11 August 2014 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario will lead the celebration of the 47th Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in a commemorative Reception on August 15 at the Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), to be attended by members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of government agencies, other stakeholders of the ASEAN, and the media.

The celebration will commence with the opening of an exhibit on ASEAN Traditional/National Attires. The exhibit, a collaborative activity with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), will showcase ASEAN attires as part of the tangible heritage of ASEAN.

The launch of the exhibit will be followed by the official program, organized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), in partnership with the DFA, consisting of remarks by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs (SFA) and cultural performances from the Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir and Ms. Anne Luis, resident soprano of Bayanihan, and piano recitals from Dr. Raul Sunico and Ms. Regina Montesclaros.

Other activities to commemorate the 47th ASEAN Day include the special flag raising ceremony,  August 11; the ASEAN Youth Dialogues (in partnership with the Foreign Service Institute and the United States Embassy), August 12 and the Forum on ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangements (in partnership with the National Academy of Science and Technology and the Professional Regulation Commission) on August 13.

In addition, the ASEAN High-Level Conference on Assistance for the Recovery of Yolanda-Affected Areas (ARYA) will also be held on August 14 at the Philippine Army Officer’s Clubhouse where SFA is a key speaker.

The Philippines, as a founding member of ASEAN, annually celebrates the anniversary of ASEAN to highlight the achievements of ASEAN, promote greater awareness of ASEAN, help build ASEAN identity among Filipinos and achieve the establishment of ASEAN 2015 and beyond. END