Maximize media in promoting the ASEAN benefits-Andanar
By Jerome Carlo R. Paunan
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar encouraged the use of all communication tools in promoting the benefits of ASEAN.
Andanar, also the Philippines ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) Leader, addressed the 20th Meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Committee for Culture and Information (ASEAN COCI) Sub-Committee on Information (SCI) opening ceremony on March 27, 2019 at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Manila.
The two-day meeting was attended by delegates from the 10 ASEAN member-states, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and representatives from ASEAN Secretariat to discuss the implementation of ASEAN-COCI projects and activities.
“With all the communication tools now available to us, both traditional and digital media, I encourage you all to continue to maximize all of these in harping on the benefits of ASEAN. Alongside this are our continuing efforts as well to develop our information and media professionals to be better and more effective communicators,” Andanar said.
He cited ASEAN’s achievements on social development, environmental protection, and cultural heritage preservation and encourages everyone to continue the initiatives.
“Now here lies the continuing challenge for us in the ASEAN information sector to further step up our efforts in bringing to our peoples the message that ASEAN is working for them and that, as the ASEAN Communication Master Plan puts it, ASEAN is indeed a community of opportunities for all,” he said
PCOO Undersecretary George Apacible as chairperson, presided over the meeting with Mr. Ann Hee Kyet from Ministry of Communications and Information of Singapore as Vice-Chair.
“The Sub-Committee on Information (SCI) forefronts the ASEAN Awareness with flagship projects in line with the adoption of ASEAN Masterplan and more communication projects,” Apacible said during the opening session.
The Philippine delegation includes Philippine Broadcasting Services (PBS) Director General Rizal Giovanni “Bong” Aportadera, People’s Television Network (PTV) Special Committee on International Relations Ms. Elenita Directo, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Harold Clavite, PIA Information Officers Rhea Sy and Leeloo Badillos-Macadaeg.
In March 2018, Philippines initiated the conduct of the ASEAN-Japan Forum on Media and Information Literacy (MIL) which promotes Cyber Wellness for the Youth.
Through the MIL awareness campaign, the participants from ASEAN member states, strategically developed best practices and tackled responsible online use of social channels.
It also pushes for the promotion of cyber wellness among ASEAN youth to further continue through the development of multimedia materials and discuss key issues in the youth’s online use and behavior.
ASEAN COCI was set up to promote effective cooperation in the fields of culture and information to enhance mutual understanding and solidarity among ASEAN people.