5 August 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert today announced that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will commemorate its 37th Foundation Day Anniversary on 8 August 2004 with activities “highlighting the efforts of ASEAN to promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among countries in the region as well as in adherence to the principles of the UN Charter.”

According to the DFA Secretary, the Office of ASEAN Affairs headed by Assistant Secretary Susan Castrence has scheduled a series of activities to commemorate the 37 years of solid friendship within ASEAN starting with the holding of an ASEAN Quiz 2 on Saturday, 31 July 2004, which will be shown on NBN Channel 4 on 12 August 2004.

Other highlights during the ASEAN Anniversary include, an “ASEAN in Action” Radio Program to be broadcast by the Bureau of Broadcast Services (BBS) and its affiliated community radio stations on August 7, an ASEAN Exhibit to be held at the DFA from 9-13 August, and a Teledyaryo Special on ASEAN by NBN/PTV 4 from 9–13 August.

The focus of the ASEAN day celebration will take place at a Diplomatic High Tea Reception to be held in the DFA on 12 August 2004. The commemoration highlights the continuing efforts of the ASEAN to strengthen regional cooperation, according the Secretary Albert.

The Diplomatic Reception is a collaborative activity of ASEAN-Philippines and the embassies of ASEAN member countries and Dialogue/Sectoral Partners. “DFA and other officials in the government, including Heads-of-Missions and officers of ASEAN member countries and Full Dialogue Partners have been cordially invited to the reception,” according to Secretary Albert who has been invited as the Guest of Honor and speaker.

“Presidential Proclamation No. 1008 of 1997 has declared the period from the 7th to the 13th of August annually as ASEAN week,” Secretary Albert explained.  “The ASEAN National Secretariat for the Philippines coordinates with various government agencies, ASEAN embassies and Dialogue Partners on the observance of ASEAN week in the Philippines,” she said.

The ASEAN was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok by the five original members, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines. In 1984, Brunei Darrusalam joined the ASEAN followed by Viet Nam in 1995, Laos and Myanmar in 1997 and Cambodia in 1999.

“The ASEAN Declaration states that the aims and purposes of the Association are to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavours in the spirit of equality and partnership in order to solidify and strengthen the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful community of Southeast Asian nations,” Secretary Albert explained.

In commemoration of ASEAN’s 37th Anniversary, the Department of Foreign Affairs is flying the national flags of the ASEAN member states during August. – END