Good day, everyone!

It may sound as cliché as it is but I believe that

education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the
world and it is according to Nelson Mandela.

In line with this year’s theme, the emergence of profound learning

strategies has brought the Philippines to be more adoptive with all the
numerous changes. Amidst the pandemic and increasing globalization,
Philippine Higher education in the ASEAN (The association of southeast
Asian nations) community drew on multiple stratagems to exemplify all
student’s academic profile. With this, the success of one student becomes
a success or one nation building whereas, it nurtures and strengthens all
the students to be stronger, confident and courageous to face any
challenges, may it be academically related or in life circumstances.

This year’s theme, “Padyak! Moving forward, claiming victory for Philippine
Higher Education in the ASEAN Community.” gives us a better
understanding of the roles of Philippine’s Higher Education in achieving
success not just in the country but also, in the whole ASEAN Community. A
community with a shared vision of ASEAN as a concert of Southeast Asian
nations, outward looking, living in peace, stability and prosperity, bonded
together in partnership in dynamic development and in a community of
caring societies.

Now the question is how could the ASEAN Community be a part of our goal
to move forward and to claim victory?

Let me share to you the acronym P-A-D-Y-A-K.

P is for Peace and solidarity

A is for Acknowledgement
D is for diversity
Y is for youth engagement
A is for Association
K is for Keeper

Let’s discuss them one by one

P is for Peace and solidarity. 4 years ago today, Marawi Seige lasted for 5
months and displaced 1.1 million civilians. 95% of infrastructure near the
battle area was heavily damaged. In year 2020, there are up to 30% of all
the infrastructure are only rehabilitated.
Now, if we continue to practice peace and solidarity we can avoid wars or
battles that can affect the education of Filipinos. Peace and solidarity can
be achieved by the means of acknowledgement.
A is for Acknowledgement It is accepting different cultures and gaining
mutual respect for independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity,
and national identity of all nation because having different practices doesn’t
mean that they are wrong which will lead us to diversity. 
Acknowledgement also talks about accepting the concept of Diversity as a
beautiful rainbow.

D is for diversity Talks about equality and harmony amidst the differences
in culture, religion, traditions, etc. learning their way of living uplifts the
morality of students in understanding member countries in the community.

Y is for youth engagement’s role is very essential. It talks about the major
contribution of youth in nation building. How could the youth achieve its
role? it;s  With the help of joining different associations.

A is for Association. Associations that have a parallel vision and principle of

asean community with achieving victory in higher education.

K is for Keeper. As a member we should all be a keeper of what is being

established or agreed upon by our great leaders which aims for a better
community.

These pointers I have mentioned are all anchored with the ASEAN
Community’s Fundamental principles. It mainly tells us about Peace and
solidarity, independence, understanding diversity and cooperation.
Education should be aligned with these principles in order for youth to
have this be inculcated in their young mind. Understanding the asean
community and its role to Philippines’s Education is the way we can achieve
victory.

Conclusion

Together for ASEAN we dare to dream, we care to share for it’s the way of
ASEAN.
-asean hymn

Thank you and may I share to you a Greeting of solidarity!