Phl vows to intensify participation in Asean

MANILA, Philippines - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the Philippines is committed to continue to nurture, intensify and sustain its meaningful participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Leading the 46th ASEAN anniversary celebration on Wednesday at the National Museum in Manila, Del Rosario cited ASEAN’s transformation into a “credible regional organization with legal entity, that is making steady progress towards building a well-integrated, well-connected and people-centered community.”

The celebration was attended by members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of government agencies implementing activities of the ASEAN three pillars – political and security community, economic community, and socio-cultural community.

“The ASEAN Charter enshrined the promotion of peace and stability, pursuance of peaceful settlement of disputes, rule of law and good governance,” Del Rosario said.

The event started with a parade of flags of the 10 member states. Ambassadors from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam joined the parade.

The Philippines, as founding member of the organization, annually celebrates ASEAN Day to highlight ASEAN achievements and promote greater ASEAN awareness among Filipinos.

Mindanao dev’t

President Aquino vowed yesterday to fast-track the country’s integration into the ASEAN economic community in 2015 by pushing for further development of Mindanao.

Aquino said he recognizes the potential of Mindanao in terms of infrastructure, agriculture and tourism which can fully be harnessed with the measures government will take within the next two years.

“All these could only be done through accessibility and connectivity. We are working on it in different aspects to prepare Mindanao for ASEAN integration,” he told reporters after addressing the 22nd Mindanao Business Conference at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City.

Business leaders sought an increase in the infrastructure budget as well as information communication technology/transport, logistics agribusiness and tourism development for Mindanao, among the policy agenda they would want the President to address. – Pia Lee-Brago, Edith Regalado