President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. engages in a light conversation with Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. shortly before the President’s bilateral meeting with Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at the Istana Nurul Iman, the Sultan’s official residence, in Bandar Seri Begawan on Tuesday, the first day of President Marcos, Jr.’s two-day state visit to Brunei.
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez 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.
