Marcos asks patience over ASEAN Summit 'disruptions'

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday appealed for the public's patience amid disruptions caused by the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

In his blog, Marcos said the disruptions are only temporary and that the policies to be crafted during the Summit would bring corresponding benefits.

"Bagama’t may kaunting maaabala nitong susunod na araw, pansamantala lamang ito, kaunting pasensya lang," Marcos said.

(Although there will be some disruptions over the next few days, it will only be temporary, just a little patience.)

"Tiyak ko na mas matimbang pa rin ang mga benepisyong matatamasa natin mula sa mga polisiyang mapagkakasunduan at sa mga trabahong malilikha," he added.

(I am sure that the benefits we will enjoy from the policies that will be agreed upon and the jobs that will be created will outweigh them.)

Marcos pointed out that the Summit has generated jobs and income to Filipinos, particularly the micro, small, and medium enterprises; those in the fashion, food, transport, and hospitality industries; and artists and craftsmen.

He added that the Summit will also give opportunity for the country to boost its tourism industry.

Vendors in Pasay City and Parañaque City are not allowed to sell during the summit. The Department of Social Work and Development — National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) has distributed family food packs and financial assistance to about 30 vendors in Pasay as compensation for expected lost income during the summit.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority also issued road closures, truck routes, stop-and-go scheme for the ASEAN Summit.

Amid backlash, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro had said the government is conducting clearing operations to ensure the security of world leaders who will attend the Summit.

Marcos announced that preparations for the ASEAN Summit is now complete.

"Ito ang pagkakataon para sa mga bansa sa ating rehiyon na mag-usap, magkaunawaan, at magtulungan upang humanap ng mga solusyon sa mga problemang pare-pareho nating kinakaharap," Marcos said.

(This is an opportunity for countries in our region to talk, understand, and work together to find solutions to the problems we all face.)

"Bilang host ng 49th ASEAN Summit, mayroon din tayong napakalaking pagkakataon na manguna sa paghubog ng agenda at bigyang prayoridad ang mga usaping pinakamahalaga sa ating mga kababayan tulad ng presyo ng langis at pagkain, seguridad, agrikultura, trabaho at kabuhayan," he added.

(As the host of the 49th ASEAN Summit, we also have a great opportunity to take the lead in shaping the agenda and give priority to the issues most important to our countrymen such as oil and food prices, security, agriculture, employment and livelihoods.) —VAL, GMA News