EDITORIAL — ASEAN remains significant

The 12th ASEAN Summit is winding down. Pretty soon the fever that afflicted us Cebuanos for several months leading up to the most important international event we have every hosted will subside. It will be back to business for most of us.

But there is no forgetting what transpired here over several days. What seeds may have been planted, what bridges may have been built, are certain to bear fruit at some later date, are certain to be crossed at some later time.

Not all accords and milestones reached during the week-long event will have effects that will be palpable to many, whether now or in the future. To the local mind, there may not even be anything more significant about ASEAN beyond our hosting of the activity.

Indeed, even some ASEAN insiders consider it as something that needs drastic overhauling under pain of losing significance. Such a thought does not do justice to an organization that has grown over the years to gather almost all of the countries in the region under its wing.

Yes, ASEAN operates by consensus and its agreements are not binding. But there is some promise that these things may change. But whether they change or not, that is not the only way to look at the organization and then pass judgment that it is a failure.

From its early roots as MAPHILINDO (Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia) to SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization) and then to its present form as ASEAN, there is no denying its role in making the region one of the most peaceful and progressive in the world.

To be sure, there are conflicts within the region. But these have not exploded beyond particular borders. And yes its progress is largely spotty. Some countries are filthy rich while some remain dirt poor.

But by and large ASEAN has done very well. If it has not, its dialogue partners would not have grown to its present numbers, numbers that include some of the richest and most powerful nations in the world.

ASEAN is alive and well. It continues to be a significant and influential international grouping. And to have been part of its doings, even if for only a week, is enough to make all of us Cebuanos mighty proud of ourselves.