ASEAN to promote people-oriented community

CEBU, Philippines - The ASEAN ministers responsible for information have agreed during its four-day conference that the information sector shall work together with all ASEAN sectors to promote a people-oriented, people-centered community as envisioned by the theme “ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together.”

Herminio Coloma Jr., secretary of the Philippine Presidential Communications Office, in a press conference yesterday said that this will allow ASEAN to be presented as one community of opportunities where people can actively participate in ASEAN events and activities, enjoy a higher quality of life, and proactively contribute to the global community.

Coloma also said that only a few people are aware of ASEAN and what it does.

The ministers have agreed on the necessity of regularly monitoring the public’s level of ASEAN awareness.

Coloma said that it is for this reason that they asked the help of the media in disseminating information about ASEAN.

“We want to increase the level of awareness and knowledge of the people about ASEAN,” Coloma said.

Coloma also said that the 2017 ASEAN Summit, which marks the 50th founding anniversary of ASEAN, will be held in the Philippines.

In 2007, Cebu hosted the ASEAN Summit at the Cebu International Convention Center, in Mandaue City.

Coloma said, however, that he has no information yet about the venue for the 2017 ASEAN Summit, to be held on August 8.

“I am not aware of any discussion yet. Abangan na lang. All I know, the committees have been organized. Hintayin na lang natin,” Coloma added.

The ASEAN Summit is an annual meeting of leaders of Southeast Asian countries to discuss economic and cultural development.

The ten member states are the Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. — (FREEMAN)