As a way to celebrate the first-ever ASEAN Day in West Visayas State University, women’s issues were highlighted as a theme for the 54th ASEAN Celebration, says the University’s Center for International Linkages (CILPI) Director, Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka.

In her message, Prof. Csoka believed that “women issues never end” as an answer to why focus on women in the panel discussion.

She also told that regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, and political system, this ASEAN Day celebration is also a reminder to all the ASEAN brothers and sisters that “we look after them, [and] we protect each other” as a way to better prepare for uncertainties so that “we could prosper together as one.”

“This is high time to look around and see what we could contribute not just by being keyboard warriors but by being the change that we want,” Prof.  Csoka stated.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jeanette J. Simpas, Director of Gender and Development Office, said that women’s participation in the community is one step towards a world where someday, women will participate on equal grounds with men.

“I hope that this panel discussion will bring you insights to our work and mission as people who care for one another and that we will use our learnings to reflect on how we can benefit from different perspectives of our panelists to further women’s empowerment and development in the communities,” Dr. Simpas said.

Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, University President, was also thankful for having this panel discussion initiated by the CILPI Office, which will further promote the country’s sense of regional identity in Southeast Asia.

“Over the years, we have witnessed how cultural and academic exchanges have nourished between and among ASEAN member countries and this afternoon’s event is a clear manifestation of West Visayas State University’s support to the ASEAN community,” Dr. Villaruz shared.

This event was the 1st ASEAN Day Celebration in WVSU with the theme We Care, We Prepare,  We Prosper in honor of Brunei Darussalam’s chairmanship of this year’s anniversary of the Association of SouthEast Asian Nations, to encourage the WVSU community more to learn the different cultures and issues surrounding the ASEAN, and  in partnership with the Gender and Development Office, Development Communicators’ Society, and Young Journalists’ Society.# -Jonar Dorado/CILPI