ACC fosters unity and collaboration during ASEAN MONTH CELEBRATION
By Rose Ann N. Villote
Abuyog Community College fostered unity and collaboration as they enjoins in the kick-off activity of the 56th ASEAN Month celebration spearheaded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Monday,August 7.
Chaired by Indonesia in this year’s ASEAN celebration with the theme, “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”, the ACC academic and administrative council members representing Malaysia joined forces in the simultaneous flag raising ceremony and proceed to the Business Incubation Facility for the virtual opening program.
The said event served as a platform for the Philippine higher education to broaden their horizons, appreciate diversity, and develop a global perspective.
Continuing the hallmark, was the recapitulation of the successful 55th ASEAN celebration through a video recording with a series of regional and national activities conducted. These included ASEAN leaders training, mentoring, coaching sessions, conferences, student workshops, cultural showcase, and art displays to promote the importance of internalization in Philippine Higher Education.
Meanwhile, the CHED Regional Office 8 prepared series of activities which includes the Motorcade and ASEAN Info- Session on Trans- National Education on August 14, ASEAN Commemorative Contest Set A ( Essay writing contest and Poster making contest) , ASEAN Commemorative Contest Set B ( Dance Sport, Spoken Word Poetry, Chorale Competition) on August 18, IZN Seminar on the Best Practices Towards Internalization on August 24, and ASEAN festivals of Talents and Closing Ceremony scheduled on August 31.
In his special message, Assistant Secretary, Office of ASEAN Affairs Department of Foreign Affairs , Mr. Daniel R. Espiritu, believed the relevant roles of preparing the youth as they served to be the ASEAN’s valuable assets in the future and he congratulated the commemoration and stylish efforts of CHED in forging partnerships and collaboration towards inclusive and quality education.
In addition, Director of Human Development Directorate ASEAN Socio- Cultural Community (ASCC) Department ASEAN Secretariat, Ms. Rodora Babaran, encapsulated the pivotal road of ASEAN place in shaping the future of the region. She also extended her gratitude to the higher education for the continuous initiative to commemorate the ASEAN founding anniversary.
As the event continues, Centre Director , SEAMEO Regional Centre for Higher Education (SEAMO- RIHED), Dr. Romyen Kosaikanont, expressed her appreciation of being part of ASEAN and underlining shared priorities which is focusing on building peace, security, and stability for the region.
Increasing the event’s melodiously, the AFMS chorale perform the timeless Indonesian song entitled Tana Ayerku which translates to my homeland composed by Ibu Sud, beautifully expresses the deep love and connection of Indonesian to their homeland, culture and people.
Moreover, Commission on Higher Education chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III, emphasized the tremendous growth of ASEAN Economically and culturally.
“In higher education you’ll now see that some of the best universities in the world are coming from the ASEAN.” he added.
Capping off the virtual celebration was the video greetings from the different ASEAN embassies in the Philippines and presentation of promotional videos that reflects respect for cultural differences, cooperation and increased understanding of ASEAN vision for a harmonious future.