IPINAHAYAG ni Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez sa mga maaaring maging susunod na lider sa mundo na isinusulong ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ang isang foreign policy na nakabatay sa kapayapaan, ngunit patuloy umano nitong ipaglalaban ang soberanya ng bansa.

Ginawa ni Speaker Romualdez ang pahayag sa pagbubukas ng plenary ng Harvard World Model United Nations (WorldMUN) 2025 conference sa SM Aura, Taguig City, nitong Linggo ng hapon.

Ang WorldMUN ay isang taunang pandaigdigang Model United Nations conference na inorganisa ng mga mag-aaral ng Harvard University, sa pakikipagtulungan sa isang host university sa iba’t ibang lungsod bawat taon.

“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,” ani Romualdez.

“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,” dagdag niya.

Ayon kay Romualdez, ang parehong diwa ang gumagabay sa kasalukuyang liderato ng bansa.

“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,” binigyang-diin niya.

“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,” dagdag pa niya.

Sinabi ni Speaker Romualdez sa mga delegado ng kumperensya na minana nila ang isang mundo na “masalimuot at sa ilang paraan, mas sensitibo kaysa dati.”

“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,” aniya.

“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,” dagdag pa niya.

Tinalakay rin ng pinuno ng Kamara ang mga hamon sa pamumuno.

“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?” tanong niya.

“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,” aniya.

Ipinunto ni Speaker Romualdez na batid ng mga pinuno ng bansa ang bigat ng hamon sa pamumuno.

“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,” aniya.

Bilang Speaker ng Kamara, sinabi niyang may pribilehiyo siyang makatrabaho si Pangulong Marcos Jr. at ang kanyang mga kasamahan sa Kongreso upang maisulong ang mga makasaysayang batas na naglalayong tiyakin ang isang matatag, matibay at globally competitive na Pilipinas.

Sa nakalipas na taon, ipinasa ng Kongreso aniya ang mga batas na nagpapalakas sa ekonomiya, nagpapalawak ng oportunidad para sa mamamayan, at nagpapatibay sa papel ng bansa sa pandaigdigang entablado.

Kabilang sa mga nagawa ng Ika-19 na Kongreso ang:

-Ekonomiya: Maharlika Investment Fund Act, tax reforms upang mapadali ang negosyo at makaakit ng dayuhang pamumuhunan.

-Kalakalan at Industriya: Pag-amyenda sa Public Service Act upang mapalakas ang dayuhang partisipasyon sa mahahalagang sektor.

-Enerhiya at Sustainability: Pagpapalakas ng Renewable Energy Act upang pahintulutan ang buong pagmamay-ari ng dayuhan sa renewable energy projects.

-Seguridad at Ugnayang Panlabas: Pagpapasa ng resolusyon sa pagtatanggol sa West Philippine Sea at pagsuporta sa modernisasyon ng sandatahang lakas at coast guard.

-Kabataan at Edukasyon: Institutionalization ng Tatak Pinoy Act upang palakasin ang inobasyon at kakayahang pandaigdig ng mga Pilipino.

“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,” ani Speaker Romualdez.

Kaya’t hamon niya sa mga delegado ng kumperensya na pag-isipan ang mga sumusunod na katanungan:

– Nagsasalita ka ba upang manalo sa isang argumento, o upang lutasin ang isang problema?

– Namumuno ka ba para sa pagkilala, o upang makagawa ng pagbabago?

– Nandito ka ba upang magkunwaring diplomat, o upang maging isang tunay na pinuno?

“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,” aniya.

“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,” pagtatapos ni Speaker Romualdez.