One of the pillars of the Philippines' foreign and trade policy is ASEAN.

This is
reflected in the Philippines' goal of promoting a more peaceful, stable, and democratic
Southeast Asia by pursuing various efforts in policymaking, economic, commercial, and
functional cooperation. The Philippines' underlying aim is to strengthen a regional order
that fosters good conduct, international trade, and adherence to globally accepted
standards and laws for the region's benefit.

Other benefits of being an active member of ASEAN in terms of international

trade are provided to the country, I believe these two are commonly useful and
important; lower cost of living and the country's prosperity. Based on my research, the
ASEAN Economic Community aims to reduce or eliminate taxes imposed between
countries, allowing products costs to decline. Domestically manufactured goods may not
be the most cost-effective alternative for the value you seek. If Philippines open borders
to trade, they can reduce some of the costs they encounter, and in some
ways, improving the purchasing power of the population. Because of the free movement
of goods and services, salary will stretch much further as products become more
affordable. The country may be able to buy additional food or other items. Moreover,
with the free flow of commodities, services, investment, capital, and skilled labor, this
could mean an improved region. Through cooperation, the Philippines and other
Southeast Asian countries will be able to attain their objectives faster and with more
success. Once achieved, we unlikely to reap the same benefits and accomplish the
same level of success as if worked together to achieve these goals in the maritime
economy, national security, international trade, poverty reduction, and international
competitiveness.

Finally, the Philippines continues to be a significant and founding member of

ASEAN. International trade allows countries to extend their markets and gain access to
goods and services that might otherwise be unavailable in their own country. The
market has become more competitive because of international trade. As a result, pricing
becomes more competitive, and consumers receive a lower-cost product.
“Who knows? They may be in the opposite ends of a negotiation table crafting our trade

policy and maritime policy because they both went to the same school of government here

in Ateneo, or school of public policy in Singapore, or the same business school in Malaysia,

or they conducted collaborative research in Bangkok.” He added, “These are the ties that

actually bind us beyond pieces of paper and sign treaties. It is people who will build

ASEAN.” Mendoza emphasized the need for citizens of ASEAN countries to understand the

value of working towards a common regional good and not just a national good, of caring

about what is happening politically, economically, and socially to our neighbors – because it

too, will affect us. “It’s important to see that national good is intertwined with regional

good, that we cannot go at this alonem” he said. “If we do, we will probably not extract the

same benefits and success that we would if we were to go for these goals together,

cooperating in maritime economy, national security, international trade, promoting poverty

reduction, and international competitiveness.” – Rappler.com