Davao Hosts ASEAN 2017 Chairmanship Launch

Davao City was in the limelight again last weekend when it hosted the launch of the ASEAN 2017 chairmanship. It was a great honor for the city to accommodate dignitaries from the different parts of Southeast Asia as President Rodrigo Duterte officially launched the chairmanship of the Philippines in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. This event is made more special as the ASEAN marks its 50th year this 2017.

With the theme "Partnering for Change, Engaging the World," President Duterte stressed the commitment of the Philippines to improve the lives of each citizen in the region.

"Today in Davao City let us renew the solemn pledge to do all we can for the very core of our national and regional interests: our peoples. For an ASEAN citizen, the ASEAN Community must provide opportunities for a truly better life."

 Also unveiled during the launch ceremony attended by the 10 ambassadors of the ASEAN member countries and other top government officials of the country were the commemorative coin and special stamp.

Last September 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte accepted the chairmanship during the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos. During his acceptance speech, he pointed out the focus of his leadership. "During the Philippines’ chairmanship, we will highlight ASEAN as a model of regionalism and a global player with the interests of our peoples at its core.We will pursue initiatives and enhance cooperation with global partners to ensure that ASEAN citizens live in peace, stability, security and growth, while maintaining ASEAN centrality, unity and solidarity for all times."

I salute the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) led by Secretary Martin Andanar for being active in disseminating information to the public about what ASEAN is all about including its mission and achievements. Their effort to conduct roadshows to reach out to the younger generation around the country is very admirable.

With the help of social media in addition to traditional media, the PCOO has been true to its commitment of transparency especially with regards to President Duterte's activities. It has also initiated steps to improve the old facilities of government-owned media outlets around the country.

Founded in  August 1967 in Thailand with the Philippines as one of the founding members, the ASEAN's mission is to promote economic growth, social progress and cultural development, regional peace and stability, and Southeast Asian studies in the region. It also aims to provide assistance to each other in the form of training and research facilities in the educational, professional, technical and administrative spheres; and maintain close and beneficial cooperation with existing international and regional organisations.

I am honored to be there at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier during the chairmanship launch together with fellow Davao Bloggers Society members Naprey Almario and Jodivie Malnegro. We share in the pride that many Davaoenos felt during this very important event.

At the media lounge with Jodivie Malnegro. 

The Davao Bloggers Society representatives. Photo by Naprey Almario (center),

The ASEAN 2017 Exhibit at SMX Convention Center.