MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will join fellow economic leaders at the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in South Korea, where discussions will center on artificial intelligence (AI), creative industries, manufacturing, semiconductors, and other key economic priorities.

During a media briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Spokesperson Angelica Escalona said the government is arranging two bilateral meetings for President Marcos on the sidelines of the summit, with details still being finalized.

Escalona said the President’s participation aims to advance the Philippines’ economic interests, strengthen ties with APEC member economies, and reaffirm the country’s commitment to APEC’s vision of a more open and dynamic Asia-Pacific region.

“The two sessions of the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting are expected to yield outcome documents, which include the leaders’ declaration as well as three statements on Artificial Intelligence, on demographic change, and cultural creative industries,” Escalona said.

“These topics reflect the priorities set by Korea as this year’s APEC host and tackle trends that impact economic growth across the region,” she added.

Escalona said President Marcos is expected to highlight “new technologies and economic integration” in his discussions, particularly focusing on the Philippines’ alignment with the APEC Artificial Intelligence Initiative.

“Because our goal is to establish an artificial intelligence, powered by the Philippines, by 2028,” Escalona said. “This will help us take an active part in shaping how AIs are used across the region in ways that are innovation-friendly, safe, transparent, and fair.”

The 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, themed “Building Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect Innovate Prosper,” will be held in Busan, Republic of Korea, from October 30 to November 2, 2025, at the invitation of Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

The gathering will bring together leaders and representatives from APEC’s 21 member economies to discuss regional economic cooperation and emerging global challenges.