BISA and DFA Celebrate ASEAN's 46th Foundation Day

with Fabulous Costumes and  Dignified Parade of Colors

The Bedan International Studies Association (BISA) in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) celebrated the 46^th Foundation Day of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at San Beda College Alabang (SBCA) last September 17, 2013.  The DFA prepared a four-month-long program of activities to commemorate this event and SBCA was honored to be one of its partner-schools.  Other partner-schools included Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of Sto. Tomas, and University of the Philippines.

The activity held at SBCA was the ASEAN Parade of Colors followed by an Exhibit on the ASEAN Water Festival at the San Beda Alabang Museum.  The parade was executed very well by the beautiful men and women of the International Studies (IS) Department of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), headed by their Chair, Prof. Teresita L. Ingles. The colorful and well-attended parade started promptly at 10:00 a.m. at the Plaza ‘Sang Bedista, CAS grounds.  A flag-bearer led each group representing each of the ten members of the ASEAN.  All participants were in national dress.  Much research and resources on the part of the students went into the creation of each costume.  They looked terrific!

ASEAN was established on August 8, 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand.  Its members are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Republic of Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Kingdom of Thailand, and Socialist Republic of Vietnam, plus three countries Republic of China, Japan, and Republic of Korea.  Two countries are granted observer status: East Timor and Papua New Guinea.  According to the ASEAN Declaration, its two foremost objectives are: “to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region”, and to “promote peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.”

The parade culminated at the Fr. Roberto de Jesus Multi-Purpose Hall with a simple yet dignified ceremony.  The highlight of the program was the presence of diplomats from four ASEAN nations: Ambassador Dato Mohd Zamń Mohd Kassim of Malaysia, First Secretary Roth Phhally of Cambodia, First Secretary Duong Dinh Chien of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Minister Counsellor Fitri Riyanti of the Republic of Indonesia.

Photo Credits: Mr. Edward Ong Suco of IMC, and Ms. Tracy Montelibano-Aquino of PRO