Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez told the world’s future leaders that the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is pursuing a foreign policy of peace but it is determined to defend the country’s sovereignty.
He made the statement at the opening plenary of the Harvard World Model United Nations (WorldMun) 2025 conference at the SM Aura in Taguig City on Sunday.
WorldMUN is an annual international Model United Nations conference organized by Harvard University students in collaboration with a host university in a different city each year.
“We are a nation that has weathered storms – both literal and political. And yet, through it all, we stand, we rebuild, we move forward together,” he said.
That same spirit guides the country’s present leadership, said the leader of the 306-member House of Representatives.
“Under the Marcos Administration, we have pursued a foreign policy of peace, pragmatism, and partnership – building stronger alliances while standing firm in defending our sovereignty. We have strengthened economic ties with partners across Asia, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, securing investments and trade agreements that will uplift millions of Filipinos,” he stressed.
Romualdez told conference delegates that they are inheriting a world that “is complex, and in some ways, more fragile than ever.”
“Conflicts rage. Democracies are tested. Economies are shaken by forces beyond borders. Climate change is no longer a distant threat – it is here, demanding answers we can no longer afford to delay. These challenges will not wait for the next generation of leaders. You are that generation. Do not wait for permission to make an impact. Do not wait for the ‘right time.’ The right time is now,” he said.
The House leader also spoke of the challenges of leadership.
“Ours is a history of resilience, of struggle, of fighting for the right to determine our own destiny. From the first cry of revolution to the halls of our democracy today, we have learned that leadership means standing firm in times of crisis, but it also means knowing when to extend a hand in peace,’ he said.
He said as Speaker of the House, he had the distinct privilege of working with President Marcos Jr. and his colleagues in Congress “to push forward landmark legislation aimed at ensuring a stable, resilient, and globally competitive Philippines.”
In the past year alone, he said Congress has passed “laws that strengthen our economy, expand opportunities for our people, and reinforce our country’s role on the global stage.”
“Our work is far from over. But what these achievements demonstrate is that leadership is about making tough decisions today so that tomorrow’s world is stronger, fairer, and more prosperous,” Romualdez said.
“The world does not need more leaders. It needs the right kind of leaders. Leaders who have the moral courage to make tough choices, the wisdom to know when to seek compromise, and the conviction to stand firm when the moment demands it,” Speaker Romualdez said.
“I have no doubt that among you sit future ambassadors, senators, presidents, secretaries-general. The question is – will you rise to the occasion? I believe you will,” he said.