“We need to look at our energy, water, and food security now. We hope our leaders are discussing these concerns at the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings,” Ferrer said.
He stressed the need for ASEAN member states to come up with concrete agreements to protect supply chains, stabilize economies, and support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) amid rising fuel costs linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Ferrer noted that ASEAN’s population of over 700 million and its MSME-driven economy make the region particularly vulnerable to external shocks, especially those affecting fuel prices and logistics.
“As a regional block, we should be united in addressing the crisis. There is a…