The “yellow” road

“The Philippines is slowly moving to the road of light,” these were the words that stayed in my mind after the class discussion on the SONA of P-Noy. This evening’s lecture was full of facts. I am glad that we were able to analyze the SONA of the President. Actually, it should be our duty as Filipino citizens to listen to the SONA. Thus, everyone should watch, listen or read the SONA. I learned about the Fiscal Responsibility Bill. Same with P-Noy, I agree that the bill should pass. There is a dire need for the Philippine government to have transparency and accountability. If the bill will pass, it would be great for the country. But, the big debate comes on the execution process of the bill. With the various laws in the country being passed in the Congress, how many have been actually executed? Therefore, the government must learn to prioritize their goals. Same with our professor, Ms. Tin, I am also afraid that the current government might only dwell with the problems of the past administration. I do hope that they will be able to deliver most if not all of the needs of the people and the promises that they have given. Lastly, I’m glad to learn that the history of the word Cabinet. I can relate it with my organization, COD. I chose my fellow officers because I trust them. In any organization, it is important that you trust one another. The government, as an organization, also needs to trust each other. Most importantly, we should trust one another. It is the key towards the road of success and development.

Where is a united Philippines?

After the class discussion, I realized greatly the diversity in the country and that the geographical division continues to be a hindrance to development and growth. The main lesson that stayed in my mind after the lecture was that the problem in Mindanao is not only a domestic problem. It affects our relationship with other countries around the world. Mindanao is an area rich with natural resources and in cultural diversity. But, the region has not developed much. The Mindanao region ranked lowest in Human Development Index and highest in Poverty Rates. In addition, back door exits are alo rampant in the area and the country is still in a Tierra 2 rating in decreasing Human Trafficking acts in the region. Therefore, the quest for growth and development remains a major area of concern and debate. If the region could only be developed, the Philippines would be able to develop fully especially Mindanao itself. There are a lot of factors to consider. The history of the country is one. The Spanish sold the Philippines to the Americans. The agreement included the area of Mindanao but actually, the area was not conquered by the Spaniards. Therefore, from the start, Mindanao was not really part of the country if we will base everything on a historical analysis. But ofcourse, the government would not allow them to separate. Again, it’s because of the region’s resources. I was disappointed that PGMA was not able to address the issues fully. It was stagnant. It was purely a waste of time. It hindered the growth of the country. To add, the Maguindanao massacre is also a major concern and the country’s reputation in the international community. The people need to be one. Therefore the government must help them be one. But the question still unfolds. When will we, as a country, unite?

Nothing’s written in stone

In the course International Relations, I learned about the Foreign Policy. What it is, how is it formulated and who executes it. The Foreign Policy guides the country to promote its relations with other countries. It is being formulated by the President and executed, mainly, by the DFA. In class, we also differentiated Diplomacy from Foreign Policy. Diplomacy was the channel or arm that you will use while the Foreign Policies are your goals and objectives. You can achieve your Foreign Policy through Diplomacy. And after the class discussion, I fully affirmed the difference. I am also glad to learn the cycle of the process of creating foreign policies. It is really important that you know your goals and objectives before creating your policies. It can be related to class. We are given class syllabus because it will guide us and the objectives of the course and activities are also included. Or in an organization, before creating projects, we must have objectives. It will be better because we will be able to create programs and policies that are needed by the community. The same with the country, the government must create polcies that are needed by the people. These policies are always for the State and for the people. That is the number one rule in creating policies. They are always for something and not just for nothing. Thus, they should be well thought of. After that, it is also important to evaluate. It is the tool that we can use to improve the policy or program. As mentioned on class. It is a continuous stirring process and it does not end. I would like to add that in this world, nothing is written in stone and change is inevitable. Therefore, we must learn on how to adapt to these changes brought by the world. Anything can happen, anytime and anywhere.

Unique Philippines. WOW Philippines!

The history of the country had a big role into where it is right now. I realize that truly, it is important that we learn our history in creating foreign policy. It will enable us to learn from these mistakes and improve the policies and programs made in the past. Culture and tradition is included in the discourse of history. For me, the history of the Philippines is one of the most interesting histories in the world. My professor in Philippine history even once told me that we should be more interested that our own history because we are Filipinos. And he also said that our history is very interesting and unique. It is not boring as compared to other countries. It is extraordinary. And I have to agree with him. The Philippines really has a different and one of a kind history. I also felt that there is a need to amend the Constitution. It is the fundamental law of the land and I believe that there are certain parts that need change. But, I don’t think that this is the right time to amend it due to the people present in the government. It will have its proper time. The current administration must fully work on the three non-negotiable policies of the country. These are very important and if they will be well executed. The Philippines will be a better Philippines. We must still remember that the Foreign Policy is an extension of the domestic policies of the country. And that our history must be looked back to when we are creating policies. I believe that history repeats itself. But just like what the theory of Social Constructivism. We create our own lives and that what we are today is because of what we did in the past.

Midterm Paper in PHIFOCY

10853944 Midterm Paper in PHIFOCY: The South China Sea 07/19/10

The South China Sea, considered as one of the largest sea bodies after the five oceans around the world, has an important role in the Southeast Asian region, specifically on the region’s security. In addition, the South China Sea also possesses a significant strategic position next to major commercial Sea Lines of Communications and the area’s abundance in hydrocarbons. There is a dire search, of countries, for fossil energy resources. And the Spratly Islands can provide these natural gas and oil resources. With the area’s importance and great role in world affairs and state relations, a country’s possession of such area is, indeed, a great relief and help. But, who owns the South China Sea? The answer…none. Thus, it further escalates the South China Sea conflict.
The conflict, the claimants and their claims
With that much resources and significance that the South China Sea possess, many countries will want to acquire the area. But ofcourse, you cannot just claim a particular area without your justifications or arguments on why such territory belongs to you. Even though there is no world government, there are certain international agreements and laws that countries should abide. These agreements were made by the countries, themselves, due to the prevailing expectance of such conflicts or issues. The United Nations, an international organization with the largest number of member countries, is the leading arena where the countries can dialogue with each other regarding their concerns or issues.
The South China Sea has, undoubtedly, claimant countries. These are China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia and our very own, the Philippines. The Countries did not differ much. China and Taiwan claims the entire South China Sea. The People’s Republic of China’s claim is based on the maps made during the Han Dynasty, during the 206 BC to AD 220. Indifferently, Taiwan has the same basis on their claim on South China Sea. Thus, they also claim all of the islands and its resources of the Area. Brunei’s and Indonesia’s claim to the South China Sea is limited to their Exclusive Economic Zone or EEZ. But, Indonesia neither claims the Spratly Islands nor the Parcel while Brunei’s EEZ extends to the southern reefs of the Spratly Islands but it has not made any formal claims on the neither the areas of Spratly Islands nor any islands of the Parcels. Thailand and Cambodia, based on their EEZ, both claims the Gulf of Thailand. While the three other claimants, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines claim the Spratly Island, in portions or as a whole. Vietnam claims the entire Spratly Island. In addition, Vietnam also claims the entire Parcel Islands. On the other hand, Malaysia claims three islands in the Spratly’s and also claims the Gulf of Thailand. The latter three countries basis is also their EEZ and the Continental Shelf principle.
After we have known the claimants, their claims and the purposes of their claims, we can see that the all of these countries are geographically located in Asia and the Southeast Asian region. Moreover, most of the basis of the countries for their claim is their Exclusive Economic Zone and the Continental Shelf principle except for China and Taiwan. Thus, the focal point of the conflict is due to the countries’ overlapping EEZ’s.
The Philippine’s claim, Constitutional and historical accounts
