Cebu: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is attending the BIMP-EAGA Summit here today, where discussions will focus on subregional development. BIMP-EAGA, which stands for the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area, was established in 1994 with the aim of accelerating inclusive economic growth, development, and prosperity in less-developed areas of its member countries. Anwar arrived here at 1.50 pm for a two-day visit to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan is also attending the summit.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, chair of ASEAN this year, said the discussions at the summit highlighted key programmes and projects that are already making a significant impact on local communities by creating livelihoods, strengthening connectivity, and expanding opportunities, particularly in sub-regional growth areas. Marcos emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in uplifting local communities and urged for a renewed commitment to turn vision into action and plans into lasting impact.

On BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035, Marcos stated that it is not merely a road map for economic integration, but a promise to ensure that development is meaningful, sustainable, and felt in the daily lives of the people in the region. The Philippines assumed the ASEAN chairmanship from Malaysia on January 1, 2026, and during its tenure, aims to steer ASEAN's priorities through three pillars: Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors, and People Empowerment.