DFA Consular Office in Cebu Marks ASEAN’s 58th Anniversary with a Showcase of Unity, Solidarity, and Diversity
Dr. Angel H. Espiritu Jr., Acting Head of DFA Consular Office in Cebu (center) leads flag ceremony with staff wearing their ASEAN-inspired attire (photo courtesy of Jaezer J. Agatea)
CEBU 12 August 2025 — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Consular Office in Cebu celebrated the 58th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from 4 to 8 August 2025. The event served as a meaningful and timely opportunity to raise awareness of ASEAN’s identity, particularly with the Philippines set to host the ASEAN Chairship in 2026.
The celebration began on 4 August as part of the DFA Consular Office’s regular Monday Flag Ceremony, where the ASEAN flag was proudly displayed, and the ASEAN Anthem was played. DFA Consular Office in Cebu’s employees enthusiastically donned ASEAN-inspired and colorful national costumes, showcasing the cultural diversity that defines the region. This ceremony set the tone for celebrating ASEAN's rich and varied heritage.
Dr. Angel H. Espiritu Jr., Acting Head of the DFA Consular Office in Cebu, emphasized the importance of raising ASEAN’s identity among the staff. He stressed the need for a deeper understanding of ASEAN’s role among the Consular Office’s staff, particularly as the Philippines is a founding member of the regional organization.
To further deepen this understanding, a basic introductory session on ASEAN was held on 5 August, attended by all DFA Consular Office employees. The session offered valuable facts about ASEAN’s history, geography, demographics, mandate, and key milestones. This provided the staff with a more comprehensive understanding of the region’s landscape. Following the session, attendees participated in an interactive trivia quiz to test their factual knowledge of ASEAN.
The DFA Consular Office also organized a Flag Recognition Game Challenge for its clientele on 7 August. Clients were invited to match flags from ASEAN member countries, with participants receiving packets of dried mangoes. This interactive activity offered a simple, fun and educational way to engage its clientele with ASEAN’s collective identity.
On 8 August, which is the founding date of the establishment of ASEAN back in 1967, the DFA Cebu Consular staff shared a "Happy ASEAN Day" cake, strengthening camaraderie and teamwork within the Consular Office.
Through these engaging activities, the DFA Consular Office in Cebu made its own unique contribution to raising awareness of the ASEAN identity. It also provided a valuable platform for both staff and clients to connect, learn, and celebrate the cultural richness of the ASEAN community, highlighting the office’s role in delivering consular services in the Philippines.
The DFA Consular Office in Cebu is on the 3rd floor of Robinsons Galleria, Cebu City, and is open Monday to Friday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays. END
Ms. Kimberly P. Robles, DFA Cebu Consular Officer presents the historical background of ASEAN to her colleagues in the DFA Consular Office in Cebu. (photo courtesy of Jaezer J. Agatea)
Employees of the DFA Consular Office in Cebu participate in an interactive trivia quiz. (photo courtesy of Jaezer J. Agatea)
An applicant receives dried mangoes after participating in the ASEAN flag recognition game challenge. (photo courtesy of Antonette Derecho)
Dr. Angel H. Espiritu Jr., Acting Head of DFA Consular Office in Cebu leads the cake-cutting of the “Happy ASEAN Day” cake. (photo courtesy of Jaezer J. Agatea)