Marcos calls for ‘more connected’ BIMP-EAGA in opening statement

CEBU, Philippines —  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday called for “more connected, resilient, and prosperous” cooperation initiatives among member states of the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines (BIMP)-East Asean Growth Area (EAGA).

Speaking at the opening of the Special BIMP-EAGA Summit here, Marcos said the three leaders’ presence reaffirmed their shared commitment to cooperation, partnership, and inclusive growth in the sub-region.

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Present at the dialogue were Brunei Prime Minister Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“As we gather today, we look forward with purpose guided by the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035 and its strong alignment with the broader aspirations of ASEAN. This vision is not merely a roadmap for economic integration. It is a promise to our people that development will be meaningful, sustainable, and felt in their daily lives,” Marcos said.

“Let this summit renew our resolve to translate vision into action and plans into lasting impact,” he also said.

According to Marcos, the four-nation summit will highlight significant milestone programs and projects that he said are already making a big difference in the sub-region.

“These successes remind us that regional cooperation delivers its greatest value when it uplifts local communities,” he also said.

This was Marcos’s second-to-last official activity prior to the actual Leaders’ Meeting on Friday.

Following the BIMP-EAGA Summit, Marcos, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun convened on a closed-door trilateral meeting. /mr