Kalinga studes learn more about ASEAN in youth forum

MORE than 800 students from various colleges and high schools in the province attended the 2017 ASEAN Youth Forum at the Kalinga Sports Complex last Wednesday.

The event is part of the nationwide sorties by the Presidential Communication Operation Office (PCOO) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) to promote awareness on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN 2017 which also marks the 50th founding anniversary of this 10 member- nation regional organization.

Joseph Zambrano of PIA-Cordillera Administrative Region discussed ASEAN overview and the ASEAN Community’s positive implications to economy, travel, security, culture and global engagement.

Serafina Tenenan of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-CAR elaborated on the ASEAN’s goal to eradicate illegal drug trade and use.

Citing the present drug abuse situation of the country, Tenenan told the youth how shabu, which is the commonly abused illegal drug, would destroy one’s health, dreams and life.

She also explained the indiscriminate taking-in of marijuana for ‘medicinal’ advantage usually leads to drug-addiction that is why there is still serious debate on its legalization.

Meanwhile, Menzie Kuengan of the Commission on Higher Education-CAR presented higher education opportunities enjoyed by students

brought by the ASEAN integration.

In the region today, openings for foreign students exchange program are offered by member-nations like what some students from state universities enjoy, Kuengan noted.

PIA CAR also conducted literary and visual arts contests as another way of promoting ASEAN and engaging the students. (PIA Kalinga)