Text and photos by John Felip Gerasol and Joseph Nebres
The 56th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was celebrated during a grand opening at SM City Iloilo on August 29, 2023, participated by 13 Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in Region VI representing their designated ASEAN countries.
Themed “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth,” the anniversary celebration echoed the pivotal role of the ASEAN community in the ever-evolving global landscape.
The ASEAN booths are still open to the public until September 1, 2023, located on the ground floor of SM City Iloilo.
In the words of Dr. Raul Alvarez Jr., Director IV of CHEDRO VI, “We should appreciate the culture and the rich heritage of our ASEAN neighbors. It is only then that we can establish full understanding, and most importantly, respect. We cannot respect other people for who they are if we cannot understand them.”
The event was hosted by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office VI in collaboration with the Western Visayas Association of Higher Education Institutions (WVAHEHI), Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U), and John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU).