ASEAN info session with RAGCOM NorthMin held in CDO

An Information Session (Info Session) with the Regional Association of Government Communicators (RAGCOM) in Northern Mindanao was among the final highlights of ASEAN-info related activities set by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) region 10 for 2017.

Held on 18 December 2017 at N Hotel Cagayan de Oro City, Elaine Ratunil, ASEAN focal person shared highlights of ASEAN achievements this year. The Philippines as one of ASEANs founding fathers has been the chair of this year's ASEAN's 50th anniversary with the theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World.”

Among the important highlights of this year's ASEAN summit is the cooperation on the six thematic priorities. First is People oriented and people centered ASEAN, where a consensus was signed to better promote and protect the rights of migrant workers which will provide them better social protection, easier access to justice and health services and treated more humanely and fairly.

In terms of peace and stability in the region, ASEAN will counter and eradicate violent extremism and forge maritime security and cooperation. With the completion of code of conduct in the south china sea, between ASEAN and China, the two sides will start negotiation which will help effectively to resolve the tensions and potential conflicts in the south china sea.

Further, ASEAN and China have also agreed to cooperate to protect coastal and marine environment in the south china sea.

Moreover, with regards to inclusive innovation led growth, free trade agreements, ASEAN will help MSMEs to be integrated in the global value chain inclusive of business representing the interest of women, youth and underserved sectors and encourage and reward firm and business that generate employment opportunities and harness science and technology and innovation for sustainable development.

On ASEAN's resiliency, ASEAN will strengthen coordination and collaboration with various stakeholders in enhancing capacities to responding to disasters and health situations.

Ratunil said that this 50year old regional organization continues to grow, envisioning a peaceful, stable and resilient community with enhance capacity to respond effectively to challenges.

Sha added that ASEAN sees that Member States like the Philippines are ready for a globalized world; our interest as a region is furthered and our needs as a region is addressed – economic, social or political; peace and order prevails all over the ASEAN, which is foundational to economic growth and social development and that the ASEAN is ready to face challenges, including calamities and disasters.

The info session also included basic photography and social media for government for information officers.