01/09/2025
With the theme “Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable ASEAN Future,” DOH-TRC Region 02 formally closed the month of August with a meaningful and colorful celebration of the ASEAN Month.
On August 29, 2025, the DOH TRC family came together to commemorate the 58th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Anniversary.
The program opened with inspiring welcome remarks lead by Ms. Elaine Jane Tamani, Administrative Officer V, followed by a heartfelt message from Dr. Charity I. Canapi, Chief of Hospital III, who emphasized that inclusivity and sustainability go hand in hand in creating a future that is fair, resilient, and thriving for all, especially in the workplace.
The highlight of the activity is the presentation of each member-state of the ASEAN - Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, which gave the audience an opportunity to learn and appreciate a little more about the cultures and traditions of the ASEAN countries.
TRC employee donned the country’s national costumes while exhibiting cultural performances, showcasing the rich, diverse, and beautiful traditions of the ASEAN nations, highlighting the ties that bind the ASEAN countries in terms of political and economic relations. Intermission numbers from students added energy and excitement, while the awarding ceremonies recognized the outstanding efforts of participants.
The following winners were recognized for mustering a deeper understanding of the unique cultures and traditions of the country they represent.
Myanmar – 1st Place
Thailand – 2nd Place
Vietnam – 3rd Place
The activity concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Floro Orata, Chief Health Program Officer, who encouraged everyone to share in the responsibility of building a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Truly, this year’s ASEAN Month was not just a program — it was a celebration of solidarity, culture, and togetherness.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, commonly abbreviated as ASEAN, is a regional grouping of 10 states in Southeast Asia which aims to promote economic and security cooperation among its ten members.
August 8 is designated as the anniversary of the founding of ASEAN when the foreign ministers of five countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand—signed the ASEAN Declaration on August 8, 1967. The association aims to accelerate economic, social, and cultural development in the region, as well as promoting regional peace, to collaborate on matters of shared interest, and to promote Southeast Asian studies and maintain close cooperation with existing international organizations.