President Marcos pushes for concrete results from four-country economic alliance

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia to strengthen their commitment to turning regional plans under the BIMP-EAGA framework into concrete outcomes that directly benefit communities across the sub-region.

Speaking at the Special Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit in Cebu, Marcos emphasized that the bloc’s Vision 2035 should move beyond broad economic integration and instead deliver tangible, sustainable improvements in people’s daily lives.

The President was joined at the summit by Brunei’s Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. “Let this summit renew our resolve to translate vision into action and plans into lasting impact,” Marcos said.

He highlighted that existing BIMP-EAGA initiatives have already helped improve livelihoods, strengthen regional connectivity, and expand economic opportunities, especially in growth areas within participating countries. “These successes remind us that regional cooperation delivers its greatest value when it uplifts local communities,” he said.

Marcos added that BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035 is aligned with broader ASEAN priorities focused on inclusive development, resilience, and stronger regional integration.

He then urged member states to continue deepening cooperation to build “a more connected, resilient, and prosperous BIMP-EAGA for present and future generations.”