National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) must "take concrete and decisive steps" to protect the rights of the region's fisherfolk and maritime environment. "By exploring and developing their potentials, protecting and preserving resources and territories, fostering growth of natural resources and enterprises, promoting sustainable use, developing and institutionalizing governance, and fortifying competitive advantage, we can responsibly steward our resources, ensuring that we meet our needs for today and we preserve what future generations deserve," he said during the opening of the two-day 2025 Dialogue on Asean Maritime Security in Pasay City Wednesday night.

ASEAN urged to protect fishers. (2025, May 23). The Manila Times, p. A3.