CEBU, Philippines, Dec 9, 2006 (AFP) - Philippine President Gloria Arroyo on Saturday thanked fellow ASEAN nations for their "understanding" after her government cancelled the bloc's annual summit at the last minute. "The Philippines is responsible for the safety and well-being of the summit participants in the face of inclement weather," Arroyo said in a statement released to the press from Manila. "Our responsibility to the Filipino people also lies in preparing to the best we can for the possible onslaught of another strong typhoon," she said. "We are concerned for the leaders and they are also concerned for our people," Arroyo said. "I thank the leaders for their understanding and support." Officials said the 12th annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) would be held in January, and that consultations were under way to fix a date. "There is a consensus to postpone the meeting because of the typhoon, but a strong impetus to return at the soonest possible time," Arroyo said. bur-mc/sm/lod