Some 57 years ago, Southeast Asian nations, in the face of their many diverse geopolitical, economic, social, and cultural challenges, met in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 8, 1967. Initiated by our very own Foreign Minister, Narciso R. Ramos, along with his counterparts from Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, signed the ASEAN Declaration, which founded the ASEAN.
Decades after that momentous event in the life of our regional grouping, we have seen the ASEAN set the direction for our collective national ambitions and the pace for the integration of our peoples in the region. This year’s host is Laos, and they have, as part of their national history, an active player in the affairs of the ASEAN from the perspective of insular states of Southeast Asia.
This year’s theme – “Connected and Resilient Community,” speaks loudly as it echoes the national aspirations of the member nations of the ASEAN. It has been identified that the ASEAN integration and the mobility of its people have been positive drivers of economic, cultural, social, and educational inclusion among our people.
The J.H. Cerilles State College, through our efforts at internationalization, will continue to engage the region through the possibilities of student mobility in the ASEAN, starting with Malaysia, being the host for the 58th ASEAN/in 2025. We shall endeavor to put forward possibilities for student mobility to Malaysia and Singapore involving our students who will be sent outbound for their international OJT. The arrangements are ongoing, and we trust that with the passage of our Strategic Internationalization Plan 2025-2030, we shall see more students and faculty researchers engaging themselves in the ASEAN way.
As we participate in this year’s ASEAN Day celebrations, may we re-ignite our interests in the potential of our institution to meaningfully engage with other universities and research collaboration opportunities in the region. Our efforts will be an added feature in our collective commitment to an inclusive ASEAN, and at the heart of such undertaking, the JHCSC is one of the active partners because of its resilient spirit.
Thank you. Mabuhay ang ASEAN Day Celebrations ng JHCSC.
Stronger and Bolder JHCSC for Quality Tertiary Education”
