The “Towards ASEAN 2015” seminar was conducted by the Junior Management Society on the 19^th of September 2013 at the CKSC-AVR.  The speaker for this seminar was Mr. Edilberto Viray. He is a graduate of and a current professor in San Beda College. 80 students and special guests attended the said seminar.

He has received several awards and recognitions. He was awarded the 2013 Outstanding Business Educator in the Field of Economics by The Philippine Council of Deans and Educators in Business. He has also published books such as the Principles of Economics with Taxation and Agrarian Reform and Principles of Management.

Mr. Viray explained that the ASEAN was formed in the year 1967, and currently, members include Brunei Darussaiam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. ASEAN is where all the ten countries come together to build a better life for everyone. Together as ten, we are stronger than one country alone.

ASEAN promotes 3 P’s: peace, prosperity, and people. The ten countries must work together to keep the region safe. ASEAN countries don’t fight one another, they help one another. If we can have peace, we can have prosperity. We can have a stronger economic development. We can also attract more investors and businesses will grow and there will be more jobs and opportunities for our countrymen. Someday, people can work in any ASEAN country of their choice. Agriculture will become more advanced. Our quality of life will also improve. The ASEAN will help one another to prosper. But the most important part is the people. ASEAN governments work hard to ensure that people can enjoy a better life. You are never too young to be a part of the ASEAN Community. Be proud as an ASEAN citizen and look forward to what the future holds.

Even though the seminar was very short, much was learned from Mr. Viray about the ASEAN. The interest of many students was piqued as they felt excited about the future. So what do you think is in store for us? We can only wait and see.

(Article by Jazelle Lim / Photo Credit : JMS)