Reaction on P-Noy's ASEAN day speech

I was glad that the President of the country, finally, was able to give a speech regarding its foreign policies and goals. But after reading the speech I felt that even though he was able to point his stand and actions on specific international issues, he was not able to present them deeply. I have three major points on his speech.

First is his statement that the country “will continue to participate in discussions on issues of concern within the region, and abide by the ASEAN Declaration on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea”. I believe that participating and obeying the code is not enough. I expected him to say something that would sound like strengthening our claims on the South China Sea and ensuring that the national territory and the citizens are greatly protected. The country must learn that action is needed now. But with the various problems and issues confronting the government and the President, will he still be able to act on these various international issues. I am also afraid that the 2015 target of the ASEAN community would fail. I just hope that the country still would be able to perform its duty in the region side by side with its duty of the Filipino nation.

Second, in his speech, he said, “I am tasking the Chair of the Commission on Higher Education and the Secretary of Education, to see to it that this Charter is disseminated in our schools”. I agree that the youth must be informed on the ASEAN and the charter. Among the other ASEAN members, I see that the Filipinos are not really aware on ASEAN and as a founding member, it should be the case. Moreover, the Filipino people must be involved so that they know on how they can help in the achievement of these programs.

And third, I have to agree with him stating that “the greatest antidote to war, the most effective instrument of peace and mutual understanding, is cultural exposure and cooperation”. It is really true. The current generation, especially the youth, must be involved in the country’s development. And the country is able to provide these programs such as its bilateral agreement with South Korea which includes a Youth Exchange program between South Korea and the Philippines. The youth has a big role in the country. For now, it may not be that visible but in the future, we will see it clearly. We should see culture as a uniting force rather than a force that will divide us.