Marcos calls on APEC to step up job creation to address poverty

sues with the view of enabling rapid economic recovery and growth in a sustained manner that creates jobs, draws people into the mainstream economy, and reduces poverty and inequality,” he said on Friday, Nov. 17 (US time).

This was the President’s response for the recorded interview with the APEC secretariat on the last day of the three-day summit in San Francisco, California.

On the part of the Philippines, there was affirmation from Marcos that his administration is committed to contribute to the APEC agenda.

Marcos also outlined the government’s economic objectives.

“The Philippines remains a committed partner, and will continue to contribute to the APEC agenda,” he stressed as he recognized how APEC’S tools, platforms, and mechanisms can help the country address present challenges.

The chief executive, however, called for APEC’S support to the Philippines, as well as the cooperation of the different economies under the bloc.

As one of the prime platforms of the Philippines to engage with countries in the Asia-pacific region, Marcos underlined his dedication to follow through with the APEC Putrajaya Vision of 2040 as this would bring prosperity to the region and ultimately benefit Filipinos.

The APEC Putrajaya Vision of 2040 is aiming for “an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-pacific community by 2040.”

“As member economies of APEC, we have a responsibility to continue nurturing this potential and respond to immediate and imminent challenges,” he added, referring to the APEC’S driving force of cross-border trade and investment of the world.

During his meeting with APEC leaders, Marcos discussed ways the Philippines can achieve food and energy security, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMES) integration, and the impact of digital economy to women empowerment and indigenous sectors.

But for the Philippines to achieve its economic objectives, the President said it must leverage APEC’S core strengths and values in the region.

“We have the tools, the platforms, and mechanisms in APEC to address our challenges and, as such, we wish to further deepen that engagement,” he stated, highlighting also the importance of building on the bloc’s engagement with the APEC Business Advisory Council.