ASEAN in the countryside

2017 is a significant year for the Philippines and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). It is the 50th founding anniversary of ASEAN and the Philippines is the 2017 chair. We can understand the frequent travels of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to our ASEAN neighbors starting last year as he endeavours to set a common understanding and appreciation of the issue facing ASEAN among the ASEAN leaders. The dividend will be a smooth and productive ASEAN Leaders summit later this year.

It is however, sad to note that the level of knowledge and understanding of the Filipinos of ASEAN is less than that of our neighbors. This is a product of years of cursory attention given to the dissemination of ASEAN developments by the government and even the Philippine mass media. While recalling some ads (the Ogie Alcasid spiel), it does not compare well with the fact that in some ASEAN countries (Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia), there is a regular portion in their TV news highlighting the latest from their ASEAN neighbors. In their broadsheets, there is a section devoted to news and commentaries on ASEAN.

In the Philippines, it is safe to assume that urban Filipinos in Metropolitan Manila would be more knowledgeable about ASEAN than their counterparts in the Philippine country side. Already firms in “imperial Manila” are feeling the effects, positive or otherwise, of the ASEAN Economic Community with the free flow of capital, goods & services, and human resources.

In the countryside where the impact of ASEAN will be the greatest, there is little appreciation of the tremendous opportunities and challenges that ASEAN is bringing. Many Filipinos are not aware that the K to 12 Program is one way of levelling up Philippine education to match that of our ASEAN counterparts so that the Philippines can fully benefit from the free flow of human resources. Other reforms like tax reforms will improve our business competitiveness vis-à-vis other ASEAN enterprises and the consolidation of the Philippine banking system will ensure our ability to participate meaningfully in the free flow of capital.

It is good that the Duterte administration has followed the practice set by the Fidel Ramos administration when the Philippines hosted APEC where meetings of ministers are held not in Metro Manila but in key centers in the country side. One such meeting was held in Bacolod City, which has become an attractive venue for national conferences due to the efforts of Mayor Bing Leonardia and his team to build on the native hospitality and elegance of the Ilonggos. Holding the ASEAN meetings in the countryside does not only allow the officials of other ASEAN countries to see the development in rural Philippines but also understand and appreciate the culture of our archipelagic Philippines. It is also a splendid opportunity to educate local citizens on ASEAN as was done in some areas where the local school children took part in an ASEAN roadshow.

Even the decision of the Federation of Philippine Senior Amateur Gofers, Inc. (FPASGI) of which I am president to hold the 34th ASEAN Senior Golfers Tournament on October 17 -21 in the Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club, Cavite, instead of in Metro Manila and to lodge the more than 300 participants in Tagaytay City was done to showcase the best of the Philippine countryside. The support of the province of Cavite under Governor Boying Remulla as co-host, facilitated by my organizing committee co-chairman Munding del Rosario is indicative of the enthusiasm of the local officials to be part of the ASEAN celebrations.

All these efforts should not stop after 2017. The Duterte administration should continue to focus on the ASEAN by updating the Filipino people on the ASEAN developments and their implications for the country and our citizens. Having our TV programs and broadsheets carry regular sections on ASEAN will be useful. A concerted effort is needed to inform and enlighten the public on each significant ASEAN agreement so that they can prepare to take advantage of any opportunities as well as be ready to overcome any challenges.

ASEAN is here to stay and it should be in the Filipino consciousness now and forever.