VIENTIANE — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday told Filipinos that he would “advance Philippine national interest, including maintaining peace and security in the region” during his participation in this year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

The President did not outline which security issues he intends to address in the regional bloc’s meeting that would be held here in the next 3 days.

“We are here precisely to find ways to cooperate with partners that can meet the challenges to forge a better future,” he said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier said that the issue of human trafficking is expected to be discussed during the ASEAN Summit.

Laos is part of the “golden triangle” — along with parts of Myanmar and Thailand — which has become notorious for illegal drug trade and human trafficking.

“Human trafficking is a common concern within ASEAN because it now impacts not only in the Philippines but on many of its members,” DFA Assistant Secretary Daniel Espirutu said in an earlier briefing.

“In fact, some of them dinadala din sa Philippines ‘no – some people of other nationalities and it’s happening in mainland Southeast Asia and may counterparts iyong POGO in other ASEAN member states and so we are actually actively cooperating on that,” he said.

“Most of those documents which are centering on human trafficking are actually also centering on that,” he added.

Meantime, Marcos Jr. also thank Filipino based in Laos for their contributions to the economy and international reputation of the Philippines.

There are about 2,000 OFWs in Laos, most of them working as professionals as well as staff in the hospitality industry, data from the DFA showed.

“We are so proud of all of you and all the things that you do and the ways that you project the Philippines,” the chief executive said in his speech during his meeting with the Filipino community here.

“You have been superlative ambassadors dahil sa kahangahangang ginagawa ninyo at iba pang OFW (overseas Filipino workers),” he said.

Marcos Jr. said his administration is working to put OFWs at the forefront of government services in recognition of their contribution in growing the Philippine economy.

“Patuloy namaing ginagawang prayoridad ang mga OFW upang aming maitaguyod ang inyong mga karapatan,” the President said.

“Damanga-dama naman na ang mataas na pagtingin sa inyo ng mga taga dito… Through your daily interactions with the locals, you have become valuable members of society,” he said.

“You make us all very proud,” he added.