DFA HIGHLIGHTS RIGHTS OF PWDS IN CELEBRATION OF ASEAN’S 52ND ANNIVERSARY

Ambassadors and representatives of ASEAN Missions in Manila join Secretary Locsin, Assistant Secretary Mahilum-West, Mrs. Severino and Mr. Severino in an ASEAN handshake. (DFA-OSCR photo by Vanessa Ubac)

05 August 2019 – The Department of Foreign Affairs shone the spotlight on mainstreaming the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs), including the vulnerable groups in the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member-countries, as it celebrated ASEAN’s 52nd Anniversary on 5 August 2019 at the Department’s Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. led the celebrations, which was attended by Ambassadors and representatives of ASEAN Missions in Manila, former Philippine ambassadors to ASEAN, and former ASEAN National Secretariat-Philippines Directors General.

The celebration began with the inauguration of the photo exhibit entitled “ASEAN: Leaving No One Behind”, featuring ASEAN’s initiatives in mainstreaming the rights of PWDs and the region’s vulnerable groups. It also showcased programs that aim to achieve an inclusive community for PWDs that promotes a high quality of life, equitable access to opportunities, as well as the promotion and protection of human rights by 2025.

The inauguration was followed by a special flag-raising ceremony, which included performances by Autism Society Philippines’ Danica Escasinas, and the Philippine National School for the Blind’s Tinikling Dance Group.

In his remarks, Secretary Locsin highlighted the vital role of Apolinario Mabini, the first Secretary of Foreign Affairs, whose “limitations did not keep him from making exceptional contributions to his country.”

“We must imagine that he was moved as much by love of a country not yet his, as he believed strongly that those disabled or shackled by body or circumstance must be free of them to be all they can be. All disability compensates and tends to excellence. This belief drives ASEAN Community-building,” Secretary Locsin said.

“ASEAN Community 2015 was established to achieve a community of opportunities through economic and cultural development, social progress, regional peace and security, collaboration and mutual assistance and improvement in living standards. But ASEAN’s desire for integration in its best aspects is not an event, but a work in progress to realize the political, security, economic and socio-cultural spheres,” he added.

He acknowledged the presence of former ASEAN Directors General, Assistant Secretaries and Permanent Representatives who were instrumental in ensuring that the Philippines would grow with ASEAN and make sure that Filipinos will reap the benefits of its membership to the regional grouping.

The focus of this year’s anniversary emanated from the ASEAN Enabling Masterplan 2025 Mainstreaming the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in ASEAN Community, which was adopted by the ASEAN Leaders during the 33rd ASEAN Summit on 13 November 2018.

In recognition of the immense contribution of his stewardship of ASEAN from 1998 to 2002 to the building of the ASEAN Community, and to the success and prosperity currently being enjoyed by ASEAN, distinguished Filipino diplomat and former ASEAN Secretary-General Rodolfo Severino, Jr. was posthumously awarded the Order of Lakandula Grand Collar, rank of Supremo, one of the highest awards given by the Philippines. The award was received by his spouse Rowena Severino and his son Howie Severino. END

Autism Society Philippines’ Danica Escasinas sang the Philippine and ASEAN anthems during the event. (DFA-OSCR photo by Vanessa Ubac)

Secretary Locsin (second from left) bestows the posthumous Order of Lakandula on former ASEAN Secretary General and Filipino diplomat Rodolfo Severino on his spouse Rowena Severino (second from right) and son Howie Severino (rightmost), as Assistant Secretary Mahilum West look on. (DFA-OSCR photo by Vanessa Ubac)

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. (center) leads the inauguration of the photo exhibit entitled “ASEAN: Leaving No One Behind”, featuring ASEAN’s initiatives in mainstreaming the rights of PWDs and the region’s vulnerable groups. Also in photo are (front row, from left) former Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert, Thai Ambassador to the Philippines Vasin Ruangprateepsaeng, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs Junever Mahilum-West and Myanmar Ambassador to the Philippines Win Naing. (DFA-OSCR photo by Vanessa Ubac)