The Philippines claim, the most recent one, is based on its EEZ and the Continental Shelf theory, similar to most of the claimant countries basis. In the year 1956, Thomas Cloma, a Filipino national, claimed the Spratly Islands base on discovery. But in the year 1974, Thomas Cloma gave the full sovereignty of the Spratly Islands to the Philippine government. And on June 1978, under an Executive Decree, the Spratly Islands became an official part of the Philippine territory. The decision of the Philippine government for such territorial claim is due to its great proximity or distance to the country. To note, the islands are just a few hundred miles from Palawan. Thus, the acquisition of the territory is very important for the security of the Philippines and its nationals. If a different country will claim the Spratly, then it will be a difficult reality for the Philippine government to deal with. Not unless that other country, claiming the islands, has intensely significant and bonded relations with the Philippines. I can see that the Philippine President, who made the Presidential decree, has considered protecting not only the country’s national interest but also the security of its nationals.
The Spratly Islands is known to the Philippines as the Kalayaan Islands. It is also included in the official maps of the Philippines. Geographically, the Philippines, an archipelagic state, is composed of 7,107 islands and has a land area of 299,764 sq. kilometers. Moreover, the Philippine coastline sums up to 17,500 km. The claim of the Philippines is important also, not only due to security, but also to the country as a whole. If the Kalayaan Islands will not be considered as officially part of the Philippines, the number of islands in the country will be subtracted and the natural resources that will add up to the country will be subtracted as well. Thus, the geographical structure of the Philippine, though not a major one, will have changes. Changes are normal but we should change not for the worst but for the better. The decisions that the President of the country makes indicates his principles and thrusts for the country and its nationals. Moreover, decision making when it comes difficult issues such as territorial claims must be dealt accordingly and properly.
The Philippine Constitution of 1987, the fundamental law of the land, has stipulated in one of its articles the underlining references and ideals on the Philippine Territory. To reiterate, the Philippine Constitution of 1987, Article 1 titled National Territory, says, “The national territory comprises the Philippine Archipelago, with all the islands and waters embraced therein, and all other territories over which the Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial and aerial domains, including its territorial sea, the seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and other submarine areas. The waters around, between, and connecting the islands of the archipelago, regardless of their breadth and dimensions, form part of the internal waters of the Philippines.” This section of the Philippine constitution has no specific notes or guidelines on the territorial limits and boundaries of the country. But it cited that not only the islands are part of our territory but also the seas and the aerial portions. Moreover, seeing that the constitution has a specific article on its national territory, we can say that there is a certain percentage of regard that the Philippine government has on our territory.
Significance to the Philippines
The Philippine government should have a Foreign Policy on the South China Sea conflict for three concrete reasons.
First, the government should create a policy to enable a strengthened Philippine claim on the South China Sea policy. As compared to other countries it has been said that the Philippines had the weakest claim on the Spratly Islands due to military capabilities as well as the government’s policy and stand on the issue. Moreover, the different administrations who served the Philippines had different stands on the conflict. Former President Fidel V. Ramos was really determined on claiming the island’s sovereignty and he really had a strong stand and justification on the issue. During his administration, the Joint Oceanographic Marine Scientific Research Expedition or JOMSRE was created. It was the third of its kind between the Philippines and Vietnam. JOMSRE I occurred in May 1996 and JOMSRE II occurred in May 2000, whose creation resulted from the meeting of Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos and Vietnamese President Le Duc Anh in 1994. It formalized the initiatives covered in the Informal Workshop on Managing Potential Conflicts in the South China (MPC-SCS) and Part Nine of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which emphasized cooperation among the coastal states bordering on semi-enclosed and territorial seas. Through the policy that the government will make we can really say that they will take the issue seriously and thus, we can achieve better results. An example would be the Chinese government; there is a specific bureau or commission that is entirely focused on the South China Sea Conflict. Therefore, we can say that the Chinese government is dealing the issue strongly and seriously. The government needs and should make policy not just for the sake of claiming the islands but more importantly to ensure that the country and its nationals are safe.
