Speaking at the regional summit, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called on Asian countries to “close ranks” in the face of global challenges, primarily that of trade with the United States. Southeast Asia must maintain open markets while avoiding becoming embroiled in a trade duel between superpowers. The summit saw the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement upgraded. The Philippines will take over the association’s rotating presidency next year.

Yesterday, Dili officially became the 11th nation in the Southeast Asian bloc. The end of a 14-year journey was marked by a highly symbolic ceremony attended by all regional leaders. Prime Minister Rala Xanana Gusmao was the last to add his signature. Challenges and responsibilities related to inclusion remain.

Faced with outrage over irregularities in unfinished flood control work, which culminated in the Trillion Peso March, the social arm of the Philippine Catholic Church has signed a memorandum with the government that provides for the direct involvement of parishes in monitoring construction sites. “Beyond criticism, we hope to give moral guidance,” Bishop Bagaforo says.

The First National Safeguarding Conference, themed “Our Mission of Safeguarding: A Journey of Hope and Compassion,” seen as more than a series of lectures and workshops. It became a pilgrimage of conscience, a reckoning with past failures, and a bold step towards ecclesial renewal.

From 20 to 24 October, the 18th edition of the Mspc is taking place in Iligan City, under the theme ‘pilgrims of hope’. An opportunity for prayer and reflection on the challenges of a region with a large Muslim and tribal population. Among the unresolved problems are poverty, unemployment and terrorism.

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck at 9:43 am near Manay, coastal Davao Oriental, followed by hundreds of aftershocks throughout the day. Damage was reported to homes, hospitals, schools and other buildings, as well as bridges. Rescue teams are still at work.