Hanoi, May 8 -- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on May 8 that leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) had agreed to strengthen intra-bloc trade and reinforce regional food security mechanisms amid rising energy prices and disruptions to global shipping routes caused by conflict in the Middle East. Speaking at a press conference following the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Marcos said ASEAN leaders pledged to maintain the flow of essential goods within the region while ensuring open and predictable markets, alongside enhancing intra-ASEAN trade and regional food security mechanisms. According to the Philippine President, soaring fuel prices, disruptions to maritime transport and rising fertiliser costs are ...