ANGELES CITY – To kick off the country’s hosting of the 50th founding year of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), this city has joined the nationwide simultaneous ASEAN50 lantern lighting at the Bayanihan Park on Tuesday.
With the theme “Under One Light, We Are One ASEAN”, the celebration, spearheaded by the Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), signifies the country’s homage and unity among ASEAN members.
The commemorative program aimed at raising public awareness on the country’s hosting of the ASEAN anniversary. It also highlights the importance and benefits of being a member of the ASEAN community which goals are geared towards better programs and projects for peace and security, prosperity, socio-cultural development and international understanding.
The ASEAN was established on August 8, 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand with five pioneering countries named as the “Five Founding Fathers” which include Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines.
The nationwide lighting of the ASEAN50 lantern was simultaneously held by participating cities at seven o’clock in the evening. A grand fireworks display and a mardi gras of Filipino ethnic dances concluded the city’s commemorative event at the iconic ‘Salakot’.
Gracing the celebration are Vice Mayor Bryan Matthew Nepomuceno and members of the city council, DILG City Director Martin Moral, local government officials, barangay officials, local government employees, and representatives from non-govermental organizations.
Students from the different educational institutions in the city including tourism students from the City College of Angeles, also attended the program as part of their immersion activity.