August 5, 2024

Samar State University, led by its President Dr. Redentor S. Palencia, joined the online Simultaneous Flag Raising and 2024 ASEAN Kick-off Ceremony hosted by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The event was held online and saw participation from both private and public higher education institutions across the Philippines.

This year marks the 57th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with Lao PDR as the host country celebrating under the theme “Prioritizing Economic Connectivity and Resilience amid Regional Challenges.”

Speakers at the event provided an overview of the ASEAN Celebration through their messages to the participants. Mr. Daniel R. Espiritu, Asst. Secretary, Office of ASEAN Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs thanked CHED for its solid commitment towards the ideals of ASEAN. He also encouraged everyone to keep working together to build a strong, caring, and responsive ASEAN community. Commissioner Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela also announced that the Philippines will host the ASEAN Celebration in 2026 and this year will be a time to prepare.  She also mentioned that Timor-Leste has applied to become a member of this esteemed organization and once approved, there will be now 11 ASEAN members.

Members of SSU’s Joint Academic/Administrative/Research Council participated in the event, donning traditional Laotian costumes as assigned by CHED Regional Office VIII. This event marks the kick-off of the month-long ASEAN celebration, highlighting the unity of the ASEAN member countries amid regional challenges.