By: Sophia Pacheco
Photo courtesy: Julia Eguillano / The LANCE
The College of Education, Liberal Arts, and Sciences (CELAS) launched the two-day event entitled ‘ASEAN in Action: Now and Future Opportunities’ on Wednesday, Sept. 3-4, aiming to deepen understanding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Assoc. Prof. Eric N. Awi, PhD, Dean of CELAS, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of the event as a platform to discuss dialogues that shape the community.
He encouraged participants to strengthen their commitment to collaboration, noting that the gathering serves as a call to pursue ‘a more resilient and inclusive ASEAN community’.
“May this occasion encourage us all to strengthen our commitment to collaboration and continuing pursuit of a more resilient and inclusive ASEAN community,” he said.
The opening was followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the formal launch of the ASEAN exhibit. Tarpaulins and cultural displays highlighting different ASEAN member countries, with presentations evaluated by a panel of judges.
Additionally, presentations of national costumes showcased traditional attire from Brunei, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Philippines, and Timor-Leste.
Booths representing various ASEAN countries also opened, where student representatives discussed their respective nations’ traditions, languages, cultural practices, goals, and advocacies.
Round Table Discussion
The second day opened with remarks from Inst. John Renzo Espinosa, NSTP Chairperson, who highlighted ASEAN’s role in sparking partnerships ‘in a fast-changing world’.
“Today, we come together not only to celebrate this achievement of ASEAN, but also to engage in meaningful dialogue, and the regions’ dynamic path towards developments.”
The discussion was moderated by Reika Mei Muleta and Alexis Victoria Peralta, with panelists from the Political and Legal Studies (PALS) area including Inst. Gilda Quiñones, Inst. Espinosa, and Asst. Prof. Franz Jude Abelgas.
The roundtable tackled topics on political cooperation, youth engagement, economic growth, and cultural identity.
On the question of balancing national interest and regional cooperation, Quiñones stressed the need to understand ASEAN’s goals and limitations, while Espinosa underscored the principle of ‘unity in diversity’. Abelgas emphasized that respect, rather than balance, guides ASEAN’s approach to differences among its members.
When asked about the role of youth in shaping ASEAN’s future, panelists agreed that young people are central to driving innovation and discourse, particularly through social media and forums such as Model United Nations (MUN).
“You, as a youth, can participate in moving track diplomacy, such as, for example, join organizations that are in relation to the initiatives of ASEAN, and as simple as being educated or taking interest pagdating sa activities…” Quiñones answered.
“The population ng gumagamit ng social media, mostly mga kabataan…you are the ones who are creating the content…you can actually manifest the ASEAN way, you can manifest what you want…” Abelgas added.
Espinosa described the youth as ‘the engine of engagement for discussions and actions’, while Abelgas noted that content creation provides a platform for youth participation in ASEAN-related conversations.
“Marami nang avenue where young people can enhance themselves, not just sa pagtingin o sa pag-aanalisa ng mga programa,” Espinosa shared.
On the principle of consensus and non-interference, Quiñones explained that while mutual agreement strengthens unity, it can also cause delays in addressing urgent issues such as the Myanmar crisis.
The economic segment of the discussion highlighted Southeast Asia’s attractiveness to investors due to its location, young workforce, and growing middle class. Espinosa pointed out the region’s “geopolitical advantage” and demographic strength.
While Quiñones and Abelgas raised the importance of reducing corruption and building investor confidence.
The discussion also explored culture as a defining element of ASEAN identity. Abelgas emphasized that ‘a big chunk of our identity comes from our culture’, noting that shared traditions and histories provide a foundation for both security and economic development in the region.
The event concluded with a closing remarks from Assoc. Prof. Awi, encouraging students to continue engaging with ASEAN-related topics.
“May these ideas inspire us to strengthen our awareness and commitment to regional cooperation,” he said.