Liza Marcos on tweaks in PH hosting of ASEAN Summit: It’s Ilocano effect

“We’re on Ilocano effect.”

This was the response of First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos when asked about the Philippines’ adjustments in preparing for the ASEAN Summit this year amid the government’s austerity measures due to the Middle East conflict.

To recall, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ordered a recalibration of the country’s hosting of the ASEAN 2026 Summits and Related Summits, scaling down non-essential bloc activities to save on expenses and “'focus on the most important.'”

This was due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East that has affected oil prices.

Recto said at least 650 preparatory meetings would be conducted online.

As ASEAN National Organizing Committee chairman, Recto earlier issued a memorandum to host government agencies to inform all their counterparts that all preparatory meetings – from Working Group, Senior Officials to Ministerial – will now be held virtually.

He also directed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to “hold diplomatic briefings to incorporate appropriate messaging and other changes with the substantive deliverables.” — JMA, GMA News