23 November 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Singapore conducted the seminar, entitled “ASEAN and the ASEAN Economic Community: An Overview,” at the Lavender Room in Orchard Hotel on November 14. Fifty-four (54) personnel of the Embassy and attached agencies participated in the event, which aimed to provide correct and updated information about ASEAN to place the participants in a position to contribute in raising public awareness and help generate support for the Philippines’ ASEAN involvement, as well as learn ways on how to help the Philippines take full advantage of its membership in the regional grouping. 

The first of three speakers was First Secretary and Consul J. Anthony A. Reyes, who talked about the history and membership of ASEAN, its structures and functions and an overview on the Philippines’ participation in the organization. Commercial Counsellor Glenn T. Peñaranda talked about the challenges and opportunities of the ASEAN Economic Community and the Philippine game plan. Labor Attaché Ramon Tionloc, Jr. talked about the labor mobility in ASEAN.

In opening the activity, Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Antonio A. Morales underscored the importance of ASEAN for the Philippines, and how the seminar was a right start towards the capacity-building of the personnel of the Embassy and attached agencies. He emphasized that being in the front lines, Embassy personnel are in a position to help generate public interest and to support the country’s involvement in ASEAN. To be able to do this effectively, personnel should be equipped with the right knowledge and updated information for them to share with the public, particularly on what ASEAN is all about, how the Philippines, its businesses and people can benefit and take advantage of the opportunities that are available, as well as face the challenges that may arise from the ASEAN integration process. END