3 July 2004 - Special Envoy, Ambassador Rodolfo C. Severino Jr. briefed the ASEAN Ministers at the 37th ASEAN Ministerial Retreat on the progress of the drafting of the action plan for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) by the Philippines.

The Philippines proposed the Socio-Cultural Community as one of the three pillars of an ASEAN Community established under the Declaration of ASEAN Concord II at the 9th ASEAN Summit in Bali in October last year alongside the ASEAN Security Community and ASEAN Economic Community.  The ASCC is aimed at putting a “face and soul” to the ASEAN Community.  ASEAN Vision 2020 envisages a Southeast Asia that is bonded together in partnership in dynamic development, outward looking and a community of caring societies.  The three pillars are closely intertwined and mutually reinforcing for the purpose of ensuring peace, stability and shared prosperity in the region.

The ASEAN Ministers commended the Philippines at the ASEAN Retreat for developing the draft action plan for the ASCC.  They endorsed the basic core elements embodied in the action plan, namely, building a community of caring societies, managing the social impact of economic integration, promoting environmental sustainability and strengthening regional identity.

The rapid pace of global competition and economic integration requires a more focused social agenda for ASEAN which would ensure access to education, training, job creation, protection of all sectors of society, particularly women, youth and local communities, adequate health care and safe environment.

The Philippines has requested contributions by ASEAN member countries to the draft ASCC plan of action to reflect of the rich and dynamic socio-cultural fabric of the region.  The Plan of Action will be adopted by ASEAN Leaders during the 10th ASEAN Summit in November 2004 in Vientiane, Laos. END.