Hanoi, March 5 -- The Philippines has called on member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to strengthen cooperation to resolve pressing challenges threatening the region, stressing the need for a resilient and people-centred community. Addressing the high-level forum of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) on March 4, Philippine Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who serves as ASCC chairperson, said while improving people's quality of life remains central to ASEAN's economic policies, the region faces a "complex crossroads" with multifaceted challenges that threaten citizens' rights. He warned that climate change, weather-related hazards, and water-related risks could exacerbate poverty, ...