Second, there are various natural resources, such as oil and petroleum reserves, that the country might gain in acquiring the full sovereignty of the islands. Moreover, the island is also a significant maritime route. It is essential in the flow of goods and services, not only in Asia, but in the entire world. It has been reported that there are major oil spills that occurred in the Area. Exacerbating the situation, cases of human and drug trafficking, smuggling of goods, presence of pirates, military-geared activities have also been reported. There was once a nuclear ship of the United States staying in the area. Immediately, the different countries around the South China Sea complained and said that the ship should leave, as soon as possible because it is harmful to the health of the citizens and at the same time, a security concern in Southeast Asia. Due to the great amount of resources that could be outsourced in the islands within the South China Sea, it is no doubt that many countries would want to acquire these territories. In an interview with Aldrich Lim, an AB Photography student of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) and a resident of Palawan, he said that the Spratly Islands are near to Palawan and if military activities will be conducted there. The government must immediately react. In addition, Lim also stressed that throughout the country, Palawan is the area wherein large amounts of oil deposits could be found. Thus, Shell Company had their drilling site in Palawan. “If there is a great source of oil reserves in Palawan then I can assume that oil in your place is cheaper as compared to other parts of the country, most especially, in Metro Manila?” I asked. Lim answered that the natural gas sold in their place has higher tax as compared to imported oil. Considering that imported oil has added tariffs and Value Added Tax (VAT) already, the natural gas is still higher in value. I was astonished with his answer. The government does not want that the provincial boundary be extended because the income that will be generated from there will be directed to the province and not to the national government, as what it is currently happening. The income generated is not given to the province of Palawan but to the office of the President, which was that of PGMA’s. We can see the great importance if resources and the acquisition of these is a great aid to the country and also to the citizens.
And third, the government should create a policy on the South China Sea conflict because the national security of the Philippines and its citizens is at stake. National security is a major concern. With the strategic geographical position of the Spratly Islands to the Philippines, specifically the islands of Palawan, which is just a few hundred nautical miles away, there is a higher concern on security. I have observed that as the administration of the government changes, from one President to another, the policy or stand of the country regarding the issue also changes. Change is normal because they have different priorities and advocacies but should the foreign policy on protecting our national territory also constantly change? An unstable government is not a good picture to unveil to the international community and most of all to your fellow claimants in the country. We have discussed the eight foreign policy realities of the President Gloria Macapagal (PGMA) administration and we have discussed that the three most important foreign policies that the government should always pursue are economic progress, protection of nationals and political stability, which includes the integrity of our natural territory. During the administration of Fidel Ramos, I would like to reiterate, that he was really determined to claim the Spratly Islands. In the year 1995, former President Fidel V. Ramos declared that the Spratly Islands became a litmus test of China’s great power ambitions. While the Philippine President following him, Joseph Erap Ejercito Estrada identified the issue as a great detriment to the Southeast Asian Region’s security. And recently, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo did not much give attention to the conflict. As discussed in class, there was even a time when PGMA almost sold the country’s islands. If it was pushed through, there was a great possibility of extensive protests of the people or even a people power due to such an act. Where can you see that a President allows selling of portion of her country’s islands for money or other reasons? The answer: Only in the Philippines. Here we can clearly see, evaluate and analyze the varying stand and policies of the past Presidents of the Republic of the Philippines. The greater question now is, how will President Noynoy Aquino handle the conflict. Will he ensure that the islands’ full sovereignty will be given to the Philippines? Or will he also sell the islands in exchange for some amount of money or multi-million dollar deal? The answer: We will now soon. It is one of the primary duties of the government to ensure that the country and its citizens are protected. It is one of the rights of the Filipino citizens. Thus, it must be given by the State.
Conclusion
With the above-mentioned statements, facts and notes, I believe that the government should make a concrete and long-term foreign policy on the South China Sea. The government must serve the Filipinos. They must ensure that the Filipinos and the entire archipelago are secure. National security, in any part of the world, is an important concern. We must understand that in international relations, there is no world government. Thus, there is no over arching authority above the states. Yet, there is still global governance.
Sources:
Ian Storey, “Creeping Assertiveness: China, the Philippines and the South China Sea Dispute,” Contemporary Southeast Asia, Vol. 21, no. 1 (April 1999), pp. 95-118.
Ralf Emmers, “Maritime Disputes in the South China Sea: Strategic and Diplomatic Status Quo,” Institute for Defense and Strategic Studies Working Paper No. 87, September 2005
Federico Bordonaro, “The Importance of the Spratly Islands.”

