President Rodrigo Duterte expressed confidence that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will be able to win its fight against COVID-19 the same way that it hurdled various challenges in the past.
“We in ASEAN are no stranger to difficult times that test our capacity to act together and surmount challenges. But our enduring bonds of amity and solidarity have always pulled us through,” he said in his message on the 54th founding anniversary of ASEAN.
“Notwithstanding the difficulties we face as the COVID-19 pandemic enters its second year, I am confident that ASEAN will prevail as it has done so many times in the past,” he said in an official statement Sunday night.
Duterte also reminded the member-states to “reflect” on how far ASEAN has come as “one community.”
“May we always remember and value how much stronger we are together than on our own,” he said.
“ASEAN will continue to rise to present challenges and lead the region with renewed sense of purpose and an even firmer commitment to the ideals of peace, freedom, and prosperity,” he added.
He emphasized the importance of working hand in hand to reach their shared goals.
“As we celebrate our collective achievements and reflect on how far we have come as one community, may we always remember and value how much stronger we are together than on our own,” he said.
The union was established by the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand in 1967. Its members now include Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
