CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The ASEAN 2017 hosted recently a multi-sectoral forum with information and service caravan at The Trade Hall, SM City Pampanga.
Hundreds of delegates and representatives from various national agencies, local government units (LGU), organizations, schools and universities participated in the activity, which tackled crucial issues affecting the ASEAN, including the country’s maritime dispute over the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), which facilitated the multi-sectoral forum, conducted the information drive on WPS issue.
According PIA Regional Director William Beltran, every Filipino must be fully informed of their rights and interests when it comes to the West Phil Sea issue, and should be determined to claim and defend these rights by disseminating acquired information to others.
Beltran, meanwhile, said it is an honour for the Philippines to chair the ASEAN 2017 as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the association.
The celebration is also a great opportunity to know more about ASEAN and its relevance and significance in everyone of us, Beltran added.
This year’s theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World”, shows the Philippine government’s strong advocacy to promote unity among its members and global partners.
Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan also graced the event as one of the keynote speakers.
Pamintuan stressed that it is important to think about the progress of the country and what lies ahead.
ASEAN was founded in 1967 and has since matured into a community that focuses on economic integration and growth.