ASEAN Summit which have now been endorsed to the leaders.”

“These documents include an ASEAN declaration recognizing the role of the civil service as catalyst for
achieving ASEAN community vision 2025,” Bolivar said, adding that the reports of the ASEAN political
security, economic and socio-cultural community councils will also be discussed.

Bolivar also pointed out that the ASEAN Coordinating Council Meeting discussed a new format in the
conduct of the ASEAN Summit and post-ministerial conferences with dialogue partners to pave the way for
an effective and efficient conduct of ASEAN’s meetings with dialogue partners later this year.

Bolivar said that the opening ceremony for the 30th ASEAN Summit will start on the 29th April 2017,
adding that the leaders will then hold their summit meeting where they are expected to have a discussion
on a wide range of issues.

“[It] will include the strengthening [of] the ASEAN community in pursuit of ASEAN Vision 2025, regional and
international issues of interest and enhancing ASEAN’s relations with its external partners,” Bolivar
concluded. ###PCO-Content


Duterte receives Indonesia’s Widodo in Malacañan; two agreements signed
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte welcomed Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in Malacañan Palace
on Friday, April 28, where the two leaders agreed to further strengthen cooperation on areas of mutual
interest.Widodo, who is also in the country to attend the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Summit, arrived in Malacañan Palace at 3:50 p.m. He was received by President Duterte and was accorded
full military honors.He was ushered to the Reception Hall for the ceremonial signing of the guestbook then immediately
proceeded to his bilateral meeting with President Duterte.

Agreements signed

The two leaders then witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Agriculture and the
Joint Declaration on the Establishment of Sea Connectivity between Davao, General Santos Southern
Mindanao and Bitung North Sulawesi.

The joint declaration will encourage the establishment of direct sea connectivity between the cities
involved, the designation of their ports for this purpose, regular consultation, and undertaking measures to
ensure that certain safety standards are met.

On Sunday, the two leaders will officially launch the Roll-on, Roll-off (Ro-Ro) sea linkage which aims to
facilitate trade and movement of goods between the Philippines and Indonesia.

On the other hand, the MOU on Agricultural Cooperation aims to strengthen the development of both
countries’ agricultural sectors through cooperation on agricultural research, mutual consultation and
assistance.

Strengthened partnership

In a joint press statement, Duterte said he had productive discussions with the Indonesian leader.

“We reaffirmed the importance of our bilateral relations and signified our resolve to sustain the momentum
of all our engagements, particularly in defense and security, trade and investments, agriculture, and sub-
regional development connectivity,” he said.

According to Duterte, they both recognized the need to address traditional and emerging threats and
expressed readiness to step up cooperation against terrorism, violent extremism, piracy at sea and
transnational crimes, including the trade of illicit drugs.

They also agreed to use the bilateral mechanisms and trilateral arrangements to help secure the vital
waters in the region.

Duterte expressed gratitude for Indonesia’s sustained support for the peace process in the southern
Philippines, noting that with Indonesia’s assistance and other friends, the country is hopeful of turning the
potentials of Mindanao into reality.

He added that in pursuit of just and lasting peace and development in Mindanao, the two leaders sought
to strengthen the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA)
to bring progress where they are needed most.

For his part, Widodo said they agreed to elevate cooperation in various areas such as politics, economy,
maritime security, and people-to-people exchange.

According to Widodo, they also agreed to conclude the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) agreement
ratification this year and encourage for an immediate conclusion of the Continental Shelf Delineation.

The two leaders also concurred to conduct a joint working group on counter-terrorism this year expanding
the 2014 MOU on Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and strengthen intelligence information cooperation.

The Indonesian leader further noted that his country will continue encouraging Indonesian companies to
participate in the retail sectors and infrastructure development especially of plans to build road and
railways in the Philippines.

State banquet

President Duterte then hosted a state banquet in honor of Widodo and his spouse Madame Iriana Widodo
at the Rizal Hall of Malacañan Palace on Friday evening.

The guests, composed mainly of government officials and diplomats, enjoyed smoked salmon roses with
horseradish, cream of potato zucchini soup, seabass fillet grilled set on paella rice cake and sansrival
mocha cake.

Filipino artists Jett Pangan, Jay Cayuca, Ballet Philippines, and the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra provided
the entertainment.

In his toast, President Duterte underscored the deep and long lasting friendship between the countries
saying that the Philippines considers Indonesia “a family.”

He also wished for the greater cooperation and stronger ties and for the good health and well-being of
Widodo and his spouse.

For his part, Widodo said he and President Duterte have so much in common, noting that they were both
mayors of medium-sized cities.

“I believe that you and I are not fancy people. I believe that you and I are driven by a healthy common
sense and by our love for our people,” he said.

Widodo said he is excited to visit Davao City on Sunday and to try its famous fruit durian.

“I was told that Davao is very famous for its delicious fruit like Davao durian. Sobrang masarap,” he said
eliciting applause from the crowd.

Widodo will be joining other nine leaders of ASEAN on Saturday, April 29, for their annual leaders’ meeting.

Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Indonesia were established in 1949. The two countries
signed a Treaty of Friendship on June 21, 1951. Both are founding members of ASEAN, a regional bloc
formed in 1967.

