MANILA — Around 300 flights face possible disruptions and some businesses have been ordered to temporarily suspend operations as the Philippines prepares to host the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, prompting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to appeal for public patience amid the inconveniences.
Marcos assured Filipinos that the temporary disruptions caused by security arrangements and other summit preparations would be outweighed by the economic and diplomatic benefits of hosting the international gathering.
“Bagama’t may kaunting maaabala nitong susunod na araw, pansamantala lamang ito, kaunting pasensya lang. Tiyak ko na mas matimbang pa rin ang mga benepisyong matatamasa natin mula sa mga polisiyang mapagkakasunduan at sa mga trabahong malilikha,” Marcos said in a video message.
The Department of Transportation earlier warned that approximately 300 flights could be affected by summit-related arrangements from November 13 to 18, while vendors in parts of Parañaque and Pasay were asked to temporarily halt operations.
Despite the disruptions, Marcos said the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship offers an opportunity to advance regional cooperation on pressing challenges, including rising oil prices, security threats and the approaching El Niño phenomenon.
“Mas malalim pa sa pagiging visa-free natin sa mga ASEAN countries ang dalang benepisyo ng ugnayang ito. Lalong-lalo na sa panahong ito na marami tayong krisis na hinaharap mula sa pagtaas ng presyo ng langis, tapos ang ating mga security concerns, tapos itong parating na El Niño, ay kailangan buo ang paggalaw ng buong ASEAN,” he said.
“Kaya napakahalaga na magkaisa kami at makahanap kami ng mga plano at solusyon para matugunan ‘yang mga problemang ‘yan,” he added.
Marcos announced that preparations for the summit had been completed, expressing confidence that the Philippines was ready to welcome foreign leaders and delegates.
“Tapos na rin ang paghahanda at naging madetalye ang preparasyon. Tiyak na bibida ang galing at pagiging malikhain ang Pilipino,” he said.
The President described the summit as an opportunity to showcase Filipino capabilities, creativity and hospitality before the international community.
“Isang napakalaking karangalan ang mag-host ng ASEAN Summit kaya’t ito ay magandang pagkakataon para sa atin na ipakita, hindi lang sa Southeast Asia, kung hindi sa buong mundo, kung gaano kaganda ang ating bansa, kung gaano kahusay ang ating lahi,” he said.
He also highlighted the participation of micro, small and medium enterprises, artists, creative professionals, food producers, culinary experts and hotels in the preparations.
Beyond diplomatic engagements, Marcos said the summit could generate opportunities for local businesses, create jobs and boost tourism by encouraging foreign delegates to return as leisure travelers.
“Kabilang din ang pagkakataon para sa ating turismo na maengganyo ang mga bisita natin na bumalik at tuklasin pa ang Pilipinas. Sana pagbalik nila rito, ito ay para sa bakasyon na at dala-dala ang kanilang mga kaibigan at ang kanilang mga pamilya,” he said.
Marcos urged communities to cooperate with authorities and help ensure a positive experience for visiting dignitaries and delegates.
“Kaya ngayon, higit kailanman, kailangan natin ang pakikiisa ng ating mga komunidad sa pagtanggap sa ating mga bisita. Tunghayan din ang mga kaganapan at makibalita sa TV o social media,” he said.
“We should all be very, very proud,” the President added./PN
