PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte told the member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to secure the future of the region’s youth by destroying the drug apparatuses.
He made the statement even as the members of his Cabinet pitched his ambitious P8-trillion infrastructure development plan that took the international stage during the World Economic Forum in the Cambodian Capital Thursday.
Duterte, who heads the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year, told an audience that included Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Laos Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyá»…n Xuân Phúc to secure the youth from the evils of illegal drugs.
“The Asean youth are among the best and are most creative, intelligent and innovative in the world. We must empower them to be the best version of themselves,” Duterte said.
“But we cannot turn a blind eye [to] the scourge of illegal drugs that threaten our youth and the future of our societies. We need to take a committed stand to dismantle and destroy the illegal drugs trade apparatus. We must reaffirm our commitment to realize a drug-free Asean community.”
Duterte attended the World Economic Forum focusing on Asean’s development that brings together leaders of nations, thought leaders, ministers and top CEOs of private companies.
Duterte said investing in the human capital should be a priority considering that the Asean was turning into an economic powerhouse with its young population.
“Most importantly, we should invest in human capital. Analysts point out that the Philippines, together with the Southeast Asian countries, is a demographic sweet spot and is likely to post Asia’s fastest economic growth rates in the coming years,” he said.
“The youth is certainly a key sector that we must invest in. The Asean Work Plan on Youth 2016-2020 encourages youth entrepreneurship, employment, and employability awareness, volunteerism and resilience. The plan deserves our full support.”
The President said an integrated Asean must focus on sustainable infrastructure, digital innovation, seamless logistics, regulatory excellence and people mobility.
“Most importantly, we should invest in human capital development,” Duterte said as he noted that the youth is an essential consideration for the region.
Duterte said the Asean had emerged into a significant global player in promoting peace and stability in the region and as an emerging economic powerhouse.
“The region is now the world’s sixth largest economy, the third largest consumer base. Asean is home to more than 600 million people, making it larger than the European Union or North America,” Duterte said.
“Asean has the third-largest labor force in the world and our young population is producing a demographic dividend.
“But while we celebrate Asean’s achievement, we recognize that more needs to be done for our people.”
Meanwhile, senior members of his economic team, including Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, and Bases Conversion and Development Authority chairman Vince Dizon pitched to investors the discussions on the Philippines’ economic and social development blueprint.
“We are emerging from our cocoon with a rapidly growing economy and a young and hardworking population. We have enjoyed positive growth every year for the last 19 years,” Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said.