Indonesia is among the Philippines’ closest partners. The bilateral relationship is built on cooperation in a
multitude of areas, extensive social interactions and good fraternal relations between the two peoples.
###PND


President Duterte highlights regional inclusivity in ASEAN leadership forum
President Rodrigo Duterte attended on Friday, April 28, the 14th ASEAN Leadership Forum highlighting the
importance of inclusivity in uplifting the lives of the people in the region.The 14th ASEAN Leadership Forum has the theme, “Advancing Partnerships, Prospering Together in a New
World Economy.”

In his speech at the gathering held at the Manila Hotel, President Duterte thanked the Asian Strategy &
Leadership Institute (ASLI) for inviting him to join the event.

Saying ASLI played a crucial role in bringing together different sectors, he said ASLI’s efforts have gone a
long way in forging inclusivity in the ASEAN’s journey towards cohesiveness and economic and social
integration.

Duterte added that as ASEAN members continue to work together in shaping positive changes, they must
also pursue greater international engagement to advance common interests.

These include innovative economic growth, preservation of heritage and culture, pursuit of the stability
and security against threats of terrorism, violent extremism and criminality such as the illegal drug trade.

“This is what we mean by people-centered, people-oriented ASEAN,” the President said.

“Still, it is not enough that we work for the realization of these common aspirations,” he said.

The President noted that it is also important that people understand ASEAN and its contribution in
improving their lives

He said there is a need to cultivate the people’s sense of ownership by putting ASEAN in their
consciousness, and let them feel that they are a part of efforts to achieve common aspirations.

“This way, we can truly turn ASEAN into an effective model for regional integration,” he added.

Duterte said he is pleased to see that people in government and in the private sector are working together
to achieve regional inclusivity.

“Let us ensure that our ASEAN narrative remains strong and that the lessons we learned and the values
we hold dear as a community are told in full and said with resonance,” he said.###PND


Thai PM shares role of MSMEs in inclusive growth
Prime Minister of Thailand General Prayut Chan-o-cha on Friday, April 28, shared the role of micro, small
and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in promoting inclusive growth in Thailand during the first Prosperity for All
Summit at the City of Dreams in Parañaque City.Organized by the Association of South East Asian Nations – Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC)
chaired by Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Maria “Joey” Concepcion III, the event aims to
highlight the best practices of MSMEs in the region.

“It is a great honor to be invited by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, a very prominent organization of
the ASEAN Community, to share my views on the promotion of micro, small, and medium enterprises,” Thai
PM Prayut said in his closing keynote.

“Under the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025, MSMEs are a major driver of the ASEAN economy
as they constitute more than 95 percent of enterprises within each member country,” Chan-o-cha added.

ASEAN has directed its focus on micro enterprises as these comprise the economic make-up of ASEAN.

“If ASEAN desires to pursue the goal of an inclusive economy, it must place the development of these
enterprises as a priority,” the Prime Minister underscored.

He also added the Thai government recognizes the crucial role MSMEs do play in both economic and social
dimensions.

PM Prayut cited as an example the “Pracharat” (Public-Private Partnership Fund) in Thailand, which was
established to develop and assist MSME owners. The “Pracharat” aims to provide credit to MSMEs and
foster new start-ups throughout Thailand’s economic provincial clusters and is targeting new graduates to
start up businesses in their hometowns.

Thailand has approximately five-million MSMEs. These MSMEs have generated over 10-million jobs and
contributed to more than 42 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). About 80 percent of
Thailand’s MSMEs are involved in food, agriculture, service, and retail sales businesses.

The Prosperity for All Summit, with the theme, “Partnering for Change, Creating Prosperity for All,” is one
of the related ASEAN meetings this Summit Week that will culminate on the 30th ASEAN Summit on April
29. ###PCO-Content
Thai PM shares role of MSMEs in inclusive growth

Prime Minister of Thailand General Prayut Chan-o-cha on Friday, April 28, shared the role of micro, small
and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in promoting inclusive growth in Thailand during the first Prosperity for All
Summit at the City of Dreams in Parañaque City.

Organized by the Association of South East Asian Nations – Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC)
chaired by Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Maria “Joey” Concepcion III, the event aims to
highlight the best practices of MSMEs in the region.

“It is a great honor to be invited by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, a very prominent organization of
the ASEAN Community, to share my views on the promotion of micro, small, and medium enterprises,” Thai
PM Prayut said in his closing keynote.

“Under the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025, MSMEs are a major driver of the ASEAN economy
as they constitute more than 95 percent of enterprises within each member country,” Chan-o-cha added.

ASEAN has directed its focus on micro enterprises as these comprise the economic make-up of ASEAN.

“If ASEAN desires to pursue the goal of an inclusive economy, it must place the development of these
enterprises as a priority,” the Prime Minister underscored.

He also added the Thai government recognizes the crucial role MSMEs do play in both economic and social
dimensions.

PM Prayut cited as an example the “Pracharat” (Public-Private Partnership Fund) in Thailand, which was
established to develop and assist MSME owners. The “Pracharat” aims to provide credit to MSMEs and
foster new start-ups throughout Thailand’s economic provincial clusters and is targeting new graduates to
start up businesses in their hometowns.

Thailand has approximately five-million MSMEs. These MSMEs have generated over 10-million jobs and
contributed to more than 42 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). About 80 percent of
Thailand’s MSMEs are involved in food, agriculture, service, and retail sales businesses.

The Prosperity for All Summit, with the theme, “Partnering for Change, Creating Prosperity for All,” is one
of the related ASEAN meetings this Summit Week that will culminate on the 30th ASEAN Summit on April
29. ###PCO-Content