SFA-AGR-511-08

41st ASEAN FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY

07 August 2008 - The Philippines is celebrating the 41^st Founding Anniversary of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Friday, 08 August 2008.  In line with the theme "The Philippines and ASEAN Community Building," there will be several activities to commemorate ASEAN Day.

A Flag Raising Ceremony will be held at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday at 9:00 a.m., to be led by Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Rafael E. Seguis and the ASEAN Ambassadors in Manila. DFA and other government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and friends of ASEAN are also expected to attend.

A commemorative program and diplomatic reception will follow, to be led by the Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary and the Secretaries of National Defense, Trade and Industry, and the National Anti-Poverty Commission.

To instill a greater sense of pride in ASEAN, flags of the ASEAN Member Countries will also be displayed along Roxas Boulevard and DFA flag poles throughout the whole month of August 2008. On Friday, a speech contest for students, sponsored by the Department of Education, shall be held at the V. Mapa High School in Manila.

ASEAN was established on 08 August 1967 in Bangkok by the five original Member Countries, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam joined on 08 January 1984, Vietnam on 28 July 1995, Laos and Myanmar on 23 July 1997 and Cambodia on 30 April 1999. ASEAN aims to accelerate the cultural development, economic growth and social progress throughout the region through joint endeavors in the spirit of mutual respect to solidify the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful community in Southeast Asia. END

wingret