DILG on its toes for security preps for Philippines' hosting of ASEAN 2017 ~ HUMAN RIGHTS PROMOTIONS

Friday, January 13, 2017

DILG on its toes for security preps for Philippines' hosting of ASEAN 2017

Friday, January 13, 2017 Herbert Curia - Promoter No comments

From the Website of DILG
links: http://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-on-its-toes-for-security-preps-for-Philippines-hosting-of-ASEAN-2017/NC-2017-1006

DILG on its toes for security preps for Philippines' hosting of ASEAN 2017

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is on its toes as Chair of the Committee for Security, Peace and Order and Emergency Preparedness and Response (CSPOEPR) for the Philippines’ hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year.

DILG Secretary Ismael ‘Mike’ D. Sueno said that the Department has been coordinating with various government agencies to lay out the overall security preparations for all the 46 meetings for the ASEAN 2017 to be held in the country.

The Department also seats as a member of the Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Communications and Tourism Hospitality and Committee on Tours, Social Events and Site Enhancement.

“The year brings much excitement and challenge to the Philippines as we are hosting the ASEAN 2017 on its 50th or Golden Anniversary which is an opportune time to show to the ASEAN region as well as to the world our capability to host international and important events including the upcoming Miss Universe pageant,” said Sueno.

He said that the CSPOEPR has already issued Department Orders to cover the designation of ASEAN Security Task Commanders. The Committee has further conducted orientation meeting and contingency planning and has inspected proposed billeting areas, meeting sites and places of interest in Boracay, Iloilo, Bacolod, Pampanga, and Metro Manila.

Presidential Communications Operation Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar recently announced that the government will officially launch the ASEAN 2017 in Davao City on January 15 to raise awareness regarding the country’s summit hosting and its benefits.

Sueno assured that the CSPOEPR chaired by DILG Undersecretary for Peace and Order Catalino S. Cuy is beefing-up security for the commemorative launching of Philippine Chairmanship on January 15 in Davao City with about a thousand participants and delegates from diplomatic corps, cabinet and government officials, local government units, media and private sector.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte will be the guest of honor during the launching ceremonies.

“The DILG is in full support to the country’s fourth ASEAN Chairmanship and we hope that this would lead to better appreciation and understanding of the importance of regional integration through the ASEAN Community and its benefits to ordinary Filipinos,” he said.

The Philippines held Chairmanship of the ASEAN in 1987, 1999, and 2006. A Member State which assumes the Chairmanship leads the ASEAN Summit and other related summits, the ASEAN Coordinating Council, the three ASEAN Community Councils, relevant ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies and senior officials, and the Committee of Permanent Representatives.

“Filipinos are no longer just citizens of the Philippines but form part of the citizenry of the ASEAN Community since its formal establishment in 2015. Let us embrace our ASEANship and explore opportunities that are already in front of us,” said Sueno.

To raise public awareness on ASEAN, the PCOO announced that it will be the lead committee on media affairs and communications to spread awareness and educate the public through road shows all over the country.

Last year, the Civil Service Commission issued a memorandum circular which urged different government agencies to sing the ASEAN Anthem and wear ASEAN-inspired attire on the first Monday of every month.