DFA ASEAN Philippines National Secretariat Launches the ASEAN Roadshow 2023 in Partnership with UST

MANILA 11 October 2023 – The Office of ASEAN Affairs, in collaboration with the Faculty of Arts and Letters of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), inaugurated the groundbreaking ASEAN Roadshow 2023 on 04 October 2023 at the UST Thomas Aquinas Research Complex (TARC). Developed in partnership with The Political Science Department and The Political Science Forum of the UST, this initiative aims to promote ASEAN awareness among the Filipino youth, focusing on the organization's rich history and milestones.

Aligned with Indonesia's Chairship theme, "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth," the ASEAN Roadshow 2023 endeavors to highlight the significance of the Filipino youth as ASEAN citizens and to illustrate the opportunities available to them in the ASEAN community. The project, spanning the entire year, will engage schools and universities in collaboration with local government units throughout the Philippines. It will encompass a comprehensive talk on various ASEAN-related topics, fostering a sense of ASEAN identity among senior high school and college students.

In his welcome address, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Enrique A. Manalo, emphasized the importance of understanding the shared history and values of ASEAN Member States. He highlighted ASEAN's commitment to addressing challenges such as climate change, regional peace, and the digital divide. "As we look around us, we see the dynamism and potential of ASEAN nations on full display. With a combined population of over 660 million people and a rapidly expanding middle class, our economies have become a magnet for global investors and partners, and the opportunities that arise from our collective strength are boundless,” Secretary Manalo said.

Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs and ASEAN-PH Director General, Daniel R Espiritu, in turn, stressed the vital role of the youth in regional development and security, echoing sentiments expressed by ASEAN Leaders at the 42nd ASEAN Summit held in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.

The Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Agus Widjojo, celebrated ASEAN's achievements under Indonesia's leadership, acknowledging the pivotal role of Filipino youth in ASEAN's future. Meanwhile, His Excellency Sonexay Vannaxay, Lao Ambassador to the Philippines, discussed the upcoming ASEAN Chairship of the Lao PDR in 2024, emphasizing the need for continued support and collaboration among ASEAN Member States and dialogue partners.

The highlight of the event was a comprehensive presentation on ASEAN History and its Milestones, covering the three (3) Pillars of the ASEAN Community: Political-Security Community, Economic Community, and Socio-Cultural Community. Over 200 students majoring in Political Science and Asian Studies actively participated in discussions and received giveaways and special prizes from the Embassies of ASEAN Member States in Manila, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Commision on Higher Education (CHED) and ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB) during the engaging session.

In addition to the discussions, the ASEAN Philippines National Secretariat facilitated the turnover of on-loan ASEAN books and figurines, enriching the knowledge base of the University of Santo Tomas and its students on ASEAN matters.

The launch of the ASEAN Roadshow 2023 in Manila marks a significant step toward  strengthening the ASEAN Community in the Philippines by empowering the Filipino youth to contribute not only through meaningful discourse on ASEAN, but also on how youth engagement can be tapped for the region's continued growth and stability.  END

Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo delivers his keynote address highlighting the objectives of the ASEAN Roadshow Project. 

ASEAN Philippines National Secretariat conducts a two-hour presentation on ASEAN History and its Milestones and a brief overview in all three ASEAN pillars .

ASEAN Philippines National Secretariat facilitates the turnover of on-loan ASEAN books and figurines to the University of Santo Tomas 

The Resource Speakers, members of the organizing Committee of DFA and UST

The Resource Speakers, members of the organizing Committee of DFA and UST and the 200 students happily participated in the group photo.