STO. TOMAS -- With the expected arrival of world leaders in the country for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit next week, 4th District Representative Juan Pablo Bondoc said the Philippine government will have the chance to showcase its growth and potential to other countries.
He said this would be an opportunity for Philippine products, services and talents to take center stage.
“Ito ang chance natin para magpakitang-gilas ‘ika nga. Ngayon natin pinaka-kailangang ang ugaling Filipino na kapag may bisita ay pinapakita natin ‘yung mga bago at pinakamaganda natin (This is our chance to show our visitors the best that we can offer),” he said.
"It can also serve as a window to encourage foreign leaders and businessmen, especially of powerful and most developed countries, to invest in the Philippines," he added.
This is aside from the Asean’s main goal of uniting its member-countries and other global nations in an aim to establish relationship and camaraderie for the common development, Bondoc said.
“Ang Asean chairmanship ay isang malaking pagkakataon sa ating mga Filipino at sa bansang Pilipinas. Sana ay magamit natin itong oportunidad na ito para sa ikabubuti ng bawat isa, lalong lalo na sa kinabukasan ng mga kabataan (The Asean chairmanship is a huge opportunity. I hope we can use this for the better, especially to ensure a good future for the youth)," he said.
The 31st Asean Summit and Related Meetings will be held on November 12 to 15 in Metro Manila and Clark, Pampanga. At least 20 world leaders and US President Donald Trump are expected to attend.
The three-day event aims to strengthen ties between member-countries and spur growth and development in the Asean region.