DEPED, SCHOOLS BOLSTER COMMUNITY AWARENESS THRU ASEAN 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

NICOLAS H. CONTRERAS, JR.

In line with its goal to raise awareness on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Community, the Department of Education (DepEd) enjoined all schools to commemorate the ASEAN’s 50th founding anniversary which was held last August 8.

The month of August bustled with various events promoting ASEAN integration, as it was declared by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as the “ASEAN Month” through Proclamation No. 282.

From August to September, public and private schools all throughout the country, as well as the division and regional offices of DepEd, carried out activities anchored on the theme, “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World,” including poster and video making, essay and slogan writing, extemporaneous speech, speech choir, film showing, food festival, lesson integration, and quiz bee.

These were pursuant to the memorandum dated July 19, 2017 from Tonisito M.C. Umali, Esq., Assistant Secretary for Legislative Liaison Office, External Partnership Service, and School Sports.

Among the noteworthy observances were an ASEAN Food and Travel Expo, ASEAN Fashion Festival, food festival showcasing various cuisines of ASEAN countries, presentations featuring the culture of member countries, ASEAN information and updates, a theater play funded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA) and cultural games or laro ng lahi.

Several other undertakings were earlier conducted in partnership with other government offices including the Philippine Information Agency which facilitated the ASEAN Campus Youth Forum and Trivia Games in Dumaguete City.

Schools further took part in the grand float parade exhibiting the diverse cultures of ASEAN member countries, which was collaboratively headed by agencies such as the Department of Tourism (DOT), the NCCA, and the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA).

DepEd offices and schools also adhered to Civil Service Memorandum Circular No. 6, s. 2016 as reflected in DepEd Memorandum No. 3, s. 2017, through hoisting of ASEAN flags; posting of ASEAN information materials in print and online; singing of ASEAN anthem; and sharing of ASEAN information and updates during flag raising ceremonies, and other employee assembly, among others.

The Department is keen to continue strengthening this endeavor to instill among learners and stakeholders the key role of the ASEAN community in advancing economic growth, in social and cultural developments, and in the attainment of quality, accessible, relevant, and liberating basic education for all.

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The author is Teacher III Gov. Rafael L Lazatin Integrated School