11 August 2016 — Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto R. Yasay, Jr. hosted a Diplomatic Reception in commemoration of the 49th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Conrad Manila on August 8.

The event’s theme was “ASEAN: Connecting People for Peace and Prosperity.” Ambassadors and representatives of the ASEAN Member States, other members of the Diplomatic Corps, members of the Cabinet and officials from government agencies and other organizations were among those who attended the celebration, despite the heavy rains during the day of the event.

In his remarks, Secretary Yasay recalled the commitment of the ASEAN Founding Fathers “to promote peace through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law and to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development” 49 years ago.

Stressing the key principles of centrality and solidarity, Secretary Yasay proudly described ASEAN as an organization “that decides by consensus and one that moves sometimes slowly but steadily forward… marvelously unafraid to face all traditional and non-traditional challenges.”

As an example, he cited ASEAN’s recent upholding of its firm adherence and respect for international law, the 1982 UNCLOS and the established legal and diplomatic processes under a rules-based system for the resolution of disputes during the 49thASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting held in Vientiane, Laos on 24 July 2016.

The Secretary also highlighted that, as one Community, ASEAN stands as the 7th largest economy across the globe with a combined GDP of US$2.6 trillion, the 7th largest in the world – and the 3rd largest in Asia, with a population of 633 million people.

In observance of ASEAN Day, Philippine and ASEAN flags have been hoisted along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City for the month of August. Also, various government agencies, including the DFA, conducted a special ASEAN flag-raising ceremony on August 08 to commemorate the founding of ASEAN in 1967.

On 31 December 2015, the ASEAN Community was formally established by the Leaders of the 10-member organization, further committing ASEAN to deeper integration among its members in the political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars of cooperation guided by the ASEAN Vision 2025 and its attendant blueprints.

At the end of this year, Lao PDR will turn over the Chairmanship of ASEAN to the Philippines which, according to Secretary Yasay, would be “profoundly honored, and delighted to be the Chair of ASEAN during its golden year in 2017.” END