DFA Delegation Delivers Philippine Positions during Second APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting 2024 in Peru

Undersecretary Charles C. Jose delivers his intervention during the Second Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM2) held in Arequipa, Peru.

PERU 29 May 2024 – Peru successfully hosted the Second APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM2) held from 04 to 16 May 2024 in Arequipa, Peru. 

The SOM2 distinguished itself by including meetings that focused on human resource development, telecommunications, emergency preparedness, and enhancing collaborative efforts in ECOTECH initiatives. 

Human resource development centered on empowering people with disabilities to be able to participate effectively in sustainable and inclusive economic growth and development. In the area of telecommunications, the DFA delegation participated in the meetings on behalf of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), where best practices and experiences were shared, telecommunications regulations and challenges in adopting 5G technology. 

On emergency preparedness, the Philippines was represented by the Department of National Defense-Office of Civil Defense, where discussions revolved around disaster mitigation, preparation, response and recovery from emergencies and natural disasters in the APEC region. 

Lastly, on ECOTECH initiatives, Senior Officials explored opportunities for collaboration across different APEC fora to enhance ECOTECH initiatives, including joint efforts, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building activities.

In addition, the DFA delegation participated as a panelist in the Public – Private Dialogue on Best Practices for the Transition of Economic Actors from Informal to Formal Economy, which highlighted the importance of leveraging the advantages of digital transformation through policies that support connectivity and inclusivity, and the continuing priorities of the Philippines in investing in human capital development, supporting MSMEs, building sustainable communities, and enhancing regional economic integration.  

In addition, other high-level meetings were held after the SOM2, namely: 

• High-level Policy Dialogue on Women and the Economy, attended by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW); 

• Joint Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Trade and Ministers for Women, attended by the DTI – Bureau of International Trade Relations (BITR) and PCW; and

• Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT), attended by DTI. 

During the SOM2 meeting, Undersecretary Charles C. Jose was joined by APEC National Secretariat Director General Marcos Angelo A. S. Punsalang, Special Assistant Von Ryan S. Ferrera and Mr. Alexander J. Araque. END

Undersecretary Charles C. Jose posing with fellow Senior Official panelists during the SOM2 APEC Public-Private Dialogue on Best Practices for the Transition of Economic Actors from Informal to Formal Economy.