DFA Highlights Need for PH Schools to Prepare Students for ASEAN Integration

Department of Foreign Affairs-Association of Southeast Asian Nations Division IV Director Aian Caringal delivers a presentation before the participants of the Department of Education in Western Visayas’ ASEAN Forum on 24 January 2019. (DFA-ASEAN photo)

ROXAS CITY 19 February 2019 — The Department of Foreign Affairs, represented by Director Aian Caringal of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Socio-Cultural Community Division of the Office of ASEAN Affairs (DFA ASEAN), led a discussion on ASEAN integration and the ASEAN Community to the Superintendents, Information Officers, and Senior High School Coordinators of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Western Visayas, during the ASEAN Forum in Roxas City, Capiz on on 24 January 2019.

During his presentation, Director Caringal discussed the history and development of ASEAN, ASEAN integration and ASEAN Community-building, as well as the challenges and opportunities ASEAN is facing.

“It is everyone’s mission to spread awareness about ASEAN because, in the end, ASEAN integration will impact all sectors of society, including our students, workers, businessmen, and even our rural communities,” Director Caringal said.

The DFA ASEAN Director emphasized the importance of having students know the challenges and opportunities ASEAN integration can bring as these will directly affect their lives in the near future.

DepEd Western Visayas Regional Director Ma. Gemma M. Ledesma also delivered a presentation that highlighted the significance of partnering with ASEAN for the betterment and development of the Philippines.

DepEd Roxas City Superintendent Felisa B. Beriong led the preparations for and the hosting of the Forum, the first of its kind held in Roxas City, which was attended by around 70 DepEd officials from Region VI.

The DFA, in partnership with other government agencies involved with ASEAN, regularly provides speakers and information materials to support efforts in spreading ASEAN awareness in the Philippines and abroad.

ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising ten Southeast Asian nations. It conducts annual summit meetings where the political, security, economic and socio-cultural development of Southeast Asia is discussed. It is also a platform for the ten ASEAN countries to gather and settle matters at hand. END