08 August 2013 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario led the celebration of the 46th Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Wednesday, August 07, at the National Museum, which was attended by members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of government agencies implementing the activities of the three pillars of ASEAN, namely: the ASEAN Political and Security Community, the ASEAN Economic Community, and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.
In his remarks, Secretary del Rosario noted ASEAN’s transformation into a “credible regional organization with legal entity, that is making steady progress towards building a well integrated, well connected and people centered community.”
“The ASEAN Charter,” the Secretary said, “enshrined the promotion of peace and stability, pursuance of peaceful settlement of disputes, the rule of law 
and good governance.” He underscored that the Philippines is committed to continue to nurture, intensify and sustain its meaningful participation in ASEAN.
The celebration commenced with a parade of the ASEAN flag and the flags of the ten (10) ASEAN Member States. The parade was joined by Ambassadors from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam. The program included cultural performances by the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) Angklung Ensemble, the Bayanihan Dance Company and the DFA Chorale.
An exhibit featuring the works of the finalists of the ASEAN-Philippines Painting Contest was also displayed. The three (3) winners of the Painting Contest were awarded Certificates of Artistic Excellence and cash prizes by Secretary del Rosario and National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman Felipe De Leon, Jr. during the reception. The art works will have public exhibitions at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine Normal University (PNU) and the Shangrila Mall Plaza.
Other government agencies and universities are scheduled to hold festivities in commemoration of ASEAN Day such as University of Sto. Tomas (UST), Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU), Philippine Normal University (PNU), Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), University of Makati (UM), San Beda College of Alabang, and University of the Philippines – Diliman (UP).
The Philippines, as founding member of ASEAN, annually celebrates ASEAN Day to highlight the achievements of ASEAN and to promote greater awareness of ASEAN among Filipinos. END