Phifocy Activity:June 5, 2010

1. What is the mandate of the Department of Foreign Affairs in terms of being the principal arm to implement foreign policy? What other institutions help or assist the DFA in realising foreign policies?

MANDATE OF THE DFA:

1. Preservation and enhancement of national security

2. Promotion and attainment of economic security

3. Protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare and interest of Filipinos overseas

ASSISTING INSTITUTIONS:

1. Department of National Defense (DND)

· Armed Forces of the Philippines

(Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Marine Corps)

· Office of Civil Defense

· National Disaster Coordinating Council

2. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

3. National Economic Development Agency (NEDA)

4. Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)

5. Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO)

6. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration

7. Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA)

8. National Reintegration Center for Overseas Filipino Workers (NRCO)

2. Enumerate the Eight Foreign Policy Realities of former President Arroyo. For each reality find 2-3 related news articles and then make an analysis as to what extent did the Arroyo administration work to implement the said realities.

EIGHT FOREIGN POLICY REALITIES OF FORMER PRESIDENT ARROYO

1. China, Japan and the United States and their relationship will be a determining influence in the security situation and economic evolution of East Asia;

News Clippings:

a. China-ASEAN Free Trade Area sets example for mutual beneficial, win-win regional co-op

Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2010-01/01/content_12741761.htm

b. US ponders China's Southeast Asian rise

Source: http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/LC10Ae01.html

2. Philippine foreign policy decisions have to be made in the context of ASEAN;

News Clippings:

a. ASEAN human rights body fails kin of massacred journalists

Source:http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/03/29/10/asean-human-rights-body-fails-kin-massacred-journalists

b. Manila foreign policy set in context of Asean

Source:http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25951:manila-foreign-policy-set-in-context-of-asean&catid=23:topnews&Itemid=58

3. The international Islamic community will continue to be important for the Philippines;

News Clippings:

a. Philippines to compensate Muslim war victims, resume talks

Source: http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.php?id=60775

b. Malacaňang cool on Muslim protests over caricature

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/303/malaca328ang-cool-on-muslim-protests-over-caricature

4. The coming years will see the growing importance of multilateral and inter-regional organizations to promote common interests;

News Clippings:

a. RP calls on Asean members to build on common interest on climate issue

Source:http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=33%3Aeconomy&id=23986%3Arp-calls-on-asean-members-to-build-on-common-interest-on-climate-issue&Itemid=60

b. Asean agrees to further promote integration of traditional medicine

Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=538589&publicationSubCategoryId=75

5. As an archipelagic state, the defense of the nation's sovereignty and the protection of its environment and natural resources can be carried out only to the extent that it asserts its rights over the maritime territory and gets others to respect those rights;

News Clippings:

a. Tighter maritime security after Zambo kidnapping—PNP chief

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100405-262499/Tighter-maritime-security-after-Zambo-kidnappingPNP-chief

b. Philippines - trash, oil spill, toxic mine and marine reserve

Source: http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/news/features/philippines-seen-and-heard/

6. The country's economic policy will continue to be friendly to both domestic and foreign direct investments;

News Clippings:

a. Philippines offers good investment opportunities

Source: http://www.propertywire.com/news/asia/philippines-offers-good-investment-opportunities-20080115123.html

b. Aquino says Philippines will be more investor-friendly

Source:http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/06/30/10/aquino-says-philippines-will-be-more-investor-friendly

7. The Philippines can benefit most quickly from international tourism

News Clippings:

a. Philippine tourism explores new frontiers

Source: http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?sec=2&id=5422

b. Philippine Tourism: Sustaining Growth in a challenging environment

Source: http://www.lakbaypilipinas.com/blog/2009/08/02/philippine-tourism-sustaining-growth-in-a-challenging-environment/

8. Overseas Filipinos will continue to be recognized for their critical role in the country's economic and social stability.

News Clippings:

a. OFW remittances - an economic booster

Source: http://www.philippinestoday.net/index.php?module=article&view=1180

b. OFWs help attain 7% growth

Source:http://globalnation.inquirer.net/columns/columns/view/20100706-279505/OFWs-help-attain-7-growth

