Marcos commits to enhance engagements with international community

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. committed  Wednesday to enhance engagements with regional and multilateral partners while working towards common goals through the promotion of diplomacy and dialogue.

Speaking on the 126th celebration of Philippine Independence Day, Marcos said that with his administration's push for "Bagong Pilipinas" ideals, the Philippines has been engaging the world "for our country and for our people."

"On the global stage, we have taken positions in support of the rule of law and of the rules-based international order, grounded on the principles laid out in the UN Charter and multilateral conventions," Marcos told diplomats in the Vin D'Honneur reception at Malacañang Palace.

"As we continue to promote diplomacy and dialogue in our efforts to build bridges in our various multilateral advocacies—such as for peace, economic development, climate change, amongst others—we shall endeavor to enhance engagements with bilateral, regional, [and] multilateral partners, especially in areas where cooperation has not yet reached its full potential," he added.

Marcos said the Philippine government continues to chart an independent foreign policy in keeping with the constitutional mandate.

"This we pursue through international engagements that seek to strengthen existing alliances [and] build new partnerships with like-minded states," Marcos said.

"Our foreign policy is grounded on the continuing promotion and work for peace, and the continuing promotion and work for our national interest," he added.

Meanwhile, Marcos said this year's Independence Day observance was more than just a commemoration of the birth of the Philippine Republic, but a strong affirmation of the collective duty to protect the country.

"We must dig deep into our valiant past, draw strength from the heroism of our forefathers, and let this heritage of selflessness propel us forward into the future," Marcos said.

Meanwhile, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles John Brown, praised the Marcos administration for the ''impressive progress in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).''

“In this connection, the international community supports and indeed congratulates the Philippines for the impressive progress that has been made in these years through the Bangsamoro peace process,” Brown told Marcos.

Brown also recognized the “noble and honorable aspiration” of the President to push for unity in the Philippines and the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro.

Marcos, for his part, made a commitment that his administration would do everything to ensure that the hopes of the people of BARMM would not be disappointed.

At least 84 diplomats and dignitaries were present during the event. — VDV/VBL, GMA Integrated News