BBM meets with Chile, South Korea leaders

President Marcos arrived in Manila yesterday following his participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in South Korea.

- By HELEN FLORES

During the summit, Marcos met with his Chilean and South Korean counterparts to bolster the country's ties with its partners and allies.

The plane carrying Marcos and his delegation landed at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay at 2:23 p.m.

"From supply chain disruptions and climate change to persistent economic inequality, and the accelerating pace of technological transformation, I'm pleased to report that our engagements were robust, our discussions fruitful, and our shared commitment to collective action reaffirmed," the President said in his arrival message.

Marcos said he had the opportunity to advance the Philippines' priorities, including narrowing the digital divide for micro, small and medium enterprises; advancing seamless movements of goods and people through infrastructure development; promoting supply chain resiliency amid shocks and crises; and promoting digital literacy and upskilling for MSMEs, women, and other segments whose full economic potential can be realized through digitalization.

"These priorities were well-received, and we worked with our partners to identify concrete ways forward, as reflected in the outcome documents adopted and concluded during the visit," the Chief Executive said.

Marcos also managed to shake hands with China President Xi Jinping to congratu late him for his upcoming role as chairman of next year's APEC. The Philippines is embroiled in a longstanding row with China over the latter's acts of provocations and illegal takeover of land features within Philippine sovereign waters in the South China Sea.