ANALYSIS OF REALITIES’ IMPLEMENTATION

The PGMA administration failed to implement almost all of its foreign policy realities. First, the conflict in Mindanao is still highly prevalent. Instead of helping ease the conflict, the government even heightened the issue through the very controversial memorandum of agreement. Second, the great question regarding the maritime security and sovereignty of the Philippines. In addition, this would include the preservation and protection of the environment. There were various maritime disasters that took place in her administration and this includes a number of ships, who allegedly are not following the proper standards and protocols in sea travel. Moreover, the natural resources of the country are greatly and massively killed. This is prevalent most especially in Visayas and in Mindanao. Other countries, such as the United States, are conducting various activities such as illegal mining, which exploit the environment, extensively. And third, the benefit of international tourism. How will the Philippines be able to advance its tourism industry when first of all, the budget is not enough for the conduct of all activities and promotion of the country. On the other side of the sphere, the PGMA government was also able to create some programs to achieve some of the realities. The OFW’s are well recognized, the country handles its relations to multilateral and inters regional organizations with great extent and the country had received many investments. According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) International, the Philippines had the most number of investments received as compared to other ASEAN states.

3. With the assistance of different bureaus, institutions as well as interest groups, it is the President that drafts state policies. What do you think will be included in President Noynoy Aquino’s foreign policy list now that he has assumed the Presidency? Identify five issues and find news clippings (at least one for each issue) to support your answer.

I think that President Noynoy Aquino will still include three of PGMA’s Foreign Policy realities which are: First, the country's economic policy will continue to be friendly to both domestic and foreign direct investments; Second, the country's economic policy will continue to be friendly to both domestic and foreign direct investments and Third, the Philippines can benefit most quickly from international tourism.

This is due to the fact that among his major points in his inaugural speech were: First, to improve infrastructure, tourism and trade projects; Second, to clean up customs, strengthen tax collection; Third, he promised a predictable & consistent place for investment; and Fourth, he said that a clean and honest governance will start with him and his Cabinet. This would show us his main objectives for the Philippine Foreign Policy. Moreover, he also wants to ensure that the officials of the DFA will be able to execute clean and honest governance.

My top five issues includes: First, the refusal of a number of PGMA’s appointees to return back to the Philippines and leave the post. Second is regarding the relations of the Philippines with the United States of America and most especially the very controversial Visiting Forces Agreement (YFA). Third, one of the major points of Pres. Aquino’s speech is job creation. With this, how will we ensure that these jobs will be able to sustain the Filipino people’s daily living and would lessen the number of Filipinos going abroad? Fourth, why did President Aquino retain Alberto G. Romulo to be his DFA Secretary but we all know that he is one of PGMA’s very loyal and trusted officials. And fifth, what is the policy or stand of Aquino regarding the illegal use or exploitation of our natural resources especially in the Mindanao area. Most importantly, these natural resources are also major reasons why tourists go and visit the country.

News Clippings:

1. Aquino retains Romulo at DFA (By Gil. C. Cabacungan Jr. – Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Source:http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20100627-277856/Aquino-retains-Romulo-at-DFA

2. GMA’s political ambassadors trickling back home (By Michaela P. del Callar – The Daily Tribune)

Source: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100619hed6.html

3. Miriam hopes Noynoy will review Visiting Forces Agreement (By Aurea Calica - The Philippine Star)

Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=585040&publicationSubCategoryId=63

4. OFWs to Aquino: Create more local jobs (By Edith Regalado - philstar.com)

Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=580110&publicationSubCategoryId=200

5. Environmental groups to Aquino: Be green (By Ronalyn Olea – Philippine Online Chronicles)

Source:http://www.thepoc.net/thepoc-features/politi-ko/politiko-features/7812-first-100-days-noynoy-aquino.html

4. How significant is the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Philippine foreign policy?

The ASEAN is very significant in Philippine Foreign Policy. First, the Philippines is one of the founding member countries of the ASEAN. Thus, we should be the first country to coordinate our foreign policies in with the principles of ASEAN. The existing policies and agreements in the ASEAN must be noted in the formulation and implementation of the Philippine Foreign Policy. Second, the Philippines, through the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), is able to dialogue with the various partners of ASEAN from all over the globe. They discuss various topics that are very important to the security and development of the Southeast Asian Region. Through the ARF, the Philippines is able to extend and strengthen relations with other countries, a very important element in the achievement of the Philippine Foreign Policy. And third, the Philippines is one of the key and driving forces of ASEAN together with Indonesia. Last year, the DTI International reported that the Philippines had the most number of investments received as compared to other ASEAN countries. The ASEAN is very significant to the Philippines Foreign Policy, vice-versa.