Makati City, Philippines — August 28, 2025
The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and Layertech Labs brought together leaders from government, business, civil society, and academia for a Multi-Stakeholder Policy Dialogue and Workshop on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), held at Makati Diamond Residences.
The event aimed to deepen understanding of the DEFA and chart strategies to ensure its inclusive implementation in the Philippines. Through a series of four workshops, participants identified key challenges, opportunities, and priority actions to help local businesses and institutions fully benefit from the emerging regional digital economy.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, Assistant Secretary Luis Miguel Planas underscored the vital role of robust digital infrastructure and cross-sector collaboration. He emphasized that the DEFA must translate into shared prosperity by enabling equitable participation across all sectors of society.
The program also featured three dynamic panel discussions tackling critical issues shaping the ASEAN digital economy:
- Digital Trade and Cross-Border E-Commerce, Competition Policy, and Payments and E-Invoicing
- Cross-Border Data Flows and Data Protection, Online Safety, and Cybersecurity
- Emerging Technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, Ethical Governance, and Countering Malign Influence
Panelists and participants engaged in thoughtful dialogue, highlighting both the opportunities and risks of DEFA implementation, while stressing the importance of coordinated policies and responsive governance.
CIPE and Layertech Labs thanked all stakeholders for their active participation, noting that the outcomes of the dialogue will inform future policy advocacy and capacity-building initiatives.
“Together, we are shaping a more connected, competitive, and trusted digital economy for the Philippines,” organizers affirmed.
The whitepaper will be posted on the Layertech Learning Section by Q4 of 2025