28 March 2014 - National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman Felipe M. de Leon, Jr. visited the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane, Laos on March 21 for a lecture on “ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC).”   

Prior to the lecture, a bilateral meeting between Chairman de Leon and IFA officials, led by Deputy Director General (DDG) Vieng Ngeun Khaykhamphithoune, was held. DDG Khaykhamphithoune briefed Chairman de Leon on the functions and activities of the Institute.  She also noted the various cooperation activities between IFA and the Philippine Foreign Service Institute.

During the lecture, Chairman de Leon discussed the Southeast Asian ethnicity and culture.  He explained that the basis of Southeast Asian diversity is a strong sense of community.  Chairman de Leon also laid down an ASEAN Road Map in preparation for the establishment of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASC). 

Following the lecture, the participants had a fruitful exchange with Chairman de Leon on creativity vs. efficiency; challenges in establishing the ASC; best practices in promoting Philippine and Lao cultural heritage; and possibilities for enhanced cooperation through increased exchanges in the field of arts and culture.   

The lecture was attended by Lao Foreign Ministry officials, as well as officials from the other line agencies including the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Investments, among others. END