President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is ramping up his industrial and energy modernization drive, securing new high-technology and clean energy projects from top South Korean conglomerates on the sidelines of the 2025 APEC Summit.
During a meeting with Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co. Ltd. (SEMCO) on Saturday, Marcos witnessed the signing of a supplemental agreement between the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Samsung Electro-Mechanics Philippines Corp. (SEMPHIL). The P50.7-billion expansion in Calamba, Laguna, is expected to create over 3,000 high-technology jobs for Filipino engineers and technicians.
Mr. Marcos also met with executives of DL Group, whose subsidiary DL E&C is partnering with Meralco to explore small modular reactor (SMR) projects in the Philippines. These compact nuclear plants are designed to produce clean, stable energy using less land and shorter construction times than traditional facilities.
Meanwhile, President Marcos moved a step closer to realizing the country’s submarine capability after holding high-level talks with South Korean defense giant Hanwha Ocean.
The discussion focused on Hanwha’s proposal to support the Philippine Navy’s submarine acquisition and operations under the Self-Reliant Defense Posture program.
Hanwha offered assistance in building a submarine base, a maintenance and training center, and the possible deployment of advanced KSS-III PN submarines equipped with lithium-ion batteries and modern sonar systems. If finalized, the deal would mark a historic milestone for the Philippine Navy and further strengthen Manila-Seoul defense cooperation.
APEC leaders adopt Gyeongju Declaration on AI, inclusive growth
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joined Asia-Pacific leaders on Saturday in concluding the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, where member economies adopted the Gyeongju Declaration—a landmark pact promoting artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation, and inclusive growth.
The declaration, released after two days of talks chaired by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, reaffirmed APEC’s commitment to “growth that benefits all,” noting that AI and demographic shifts are transforming regional economies.
APEC leaders agreed to focus on three priorities: building a dynamic and interconnected regional economy; preparing for digital and AI transformation; and ensuring shared, inclusive growth. They also endorsed the APEC AI Initiative and a collaborative framework addressing demographic changes.
Mr. Marcos joined fellow leaders for the traditional APEC photo, wearing mint-green scarves made of traditional hanbok fabric.
Lee later turned over the APEC chairship to Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will host the 2026 summit.
The Gyeongju meeting, themed “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper,” marked the first time APEC reached consensus on a coordinated approach to digital and demographic challenges.
