Published on: August 11, 2022
at DFA Official Website
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) kicked off the month-long celebration of the 55th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with a reception followed by the ASEAN Coffee and Breakfast Festival on 10 August 2022.
Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo led the event that was held at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pasay City and attended by ambassadors and diplomats from ASEAN Member States, ASEAN’s dialogue partners and other external parties, as well as representatives from various Philippine government agencies.
In his remarks, Secretary Manalo commended ASEAN’s quiet strength and diplomacy, steadfast work, and a determined commitment to leave no one behind and for its unity despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted ASEAN’s achievements in the past year, which included forging ahead with the regional efforts to recover from COVID-19, the entry-into-force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and moving towards a more equal and gender-fair region.
Secretary Manalo further observed that Cambodia’s 2022 chairship theme “ASEAN A.C.T.: Addressing Challenges Together” shows ASEAN’s collective commitment to care for its people in the midst of unprecedented crises, prepare them for the opportunities and challenges ahead, and ensure the prosperity of the ASEAN community.
ASEAN Secretary General Dato’ Lim Jock Hoi, Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro of the Office of Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs, and Assistant Secretary Daniel R. Espiritu of the Office of ASEAN Affairs also delivered ASEAN Day messages.
In conjunction with the reception, the DFA also hosted the ASEAN Coffee and Breakfast Festival to showcase each ASEAN country’s coffee, fried rice, and culinary traditions to highlight their unique and shared traditions. The Philippines was represented by the Philippine Coffee Board.
