02/09/2026
𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐊𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟𝐟
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) joins the ASEAN community in celebrating our shared commitment to cooperation, solidarity, and a stronger Southeast Asian future under the theme “Setting Sail, Navigating Our Future Together.”
The celebration brought together government officials, ASEAN representatives, diplomatic partners, higher education stakeholders, and members of the academic community in a meaningful gathering that highlights the enduring spirit of ASEAN unity, partnership, and shared aspirations.
The program featured messages from H.E. San Lwin, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN; Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, Chairperson of CHED; Mr. Dominic Xavier M. Imperial, Deputy Assistant Secretary and ASEAN 2026 Spokesperson of the Department of Foreign Affairs; and H.E. Marciano Octavio Garcia Da Silva, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the Philippines.
The celebration also recognized the valuable contributions and continued support of ASEAN’s partners, with messages from the ASEAN University Network (AUN) Secretariat, SEAMEO RIHED, Education Malaysia Global Services, the Embassy of Malaysia in the Philippines, and the Embassy of Timor-Leste in the Philippines.
Adding vibrancy to the occasion was a special intermission performance by the Emilio Aguinaldo College Yaman Lahi Dance Artists, showcasing the richness and diversity of Southeast Asian culture through music and movement.
The event also featured the ASEAN Best-Dressed Showcase, celebrating the rich cultural diversity, creativity, and spirit of unity that define the ASEAN community. The showcase recognized participants who creatively represented the cultures of ASEAN Member States through their attire. Maynard T. Cornista of the Office of the Executive Director (OED) was named the Male Category Winner, representing Cambodia, while Atty. Janina Caitlin Cabalfin of the Legal and Legislative Services (LLS) was recognized as the Female Category Winner, representing Vietnam. Their participation beautifully reflected the theme of “Setting Sail, Navigating Our Future Together,” highlighting how cultural appreciation and people-to-people connections help strengthen ASEAN solidarity.
As ASEAN continues to navigate an evolving regional and global landscape, the celebration serves as a reminder that our shared journey is strengthened by cooperation, mutual understanding, and collective action. Through stronger partnerships in education, people-to-people exchanges, and regional cooperation, ASEAN continues to chart a course toward a more inclusive, resilient, and connected future.