President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., accompanied by (from L-R) Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual, and Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, engages in a cordial discussion with Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and other Brunei officials during their bilateral meeting to bolster the long-standing friendly ties and cooperation between the two countries Tuesday at the Istana Nurul Iman, the official residence of Brunei’s ruler at Bandar Seri Begawan. The bilateral meeting was held on the first day of President Marcos, Jr.’s two-day official visit to Brunei.
Speaker Romualdez congratulates PBBM for securing key agreements with Brunei
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Tuesday congratulated President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for securing key agreements between the Philippines and Brunei during his state visit to Bandar Seri Begawan.
Signed on Tuesday between the Philippines and Brunei were three MOUs on tourism cooperation, on Mutual Recognition of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certificates; and on maritime cooperation.
An LOI was also forged to renew a memorandum of understanding on food security and agricultural cooperation.
“President Marcos, Jr. deserves our commendation for this significant diplomatic achievement. These agreements signify a promising future for our bilateral relations, fostering deeper cooperation and understanding between our countries,” said Speaker Romualdez, leader of the 300-strong House of Representatives.
“The Filipino people will undoubtedly benefit from these initiatives through enhanced tourism, improved maritime standards, and strengthened agricultural practices that would spur job creation and generate income opportunities,” he added.
As the Philippines and Brunei celebrate the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, Speaker Romualdez said he looks forward to seeing the continued growth and success of this enduring partnership.
“The House of Representatives fully supports these initiatives. We remain committed to helping the administration of President Marcos, Jr. and to ensure as well that these agreements would re-energize the partnership and unlock potential opportunities for both nations,” Speaker Romualdez said.
The MOU on tourism cooperation seeks to enhance tourism projects and increase tourist arrivals between the two countries. This agreement supports niche tourism development, particularly Islamic tourism, and the promotion of Muslim-friendly destinations.
“This initiative will not only boost our tourism industry but also promote cultural exchange and understanding,” Speaker Romualdez said.
Romualdez said the MOU on STCW is crucial for the safety and efficiency of our maritime workforce, ensuring that our seafarers meet international standards.
According to the Speaker, the MOU on maritime cooperation was also signed, focusing on areas such as pollution control, skills training, research, and information sharing is vital for maritime nations like the Philippines and Brunei, enhancing the capabilities of the two nations and ensuring sustainable maritime practices.
The LOI to renew the MOU on food security and agricultural cooperation, executed between the Department of Agriculture (DA) of the Philippines and the Agriculture and Agrifood Department (AAD) of Brunei will bolster our country’s agricultural sector, ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, according to Romualdez.
