Tacloban City–Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez told the world’s future leaders that the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is pursuing a foreign policy of peace but it is determined to defend the country’s sovereignty.
He made the statement at the opening plenary of the Harvard World Model United Nations (WorldMun) 2025 conference at the SM Aura in Taguig City Sunday afternoon.
WorldMUN is an annual international Model United Nations conference organized by Harvard University students in collaboration with a host university in a different city each year.
“As you immerse yourselves in the discussions of this conference, I urge you to also immerse yourselves in the spirit of this nation. The Philippines is more than just your host country – it is a lesson in resilience, in unity, in the power of community,” he said.
“We are a nation that has weathered storms – both literal and political. And yet, through it all, we stand, we rebuild, we move forward together,” he said.
That same spirit guides the country’s present leadership, said the leader of the 306-member House of Representatives.
“Under the Marcos Administration, we have pursued a foreign policy of peace, pragmatism, and partnership – building stronger alliances while standing firm in defending our sovereignty. We have strengthened economic ties with partners across Asia, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, securing investments and trade agreements that will uplift millions of Filipinos,” he stressed.
“This is the essence of diplomacy: standing firm in principle while seeking common ground. I hope you will carry that lesson with you. The idea that no matter how deep the differences, no matter how great the challenges, there is always a way forward – so long as there is a willingness to build, not just to destroy; to listen, not just to speak; to find common ground, not just to defend positions,” he added.
Speaker Romualdez told conference delegates that they are inheriting a world that “is complex, and in some ways, more fragile than ever.”
“Conflicts rage. Democracies are tested. Economies are shaken by forces beyond borders. Climate change is no longer a distant threat – it is here, demanding answers we can no longer afford to delay. These challenges will not wait for the next generation of leaders. You are that generation. Do not wait for permission to make an impact. Do not wait for the ‘right time.’ The right time is now,” he said.
“The debates you hold in these halls may be simulations—but the ideas you form, the convictions you strengthen, and the friendships you forge here will be real. They will shape the way you see the world when you step beyond these walls,” he said.
The House leader also spoke of the challenges of leadership.
“Leadership is not a birthright. It is not bestowed by title, nor guaranteed by intelligence alone. Leadership is earned. It is forged in the fire of responsibility. Some of you in this room will lead governments. Some will lead corporations, movements, revolutions of thought. The question is, how will you lead?” he asked.
“True leadership is not about standing at the front. It is about knowing when to listen, when to compromise, and when to take a stand that history will judge you by. It is about recognizing that power is never truly yours – it is always held in trust for those you serve,” he said.
Speaker Romualdez pointed out that the country’s leaders understand the challenges of leadership deeply.
“Ours is a history of resilience, of struggle, of fighting for the right to determine our own destiny. From the first cry of revolution to the halls of our democracy today, we have learned that leadership means standing firm in times of crisis, but it also means knowing when to extend a hand in peace,’ he said.
He said as Speaker of the House, he had the distinct privilege of working with President Marcos Jr. and his colleagues in Congress “to push forward landmark legislation aimed at ensuring a stable, resilient, and globally competitive Philippines.”
In the past year alone, he said Congress has passed “laws that strengthen our economy, expand opportunities for our people, and reinforce our country’s role on the global stage.”
He informed his audience of some of the accomplishments of the 19th Congress:
• On the economy, we enacted measures such as the Maharlika Investment Fund Act, which positions the Philippines as a prime destination for investment by mobilizing sovereign resources to drive growth and infrastructure development. We also pushed for tax reforms to ease doing business, attract foreign direct investments, and enhance our financial resilience.
• On trade and industry, we reinforced the President’s vision of opening our economy to the world by amending the Public Service Act, allowing greater foreign participation in key sectors like transportation and telecommunications.
• On energy and sustainability, we strengthened the Renewable Energy Act, allowing full foreign ownership of renewable energy projects, a move that not only boosts our energy security but also aligns with our climate commitments.
• On national security and foreign policy, we have been resolute in defending our territorial integrity and upholding the rule of law in the West Philippine Sea. The House of Representatives has passed resolutions reaffirming our sovereign rights in accordance with international law and supporting the modernization of our armed forces and coast guard.
• On youth and education, we championed the institutionalization of the Tatak Pinoy Act, a program aimed at fostering Filipino innovation and global competitiveness, ensuring that the next generation – your generation – has the tools to lead and succeed in a rapidly changing world.
“Our work is far from over. But what these achievements demonstrate is that leadership is about making tough decisions today so that tomorrow’s world is stronger, fairer, and more prosperous,” Speaker Romualdez said.
The House leader advised conference delegates to ponder on these questions:
• Are you speaking to win an argument, or to solve a problem?
• Are you leading for recognition, or to make a difference?
• Are you here to just play the role of a diplomat, or to truly become one?
“The world does not need more leaders. It needs the right kind of leaders. Leaders who have the moral courage to make tough choices, the wisdom to know when to seek compromise, and the conviction to stand firm when the moment demands it,” Speaker Romualdez said.
“I have no doubt that among you sit future ambassadors, senators, presidents, secretaries-general. The question is – will you rise to the occasion? I believe you will,” he said.