VICE President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio recognizes the important role of the youth in achieving the goals of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), in line with the bloc’s 55th founding anniversary this August.

During the flag raising ceremony of the Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday, DuterteCarpio urged Asean membercountries to invest in the youth by equipping them with knowledge and skill set to thrive in a competitive environment.

“I believe that for the Asean to be able to successfully pursue its regional agenda, it should be able to maintain its strong presence in the world and should seriously invest in the youth. As we endeavor to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, our challenge is to figure out how to ensure that all of Asean will reach its potential by 2030. I believe that we should focus on the Asean youth,” she said.

The DepEd chief emphasized the importance of providing access to quality education, instilling a deep sense of love for their country, and strengthening intraregional scholarships and cultural exchanges. She said that this would encourage and increase the free flow of ideas, innovation and skills that would lead to the success of Asean as a bloc.

“Each of our countries has unique strengths. But our diversity is our strength. To help each other, we must develop our human capital and workforce by jointly developing the skills that our youth may capitalize on in the future. We still have time. We have the resources. Now more than ever, together, we must act as one,” Duterte-Carpio said.

Asean representatives present during the DepEd flag raising ceremony also expressed continued support for other member-countries of the regional organization, strengthening unity in diversity for regional prosperity beyond the 55 years from its founding.

“As we are fostering linkages [among] our people, we have accelerated the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavors in the spirit of equality and partnership. We will continue to work closely with Asean friends to strengthen and deepen education and cultural cooperation inspired by one vision, one identity, and one caring community,” Royal Thai Embassy Ambassador Tull Traisorat said.

“We believe Asean will continue to endure, thrive and succeed. More than ever before, we feel the urgency to work closely with each other in the face of common challenges, security and prosperity in our region. May we fully understand the vital role of Asean and become leaders of the future who will continue the path for a stronger, more secure, and prosperous Asean,” Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Hoang Huy Chung added.

DepEd, through its International Cooperation Office, also launched the 2022 Asean Cultural Exhibition at its Central Office in Pasig City.

The exhibit highlights the vibrant Southeast Asian culture, which aims to celebrate the bright history and heritage of Asean member-countries.