Ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have adopted a communications strategic plan that would make the people aware of what is happening in the region, Malacañang said on Sunday.
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the strategic plan was adopted during the 13th Asean Ministers Responsible for Information Conference which was held on March 14 to 16, 2016 in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
“The Asean Communications Strategy will be implemented by the different Ministries of Information, who are responsible for the information campaign,” said Coloma.
“The important thing is they have agreed to the formulation of a strategic plan regarding communications which was proposed by the heads of state of the Asean. We are aware that on Dec. 31, 2015, the Asean Community has started. This is stated in a document released by all leaders of the Asean member states, entitled ‘Asean 2025: Forging Ahead Together’,” said Coloma.
Coloma said the Asean region, which has a population of 620 million people, has a huge potential and will play an important part in the world economy.
The AMRI Conference also tackled the preparations for the 50th Founding Anniversary celebration of the Asean to be held in the Philippines.
Coloma said as host country, the Philippines already formed the national organizing committee for the Asean Golden Jubilee Anniversary.
“In 2017, the 50th anniversary or the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of the Asean foundation on Aug. 8, 1967, will be celebrated. During this celebration, the Philippines will lead the Asean, so in 2017 the Asean Summit will be held in our country. As of the moment, the country is preparing for the establishing of a National Organizing Committee,” said Coloma. Coloma said this was discussed during the recent ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information meeting , where the country is preparing for 50th anniversary of the ASEAN Summit.