MANILA, May 8 -- The Philippines, located in a region home to some of the world's dangerous flashpoints, is taking on a huge role to help shape a rules-based order with a foreign policy that promotes peace and adherence to international law.

Delivering a foreign policy speech at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada in Vancouver on May 7 (Pacific time), Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said Manila is one with like-minded nations in making the Indo-Pacific "an engine of global growth and a hub for human flourishing".

"Especially in the midst of global uncertainties and the evolving geopolitical dynamics, we are dedicated as ever in playing our role in keeping our region on the path of peace and prosperity," he said.

Manalo made ...