ASEAN's 60th: Structural Inequality and Regional Energy Policy Failures
Original framing: “Asean at 60: peace, prosperity and polite paralysis” — South China Morning Post
Indigenous farming communities in the Philippines and across ASEAN have long practiced sustainable rice cultivation and energy use, which are being eroded by industrialized models and energy policies that favor large-scale agribusiness. These traditional practices offer viable alternatives to the current energy and agricultural models.
The struggles of farmers like Dan Rae Hugo in the Philippines reveal the systemic failures of ASEAN's energy and agricultural policies.
These failures are rooted in historical patterns of dependency on global markets and the marginalization of local and indigenous knowledge. To address these issues, ASEAN must reform its energy policies to prioritize decentralized renewable energy and community-based solutions. This approach would not only reduce energy costs but also empower smallholder farmers and promote sustainable development. By integrating indigenous knowledge and ensuring inclusive governance, ASEAN can move toward a more equitable and resilient future.